What to do about steering box?

lip420 · 2025-10-04T19:16:57-0400

I got a bad leak in my box and steering is a little loose.

a few options which are reman, new or try to fix what I got.

I don’t want a worse box or sloppier one and then I can’t go without my van for 3-4 weeks as Lee power steering told me like $700.

I heard redhead was good from a few shops but also read online some negative experiences online.

their price for 2856LNI was like $380 +corBut they were vague if they actually had it ready or not.

I found a place mill supply that sells new boxes 89-845 idk if it’s from china or where and they probably won’t say.

those are over$500.

I’ve seen some cheaper remans in the auto shops and Amazon called Cardone 27-7530.

with the reman I don’t want a worse box so little hesitant to give away my core.

some said if the steering isn’t too sloppy try to get a new o ring or whatever but have to find someone willing to fix most mechanics I’ve met won’t mess with the steering and say trucks like mine just have sloppy steering. And they just replace parts.

Any advice?

bk95td · 2025-10-04T20:03:56-0400

I'd take a chance on a used one. car-part.com

DeerCreekFarm · 2025-10-04T23:07:13-0400

My 1991 Suburban “War Wagon” had loose and sloppy steering, when I was pricing and shopping around for a stock replacement, I found a Red Head steering gear box on eBay for a great deal (less than stock replacement) and I’m pretty impressed with how tight the steering is now. If it’s in your budget, it may be worth looking at.

Tommygunner · 2025-10-05T00:05:30-0400

I replaced my Steering Gear with a New Lares box. Been in for many years. Works great. Tight steering, Good quality, Manufactured in USA.
I tried replacing the leaking seal on the pittman shaft and adjusting my old box. But it started leaking again after about a year and steering was starting to get sloppy again. So i bought the new Lares box.
I like new boxes over rebuilt. These old 83 boxes have been around a long time. No telling how many times they have been rebuilt and sold again
Lares will also rebuild your core if you want to go that route.
larescorp.com.
Rock Auto sells them new $390.00 plus shipping. Rockauto has always shipped parts i order from them fast.

lip420 · 2025-10-05T23:56:24-0400

I saw a lares at oreillys and it was close to a $1000. And that wasn't new i don't think and can't rememeber. i did see a new one on a step van parts site for $500+.

johnH123 · 2025-10-06T21:00:27-0400

Some guy on facebook put one from a GMT800 1500 truck into his k2500. Apparently its a direct bolt on. The pitman arm is different IIRC. You might look into that.

glenlloyd · 2025-10-07T00:53:19-0400

Used is always a risk, that's why I like to see / test what I'm getting on the used market if I can.

Most full service yards aren't inclined to test them very well when they get them in and just hand you one across the counter. They leave it for you to figure out if they've sold you a POS or not, which means installing and filling the system and then undoing all that. It's always the labor element that you get screwed on, and honestly that's a big deal in my book.

Steve

jrsavoie · 2025-10-08T19:26:40-0400

Even the new steering boxes are kind of sketchy. I've heard a lot of bad reports.

I'd try looking into a GMT800. Or something else.

I've been hoping to croak before that has to be done.

What to do about steering box?

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