power steering upgrade question
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 628
Likes: 10
From: Florence
power steering upgrade question
So I replaced my steering gear box 10k miles ago and now my power steering is whining like a dying cat... I fill the fluid up and a week later it's back at it whining again... I was looking at the psc motorsports steering assist kit... you send them your gear and they rebuild and modify it to a hydronic ram assist setup. Anybody done this to their rig? Thoughts? Should I just go with a redhead gear? Ideas? Anyone done anything else or went with another setup to cure our steering woes?I have an 2003 7.3 excursion btw... I realize I put this in the wrong forum but I think it still applies
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Have you considered replacing the power steering pump? Whining noises usually indicates the pump, not the gearbox.
I recently changed both my pump and gear box and it made a world of difference. I didn't notice how bad my steering was until I got new tires. Then I was all over the road.
Of course I've got a couple of miles on mine, so maybe, just maybe it was worn out a little.
I recently changed both my pump and gear box and it made a world of difference. I didn't notice how bad my steering was until I got new tires. Then I was all over the road.
Of course I've got a couple of miles on mine, so maybe, just maybe it was worn out a little.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 868
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
I went with the Red Neck Ram system from West Texas Off-road. They mod the pump to flow more volume and their prices were much lower. The thing you need to know about ram steering is you can't turn lock to lock very fast due to the extra volume of fluid needed for the ram. On the other hand, I can turn my 35's at a full stop with one finger and it's really nice while towing.
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More Turbo
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 628
Likes: 10
From: Florence
I am going to do the pump at the same time, I just havent had a lot of experience with the ram assist setups. I have seen a lot about them on tv and know how they work just no first hand experience.. thanks Brad for the recommendation, any troubles installing? Anything you would have done different in hind site?
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 868
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
I wouldn't change a thing. It looks like the PSC kit is all bolt on, where with the Red Neck Ram, you're on your own for mounting the ram. I welded tabs to the center link and then I took the panhard bolt and turned it down to 5/8 to accept the heim joint. I love how responsive the steering is now.
I did this mod for safety reasons. A day after I was towing my boat, I got in the truck to put the boat away, and while maneuvering, my steering wheel spun free and I heard a clunk. I got out and found the tie rod end that connects to the pitman arm sheared off. If this had happened while towing on the freeway, it wouldn't have been pretty.
I did this mod for safety reasons. A day after I was towing my boat, I got in the truck to put the boat away, and while maneuvering, my steering wheel spun free and I heard a clunk. I got out and found the tie rod end that connects to the pitman arm sheared off. If this had happened while towing on the freeway, it wouldn't have been pretty.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 868
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
The biggest pain in the a$$ was filling and bleeding the system. You have to jack up the front axle and have a buddy steer lock to lock while you fill the pump reservoir, and mine kept puking ATF in one direction, and sucking air in the other. Made a big mess on the driveway.
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