Good top know on the mevotech as I used their balljoints. Idler and pitman arm are pro forged which were on rock auto but seem to have left as a vendor. I dont have any more than 1500 miles on these parts + bushings but I will keep an eye out.
I have the rag joint replacement upgrade using the flaming river joint instead of the XJ shaft. It was an easy install and actually gave the steering wheel a more defined range of slop. My lower seal at the pitman arm nut is leaking probally due to age and time + heat traveling up shaft when I was removing pitman arm and the redhead box will be the last final upgrade for steering. I am planning on getting the ported box in hopes of hydro assist for a SAS down the line. When I installed the lift I did add the RC steering stabilizer too if that makes any difference. The redhead box recommended to me by redhead for my k2500 is down below.
My turning radius still stinks and I don't have your long box! I think its just the nature of these trucks. The lift did solve my slight frame rubbing with the 35's (16 wheels, about 4.5 BS). I have plenty of room for 37's and plan on 37x12.50x17 soon.
From Redhead:
"Thanks for reaching out to us! We would be happy to help with a rebuild on your gearbox. We can rebuild yours if you would like to send it in, or you can purchase an already rebuilt gear from us off the shelf, and then send your gear back as the core. The price winds up being the same in the end doing it either way.
If you send your gear in, I would recommend having us rebuild yours as an 18:1 ratio (approx.. 4 turns lock-to-lock). The slower ratio will give you more leverage in turning those larger tires. The stock ratio for this gear is 15:1 (approx.. 3 turns), which is probably what you have now. Having us port the gear box for the hydraulic assist is also something that we would recommend.
The cost for us to rebuild your gear would be $296 + $110 for the porting + shipping to get it back to you. Turnaround time is 2-3 business days in house.
If you wanted to order one already rebuilt, you would want to order our part# 2864S M/H (18:1 Ratio) and select “Yes Please” for “Include Pre-Tapped Ports & Plugs for Hydraulic Steering Assist”. The cost for the gear and the porting are the same as rebuilding your unit; however, there would be an additional core deposit of $150 charged up front, which is refundable once we get your old unit back as the core.
Part # 2864S M/H (18:1 Ratio)
Gear/Rebuild Cost - $296
Porting - $110
Core Charge - $150
Shipping Est. - $70 (includes a return label to send your core back)"