Podcast Season 1 Ep. 17: Choosing the Perfect Steering Gearbox for Your Diesel Truck!

S1 Ep. 17: When it comes to steering gearboxes for diesel trucks, the options can be overwhelming. From the affordable to the top-of-the-line, it can be hard to know where to turn.
Personally, I've had great experiences with Blue Top. The Blue Top provided excellent performance at a great price, while PSC is a quality brand with supposedly unmatched durability.
Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Redhead. I found their quality and customer service to be lacking, which was a major disappointment.
Overall, choosing the right steering gearbox for your diesel truck can make a huge difference in your driving experience. While PSC may be expensive, the investment is worth it in the long run. And for those on a budget, the Blue Top is a great option. Don't settle for less than the best when it comes to your ride!
Thanks for listening!
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[@junkzombiesllc3259]

We just ordered the PSC. Unfortunately, after going through 2 redheads and both started leaking after 6 months. We replaced all the front suspensions with everything Kryptonite the 1st gear box. Instead of going back to Redhead or switching to whats seams to be same gear box as blue top. So hopefully it wont leak in 6 months like the other 2. 02 lb7 We tow a lot with the truck. It backs up heavily trailer all the time. None lifted with just little bigger tires it will allow without lift and zero rub at full lock.

[@_Epictetus_]

What other choice do we have? I would have gladly spent $1k but they don't make a box for a 94 K1500

[@kingkolt886]

Hey brother so I just bought a 96’ 12 valve manual trans fully restored that has carli lift and suspension. Epic buy. But I need a new gear box. lol is redhead solid ? I have 35s on the truck now.

[@ClaytheBMXer]

Any opinions on Lares vs Edelmann? I'm surprised at the amount of internet drama over bluetop and redhead. I was leaning towards bluetop - site now says looking for more help - but at this point I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a new Lares or an Edelmann for my K1500 GMT800 that I plan to keep until it literally breaks in half. I'm only running 1" bigger than stock tires, but I've already gone through a few boxes. I would have gone with NAPA pre-corona, but now I don't know... I'm a tech and order my own parts and I just don't trust anything from the parts stores anymore for rebuilt parts. GM part is discontinued - I was going to go that route originally. I will say that both bluetop and redhead were the most responsive to messages, responding the next morning after an evening email. And that was to answer my silly questions about possibly upgrading to a different OEM gearbox - BUT, they both gave me totally different answer, haha. Borgeson said to contact PSC, who does not list one for my truck. PSC and Edelmann and Lares have not yet answered but it's only been about 24 hours, so we'll say. I need to pull the trigger on something now - my box is super sloppy and irresponsibly adjusting the lash did not help whatsoever so I put it back where it was. I was fighting the wheel on my four hour drive the other weekend, everything is tight to and from the gear, and I aligned it myself - I really want it perfect again - this truck used to handle so amazing. I also just went to Sumitomo Encounter ATs, E rated, 1" bigger than my previous stock P rated tires and the blue and yellow Bilsteins in the front (primarily a road vehicle) to complement my new-used nivomats in the rear. The LT tires might not ride quite as nice, but these ATs are actually more confidence inspiring on the road over my previous highway tires, and I love the reduced sway/squish. With new jounce bumpers installed up front along with several other things (mostly rubber parts, including body mounts), I'm loving it but my steering is so sloppy. Very excited to get it perfect again, especially with my first transmission rebuild in it and shifting so nice. For me this truck is the perfect daily driver utility vehicle - plus my family has owned it since new and I grew up with it. If I need a tow vehicle in the future, I'll still take a look at the big block 8.1 trucks or possibly even a diesel as an additional vehicle, but my goodness the price for a nice one.... But anyways, yeah I love my GMT800 while also totally understanding your sentiment. I do need more power though... Anyways, if anyone has any input on Lares or Edelmann, please chime in! Thanks for the video!

[@ThePLWarrior]

KZbin RED allows you to listen to a video while the phone is locked

[@pennypackmtb2542]

I'll spend the money to not have to replace the part in the future. Looks like Blue Top is going to be my choice.

[@williamharvison3069]

I have a 2010 chevy i use for work everyday on lease roads. I bought the kryptonite and i have stopped using them for ball joints. The hubs have been good thus far but i went through a ball joint every 2 months. The tie rod ends have been decent. But i have been through a couple steering boxes and this helped me make up my mind about the blue top. Also does anyone have any opinion on steering pumps?

[@DIYDiesel]

PSC they are worth the extra for those.

[@LSMykie]

Daily work 02 1500 extended cab leveled on 33s. Got irritated with the bump steer on uneven pavement. With slightly worn tires it’s scary how it will pull u off the road. Replaced my gear box with blue top after 6months 1st leaked. 3months on warranty box bumpsteer returned. Replaced it with a psc box n pump best money I ever spent. My truck never felt better turn my 33s like street tires it maybe expensive but the peace of mind and performance is worth the cost.

[@mikerobi6100]

94 dodge ram 1500 i have blue top steering gear box to put i went with blue top for quality and red head had alot of bad reviews too

[@SR-tc9gd]

Great info!! When I looked at the NAPA warranty it was Limited Lifetime warranty. And the cost was $320. Just another alternative. They all have their disclaimers to cover their butt only. Keep up the video content. Super enjoy watching and learning other’s experiences.

[@DIYDiesel]

Ya I am a big fan of the Napa ones! Really can’t go wrong with those ones

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

I feel that my redhead was not as tight as it should have been.

[@tomb374]

I put one on a 97 dodge ram with 35's on it hoping to get more solid steering and it wasn't enough noticeable difference over the old box. rather disappointed.

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

@@tomb374 exactly. I also put mine on my 97 2500 after I completely rebuilt everything else in the front end. It still steers like shit. Every thing else is new and tight and and you can definitely tell that the red head still has slop. Not only that but it started leaking out of the pitman arm shaft seal at just over a year with only 5k miles.

[@tomb374]

@@JohnDoe-ud2cc have you seen this yet. I had to answer yes to all the defects with the steering column kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqikmZyEjZejgpIsi=Ps2LRM5RC9tKUYDe

[@2681920]

Most redheads that I’ve had wasn’t as tight as I would have liked for them to be either…

[@chrischilds7883]

Looking into these today on a truck build Im working on for my 07 classic 3500 LBZ. Considering the exorbitant price of PSC, I was leaning towards Bluetop but then-- Bluetop website states it is closing its doors permanently due to shortage of help... The say they will be accepting the core returns and helping with warranty issues but this would be concerning as to how long this will be adhered to. Sadly another one bites the dust.

[@DIYDiesel]

Damn that’s crazy I just looked too what a shame that is.

[@papabapyro8169]

There website is still working

[@GMCJay_lly]

Commenting for support!

[@DIYDiesel]

🤘

[@chadrizla496]

This is serious talk for us GM IFS guys

[@DIYDiesel]

Absolutely!

[@Bama_RTMF]

PSC, the end.

[@GMCJay_lly]

Agreed!

[@chadrizla496]

Do you have one?? I hear really good things about them vs the others.

[@Bama_RTMF]

@@chadrizla496 not on a GM truck, but on my 2005 ram 2500. Stock box was about shot, put a PSC on it a couple months ago and WOW..well worth the price tag.

[@chadrizla496]

Nice man! Thanks for the feedback

[@Bama_RTMF]

@@chadrizla496 the steering is crazy tight with that psc, of course I did other upgrades at the same time, but still. Amazing results, you won't be disappointed. Buy once cry once is the strategy I went with 😂😂

[@ke78487]

Millennials Rambling...

[@cd1168]

Ramble ramble. Can’t take it

[@DIYDiesel]

It is a podcast episode 👍