Quality replacement steering box

[75gmck25]

I’ve gone through rest of my 1975 K25 front end, and now it’s time to get some of the play out of the steering box. There seems to be multiple alternatives, and I want to get it right the first time.

- buy a kit and rebuild mine (about $40 for the kit). However, I don’t have any knowledge of how to do the job. My concern is that I will not understand how to determine what is worn or needs adjustment, and I’ll end up with a box that is marginally better than it is now.

- buy a new box from Rock Auto (about $330-350). They sell Cardone, Lares and BBB, but I don’t know much about the quality.

- buy a remanufactured box from Red Head or Blue Top (about $450). Reviews of Red Head seem to indicate spotty quality control, and several have needed to get warranty replacements for leaks and other issues. Blue Top has good reviews, and is a little cheaper, but I’m not sure they have one for my truck.

My initial idea is buy a new box from Rock Auto, but I assume they are manufactured offshore, and quality may be inconsistent.

I’d appreciate any input from others that have replaced their steering box. Thanks.

 

[Nasty-LSX]

Get a Borgeson Street & Performance Series and never look back

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[Nasty-LSX]

I B.S you not, my truck drives like a Vette!!

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[Bloodhound1981]

I’ve gone through rest of my 1975 K25 front end, and now it’s time to get some of the play out of the steering box. There seems to be multiple alternatives, and I want to get it right the first time.

- buy a kit and rebuild mine (about $40 for the kit). However, I don’t have any knowledge of how to do the job. My concern is that I will not understand how to determine what is worn or needs adjustment, and I’ll end up with a box that is marginally better than it is now.

- buy a new box from Rock Auto (about $330-350). They sell Cardone, Lares and BBB, but I don’t know much about the quality.

- buy a remanufactured box from Red Head or Blue Top (about $450). Reviews of Red Head seem to indicate spotty quality control, and several have needed to get warranty replacements for leaks and other issues. Blue Top has good reviews, and is a little cheaper, but I’m not sure they have one for my truck.

My initial idea is buy a new box from Rock Auto, but I assume they are manufactured offshore, and quality may be inconsistent.

I’d appreciate any input from others that have replaced their steering box. Thanks.

I have a Red Head box, I couldn't be happier with it.

 

[BKING33]

I put a new Borgeson box on my Burb. Works great.

 

[TotalyHucked]

A Borgeson or RedHead is what I'd get if I did it again. I sent mine out to AGR for a rebuild. They gave me the option of valving it firmer like a new vehicle but I passed on the quick ratio cuz of the upcharge. I ended up being within ~$75 of the quick ratio Borgeson anyway.

 

[Camar068]

I'd go with either a ~$180 from Autozone or if your willing to spend that at RA, I'd go with Redhead or Borg.

[edit] just noticed the Lares new on RA is $340 (minus shipping). Someone here bragged on them as well.

While your at it see if you can eliminate the rag joint on the intermediate shaft with a Jeep Cherokee shaft.

 

[ChuckN]

I'd go with either a ~$180 from Autozone or if your willing to spend that at RA, I'd go with Redhead or Borg.

[edit] just noticed the Lares new on RA is $340 (minus shipping). Someone here bragged on them as well.

While your at it see if you can eliminate the rag joint on the intermediate shaft with a Jeep Cherokee shaft.

Really? That’s pretty cool. Is that a direct bolt on?

I’m following this thread. My steering box is due for an upgrade, but I don’t need a quick ratio. All I do is cruise around town, anyway.

 

[75gmck25]

I had forgotten about the Borgeson steering gear. Expensive. but at least it’s new. One concern I have is that they show the applicable parts number to be for a K10, and I have a K25. I always thought the steering gear was the same for both 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton 4WD.

The Red Head is a rebuilt unit, and based on posted comments it’s not unusual to get a box that has issues and needs warranty replacement. They honor the warranty, but I’m not anxious to do this job twice.

 

[Camar068]

Really? That’s pretty cool. Is that a direct bolt on?

I’m following this thread. My steering box is due for an upgrade, but I don’t need a quick ratio. All I do is cruise around town, anyway.

https://www.gmsquarebody.com/threads/retro-mod-jeep-intermediate-steering-shaft.1812/

 

[1x1_Speed_Craig]

Borgeson & Red Head are always mentioned. Has anyone tried/used the Detroit Speed steering box?

 

[75gmck25]

I checked the Detroit Speed web site and all steering boxes listed were for 2WD.

 

[R Carnella]

I went with this steering gear from summit racing. Working great for the past 4 years.

 

[Bloodhound1981]

Borgeson also sells the replacement steering shaft with the u-joints. Of course it isn't cheap, but I can attest that it is very high quality.

1985 CHEVROLET C10 Borgeson Universal 000935 Borgeson Universal Telescoping Steering Shafts | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Borgeson Universal Telescoping Steering Shafts with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Steering Shafts at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

 

[R Carnella]

Borgeson also sells the replacement steering shaft with the u-joints. Of course it isn't cheap, but I can attest that it is very high quality.

1985 CHEVROLET C10 Borgeson Universal 000935 Borgeson Universal Telescoping Steering Shafts | Summit Racing

Free Shipping - Borgeson Universal Telescoping Steering Shafts with qualifying orders of $109. Shop Steering Shafts at Summit Racing.

www.summitracing.com

This will be the very next upgrade for my burb.
Just can't decide whether to get the one with a rag joint or the universal joint on the steering gear side. Any thoughts on this?