BLUE TOP STEERING BOX
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 50
Likes: 2
From: Whittier, CA
BLUE TOP STEERING BOX
Hey guys. I had a Blue Top steering gear box put into my 2003 4X4 Excursion. I honestly don't feel the difference on the street (Haven't gone on highway yet). My steering wheel has the same amount of play. Do you guys think its something else like the steering stabilizer shock?
Here is what I bought:
https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3dc...ctor_p_29.html
Here is what I bought:
https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3dc...ctor_p_29.html
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2023
Posts: 1,585
Likes: 928
Steering wheel play is a combination of the movement from all the steering components. Yes a worn out gear box can cause excess steering wheel play, but so can worn out ball joints on the drag link, worn out ball joints at the tie rod ends, worn out ball joints at the steering knuckles, loose or worn out rag joint on the steering shaft and the list goes on.
Get a helper to rock the steering wheel back and forth with the truck is sitting still while you inspect underneath to figure out where the excess play is coming from. Like I said in your other post, a steering damper can not magically heal worn out or loose components in the steering system.
...
Get a helper to rock the steering wheel back and forth with the truck is sitting still while you inspect underneath to figure out where the excess play is coming from. Like I said in your other post, a steering damper can not magically heal worn out or loose components in the steering system.
...
Thread Starter
|
Cross-Country
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 50
Likes: 2
From: Whittier, CA
Steering wheel play is a combination of the movement from all the steering components. Yes a worn out gear box can cause excess steering wheel play, but so can worn out ball joints on the drag link, worn out ball joints at the tie rod ends, worn out ball joints at the steering knuckles, loose or worn out rag joint on the steering shaft and the list goes on.
Get a helper to rock the steering wheel back and forth with the truck is sitting still while you inspect underneath to figure out where the excess play is coming from. Like I said in your other post, a steering damper can not magically heal worn out or loose components in the steering system.
...
Get a helper to rock the steering wheel back and forth with the truck is sitting still while you inspect underneath to figure out where the excess play is coming from. Like I said in your other post, a steering damper can not magically heal worn out or loose components in the steering system.
...
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 890
Likes: 156
From: Gainesville
One of my attempts to get rid of that slop was to install a one shock steering dampener. I may or may not have noticed a change, if you know what I mean.
I’ve had a BlueTop for about 10,000 miles and it is just starting to get back to the vague feeling.
A guy on the FaceBook page “Excursion Fanatics” said he has had a PSD steering box for about 8,000 miles and his steering is still as tight as it was when installed. The SG752, sold by PSD, is a totally new unit with larger pieces/parts. Expensive, but maybe the answer to steering boxes.
I’ve also tried RedHead and Ford reman and now, BlueTop. All junk.
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita, CA
After 110,000 miles my 2005 v10 Excursion with 35's had started wandering. While regearing to 4.88's I had Off-Road Unlimited (ORU) replace the ball joints, unit bearings, tie rods, drag link and added WFO leaf spring shims to add caster. It was better but still had play. The shop suggested the steering shaft but after reading a few blogs I decided to also change the steering box. Rock auto has a few brands and a couple say new. But research shows the weak link is the actual box design with small bearings and a small sector shaft. PSC has a new redesigned box with a larger sector shaft (takes the existing pitman arm) and larger bearings (SG752). I opted for the SG752R (it has 2 additional ports for a hydraulic assist cylinder). I also used a new Ford steering shaft from Tasca parts. I had order it before I saw the Borgeson 000306 which is about the same price. ORU installed the box, shaft, their cylinder and all new hoses.
It is costly but this is the way to go if you are planning to keep your truck and want to have super tight steering where you can do u-turns with 1 finger while running 35's. There is no wander and the steering wheel has almost no play.
It is costly but this is the way to go if you are planning to keep your truck and want to have super tight steering where you can do u-turns with 1 finger while running 35's. There is no wander and the steering wheel has almost no play.
Trending Topics
Laughing Gas
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 890
Likes: 156
From: Gainesville
Does the SG752R bolt right up to your 6.8?
Does it make difference with the SG752R whether you have 4x4 or 2WD?
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalytic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
5th Wheeling
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 29
Likes: 2
From: Santa Clarita, CA
I contacted PSC's customer support while I was doing my research and they confirmed the box would fit my 05. If you look at Rock Auto (or another catalog) the boxes are the same (2/4wd) for most of the later years (I can't remember for sure but I think it was 01-05). It is the spline count for the pitman arm that makes them different (32 splines for the earlier models and 36 splines for the later models).. I bought all of the OE hoses at Rock Auto and ORU sold me the SG752R (at the same price as directly from PSC) and ORU's cylinder and hoses. ORU installed it all. You could always plug the 2 ports if you don't want to add the cylinder now but you want the option to add the cylinder later.
Off Road Unlimited (ORU) is in Chatsworth CA and they do great work.
Off Road Unlimited (ORU) is in Chatsworth CA and they do great work.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post