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Dodge van steering
#790526 April 19th 2022 6:32 pm
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We all know Dodge vans have sloppy steering. I have a 1986 B250 window van. I have seen on this site before about steering gear boxes. Asking again about getting a different one with a better ratio to improve steering. Any help out there? Is it Possible? I replaced mine bout 2yrs ago with stock replacement.

Thanx In advance!

1 member likes this: Wedgy
Re: Dodge van steering
iggyworf #790930 May 04th 2022 12:43 am
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The best ones I'm aware of are Redhead steering gearboxes. They essentially blueprint their rebuilds, including flame-spraying or replacing shafts, custom fitting bearings, worms & sectors, and super polishing seal surfaces. They'll even install needle bearings where there were no bearings.

They used to describe their rebuild processes as including several tolerance levels, including a very high performance custom level of rebuild intended for vehicles like race cars and police interceptors. I'm not sure whether that ever got into different ratios, though they do say they specialize in rebuilding quick ratio steering gearboxes for pick-ups and SUVs, including Dodge Dakota from 1986 up... Dakotas and B-Vans shared many parts over their production runs. Perhaps they're compatible?

The overarching goal was to reduce lost motion and indecision in steering though, so even if there's no applicable quick ratio gearbox, perhaps that interceptor level rebuild would suit you?

They do have a page where you can ask for quotes on custom rebuilds - from their home page it's under Rebuilding > Rebuild My Gear

https://redheadsteeringgears.com/rr-my-gear-form

The form says to call if you have any questions, so that may be your ticket. Their number is 800-808-1148. They're in Auburn Washington, so they're in the Pacific time zone.

You may also want to closely scrutinize your steering coupler. It can easily be far worse than the gearbox.


-It's been such a LONG TIME... BlueShift>> 1981 Dodge Ram B250 Custom Sportsman Maxi Van


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It's what you learn after you know it all, that counts...

Are you living to work, or working to live?

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Learning from my own mistakes is good, learning from yours would be much better! [Linked Image]
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Re: Dodge van steering
iggyworf #791176 May 12th 2022 8:28 pm
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Thanx so much for the info. I will look into that for sure.

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Re: Dodge van steering
iggyworf #791225 May 14th 2022 4:54 pm
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I have a Redhead steering gear, and replaced my original steering coupler with a U joint, for vast improvements, but every time I drive a modern vehicle with rack and pinion, I am reminded what good steering is.


There is another company out there rebuilding steering gears called BlueTop.
Internet lore says it was started by a disaffected former frustrated employee of Redhead steering gears.

https://bluetopsteeringgears-com.3dcartstores.com/

I've no idea if there is any truth to the internet lore, nor if they are better/worse/equal as/to RedHead, but being newish, they are likely trying to cement a good reputation, instead of perhaps just cashing in on one.

1 member likes this: Wedgy
Re: Dodge van steering
iggyworf #791386 May 19th 2022 1:44 pm
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I sent mine to Blue Top with a one week turn around. $350. I have it installed but not sure about tightening the pinion arm. Is there a procedure to make sure that the gear is where it's supposed to be?

Thanks for your help.

Re: Dodge van steering
iggyworf #791506 May 23rd 2022 7:29 am
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Also there is suppose to be a small O ring on the hose fitting that screws into the gear box from the pump. Anyone find one somewhere. It doesn't come with the new hose and none of the parts stores show it.

Thanks for your help.

Re: Dodge van steering
iggyworf #791627 May 29th 2022 5:01 am
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There is a flat spot, or missing tooth on the pitman arm/ steering gear output spline.
But you already figured this out by now.

I recall my new pressure hose coming with O rings, and redhead supplied a few as well.

Ace hardware usually has a good selection of O ring sizes.

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Re: Dodge van steering
iggyworf #791698 June 01st 2022 1:20 am
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http://www.firmfeel.com/default.html has better ratio steering boxes.

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Re: Dodge van steering
iggyworf #791719 June 02nd 2022 7:14 am
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Thanks for the tip and the link.

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