Steering Gearbox Blues

[sonnyjammer]

Hi folks, I have a 73 k10 .. with sloppy steering .. Replaced gearbox 2 times with Napa rebuild .. can see the bottom shaft moving side to side when rocking the wheel ... Two different very knowledgeable shops here in town have verified all other parts, tie rod ends, ball joints, rag joint etc. are solid .. Napa salesman looked at truck and he also said yes, 2nd reman gearbox is no good .. they’re doing cheerful refund .. I want to buy new, looking for recommendations on source, and brand .. looking at Rock Auto. Unit made by BBB .. any thoughts on this one or others appreciated

 

[Bextreme04]

The only ones I've ever heard anything good about are Redhead... https://redheadsteeringgears.com/product/2858-4t-1980-1991-chevy-gmc-k-series-suburbans-and-blazers/

 

[Shorty81]

The only ones I've ever heard anything good about are Redhead... https://redheadsteeringgears.com/product/2858-4t-1980-1991-chevy-gmc-k-series-suburbans-and-blazers/

X2

 

[77 K20]

I too had issues with rebuilds (for me it was O'Reilly Auto). It took me 3 of them to get a good 4wd steering gear.

Then when it was time to do crossover steer I needed a 2wd steering box. Didn't have the $$$ at the time for PSC or Redhead (both are good) and did a bunch of research. Lares which RockAuto sells makes new ones that were supposed to be good quality. I ordered it and had no issues with it.

You get a slight discount thru RockAuto also for being a forum member.

https://www.larescorp.com/product-categories/power-steering-gears/

 

[sonnyjammer]

Thanks to all, thought about the redhead, part of my problem there is Napa doesn’t have my core anymore, says it would take time to get locate and ship back to them .. they offered to cash refund me 68. They would have charged for a core plus the price I paid for their reman, Redhead wants 295 for core charge and about that much for their gear .. might go with Lares, 100 cheaper than Bbb at rock auto ..
Just wondered if new BBB would be worth extra 100.

 

[JoeR Jr]

After several reman box problems on my Dodge Cummins I swore them off. The last one had obviously been in an accident and had a bent pittman shaft. That thing could have failed catastrophically at any moment, and they rebuilt it like that! I didn't even install it. Just returned it.
My original C10 box started leaking a few months back. I replaced it a few days ago with a Borgeson 12.7:1 ratio box. It was pricy, but it is brand new. No core necessary. Just another option.

Joe

 

[Craig 85]

My rebuilt box is from Napa and is a BBB product. Of course it's now leaking and will need to be replaced under warranty. If BBB can't get a rebuild right, I would be concerned about the new stuff too.

 

[sonnyjammer]

I ordered a new Lares from Rock Auto, will comment here after install and test ride ..

 

[45acp]

The only ones I've ever heard anything good about are Redhead... https://redheadsteeringgears.com/

. X2 on redhead. If you want to replace it only once buy redhead. They are a little pricey,but they are the best gear box on the market.

 

[jasonw]

I bought a new rock auto one. It was over $400 if I remember, but it works great.

 

[dsteelejr]

I bought a new rock auto one. It was over $400 if I remember, but it works great.

Seems to be the way to go anymore. Seems like reman / rebuilt quality is tanking these days.

Steering box is next on my list, but I'm done with rebuilds. Lost money dealing with rebuilt starters and other things. On the last rebuilt stock starter the primary power post threads stripped when I tightened the nut. I'm just buying new everything going forward. I'm already eyeballing new steering boxes on Summit.

 

[Raider L]

So what would it take to rebuild the box yourself? Is it complicated? Does it require special tools, knowledge? I would suppose you have to have a hydraulic high pressure pump set up to adjust and pressure the box after it's rebuilt, huh? In other words you need to have handy a hydraulics shop to do the rebuild?

 

[Frankenchevy]

Some of your parts may be worn and aren’t included in a standard rebuild kit, probably the reason you’re finding out the rebuilt ones can be hit or miss. It’s just one of those assemblies. If mine goes, I’m going to buy once, cry once. Spending the extra money is worth the time...

 

[Mojave_Muse]

I had my Other Truck's rebuild by Blue Top Steering Gears and was pleased with the experience. the cost hurt but sometimes thems the brakes when you have unicorn parts. Chevy should be a lot less pricey than a bumpside Fords.

 

[yevgenievich]

So what would it take to rebuild the box yourself? Is it complicated? Does it require special tools, knowledge? I would suppose you have to have a hydraulic high pressure pump set up to adjust and pressure the box after it's rebuilt, huh? In other words you need to have handy a hydraulics shop to do the rebuild?

If no big wear and everything is within adjustable range, then rebuild is easy. Otherwise if components wore too much, then parts replacements and possible machining would be required