Blue Top vs Red Top

[NardDog]

My 2003 Burb has reached the point where the steering has become dangerous to drive. The steering gear is worn out that I can feel my driver wheel catching when turning slow.

I have read about the red tops and blue tops and it seems that they are both hit or miss with the quality. Has any one had success with either of them?

My other thought was to visit the pick a part and find one that looks clean-ish and pull it and hope that its in better shape than what i have.

How about Lares brand or Edelman?

Im hoping a member or two could give their experience with any of the brands out there that are making “new” units.

 

[rzabel]

I put a Blue Top in my rig when I changed a lot of the front end components to get rid of steering slop. I got rid of about 75% of it with all the other replacments, then the Blue Top was the last piece of equipment that took it over the top to finally have solid feeling steering. However, after only a few months, a seal blew out just driving down the road and with our systems, that means I had no power steering or brakes. Blue Top was going to replace it, but I was leaving for Mexico in a few days and didn't have time for their replacement. The shop I had to use just got me what they could find in a day and even though it was a new gear box, the 25% slop came back. That shop says that when they replace for an upgrade that they use Redhead and have had good luck with them. I can't justify replacing a new gear box yet, but I'll probably try them when it becomes too irritating and it gets to the top of my list again.

 

[NardDog]

Thanks for the input I really appreciate you posting your experience

 

[jaywestfall]

I suggest you look for your application with Borgeson and USA Standard Gear. They both sell new gear boxes, and I've heard good comments on both of them.

 

[Lil Timmy Shy]

Best steering box rebuild I ever had came from West Texas Off Road in San Angelo, TX. It was better than factory new and lasted for the entire time I owned the vehicle thereafter. No more play. I got a junkyard box and installed it while I sent my original to West Texas. I don't remember the details but they made some mods during the rebuild - things like bearings installed in place of bushings by modifying the housing. Got it back an installed it. Never had a steering issue again. I highly recommend West Texas Off Road...........

 

[Fless]

Best steering box rebuild I ever had came from West Texas Off Road in San Angelo, TX. It was better than factory new and lasted for the entire time I owned the vehicle thereafter. No more play. I got a junkyard box and installed it while I sent my original to West Texas. I don't remember the details but they made some mods during the rebuild - things like bearings installed in place of bushings by modifying the housing. Got it back an installed it. Never had a steering issue again. I highly recommend West Texas Off Road...........

Always helpful to provide the link... I have no connection to them but for those who'd like to have it:

Steering Assist | Redneck Ram

Redneck Rams are designed, engineered and manufactured on our own state of the art CNC milling machines right here in the Great State of Texas. For over 25 years we have been serving the offroad and outdoor adventure community worldwide with our trail proven hydraulic steering components.

www.redneckram.com

 

[NardDog]

Ended up going with the Edelman from RA they claim they manufacture new units that exceed OEM. Will see OEM lasted 23 years