I need a new power steering gearbox......

[Wilecoyote]

I don't want to replace the 1998 OEM unit w one that won't last long. Looking for one that will last for 20+/- yrs like the OEM in my 98 truck. It works fine but it's leaking from the shaft seals and every shop or mechanic says it would better to get a new one instead of replacing the seals. I also see that lot's of the rebuilt ones are trash. Who has the good stuff?

 

[Schurkey]

WHICH shaft seals?

Consider re-sealing the existing box, and re-adjust BOTH adjustments.

Parts-store rebuilds are a crapshoot. You might get a good one. I'd rather have a Treasure Yard box from a sealed system (not one that's "on the shelf".)

Some guys have recommended specialist rebuilders--Red Top, green-top, but I haven't used them, so no personal experience.

 

[thinger2]

They are all real hit and miss.
Whatever you do, replace all of it.
Box pump and lines all of it
Dont install a new gear and pump it full of crap from the old pump.
And look up the service manual procedure for replacing the box.
Not the Chiltons or Haynes, they are worthless.
It isnt just bolt it in and go.
This is case where a little homework can save you from a lot of grief

 

[DallasTahoe]

I was in your shoes, I was going back and forth between a rebuilt from autozone, or from redhead or bluetop. I was going to get a bluetop because it was like $30 cheaper than redhead, but decided against it and went ahead with the redhead. Still haven’t installed it yet though, been working too much


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[mr_josh]

I -just- bought a RedHead steering box for my '97 K2500 HD. I am doing a bunch of front drivetrain and suspension stuff and will top it off with that box. I have done tons of research and it would seem that rebuild quality for these boxes is all over the map (as it is for a lot of rebuilt stuff but these especially); some are "sort of okay" and some are "really bad" and no one is "always good." I'm hoping that RedHead is "good most of the time."

Even RedHead has a few naysayers online but they at least focus on one type of product and you can contact the company directly. That's what I tell myself to justify the cost, at least. They seem to be the go-to for most folks that don't want to roll the dice with a parts store unit.

I do agree: for the relatively low price, replace your pump and flush the cooler and lines when you replace the box!

 

[Wilecoyote]

It's leaking from the bottom and I need to replace the worn pitman. I have the ACDelco part and 2 different Gates seal kits . I got a quote from a shop for $330 for replacing the arm and seals w no warranty that it will not leak. Another shop says most of the time the new seals will leak.

 

[RichLo]

x3 for redhead! I have the quick ratio version and love it

 

[Jglew82]

Can't go wrong with Redhead or Blue Top. I went with Blue Top and it's been flawless.

 

[Wilecoyote]

I think I'm gonna do the job myself, pull the box, do the seals,flush, pitman and cross my fingers.If it still leaks I'll get a new one.Only 125K on the truck and the box is tight, the pitman has some slop.

 

[DallasTahoe]

I think I'm gonna do the job myself, pull the box, do the seals,flush, pitman and cross my fingers.If it still leaks I'll get a new one.Only 125K on the truck and the box is tight, the pitman has some slop.

I did that on the gearbox I have in now, it was ok then started leaking again, that’s why I bought the redhead


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