The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network







Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Go Back   The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network > 47 - Current classic GM Trucks > The 1973 - 1987 Chevrolet & GMC Squarebody Pickups Message Board

Web 67-72chevytrucks.com


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 11-06-2021, 07:53 PM   #1
Wgesnerjr
Senior Member
 
Wgesnerjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Posts: 737
Borgeson Steering Box

So I used the original steering box form 1985 on my resto. I know I should have gone and replaced it then, but had to save some money towards other items the truck desperately needed. (like exhaust system) I think the truck had 95K miles so I cleaned it up, painted and put it back on. I ran the LS PS pump that came with my engine.

my theory was if it failed, I would replace it.

Well for the last 10K since the trucks been back on the road, it has worked fine enough. The steering was way loose even though I rebuilt the rag joint and tightened up the steering column. All the linkage was new MOOG parts and aligned but it still liked to follow the ruts in the road and wandered all over the place at highway speeds. Huge dead spot in the middle too. When turning the wheel, there was a slight "grittyness" feeling, so I knew its days were numbered. however it still turned the big 295/50/15 so, I let it ride.

Lately I have been finding puddles under the truck and they have gotten big enough that something has to be done. So today my buddies and I took a ride down to Summit Racing in McDonough and I was the big spender at just under $500. But I came home with this...brand spanking new (not rebuilt) Borgeson steering Box! https://www.summitracing.com/parts/b...0#applications
Attached Images
    
__________________
Jay Gesner
Atlanta, GA
1985 C10 Long Bed 4X2
LS 5.3, 4L60E
Father/Daughter Project

Last edited by Wgesnerjr; 11-16-2021 at 11:31 AM.
Wgesnerjr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2021, 08:01 PM   #2
Wgesnerjr
Senior Member
 
Wgesnerjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Posts: 737
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Good thing is NO core charge. Looks like it will be much tighter steering than stock and hopefully the truck will track a little straighter. Might have install time tomorrow but more than likely next weekend. I will post back with results.
__________________
Jay Gesner
Atlanta, GA
1985 C10 Long Bed 4X2
LS 5.3, 4L60E
Father/Daughter Project
Wgesnerjr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-06-2021, 08:25 PM   #3
LT7A
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PNW
Posts: 3,472
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Thanks for posting, I'll be interested to hear. I have a replacement AGR box on one truck that does not perform as advertised and the original one I bought from them was faulty too. Two strikes and they're out as far as I'm concerned. However, redhead is local to me and will probably get my business going forward. But it is good to know that there is a source of brand new components like this and from what you said it is an upgrade as well. I hope it tightens it up for you.
LT7A is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-2021, 10:28 AM   #4
kglowacky
Registered User
 
Join Date: Mar 2020
Location: The Woodlands,Tx
Posts: 555
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

I have posted my challenges with the same problems (see my thread for details) .
kglowacky is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-07-2021, 10:48 AM   #5
1957 Chief
Proud Vet that loves the USA
 
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Beebe, AR
Posts: 458
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

I have one on my LS swapped truck. Absolutely love it.

Bubba
1957 Chief is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-08-2021, 11:32 AM   #6
greenmtnboy
Registered User
 
greenmtnboy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: Marietta Ga.
Posts: 32
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Borgeson has always had a top notch reputation in the Street Rod industry for Vega Boxes and steering shafts compared to the “bargain” competitors. Interested to see how you like it.
greenmtnboy is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-09-2021, 03:59 PM   #7
Jeepwm69
Registered User
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Arkansas
Posts: 668
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Quote:
Originally Posted by LT7A View Post
Thanks for posting, I'll be interested to hear. I have a replacement AGR box on one truck that does not perform as advertised and the original one I bought from them was faulty too. Two strikes and they're out as far as I'm concerned. However, redhead is local to me and will probably get my business going forward. But it is good to know that there is a source of brand new components like this and from what you said it is an upgrade as well. I hope it tightens it up for you.
AGR made great stuff years ago. Then they changed leadership and went downhill.

IIRC, the guy who started PSC left AGR and started PSC, which coincidentally was when AGR went down the tubes.

Didn't know Borgeson made boxes, but I do have one of their steering shafts on one of my Jeeps. Great quality on the steering shaft.
Jeepwm69 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2021, 11:27 AM   #8
Wgesnerjr
Senior Member
 
Wgesnerjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Posts: 737
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

UPDATE
I did the install Saturday afternoon. Pretty straight forward with no issues except ITS HEAVY. The fluid input and output on the box was for o-ring set ups, which I was already running and the steering input lined right up with the rag joint. A bunch of heavy lifting and 4 bolts and it was installed. Only thing I should have done is run a tap through the screw holes in the box. One bolt was a little tight but eventually went in.

Changed the fluid in the reservoir and it took a while to get the bubbles out of the system. Turned the wheel back and forth with wheels off the ground, added fluid, turned wheels again, repeat. Set on the ground, cleaned up and was called to dinner.

After sitting for about 2 hrs. No more noise and I finally got to do a test run after dark. BOY, what a difference! Steering is much tighter. No more dead spot. No more wandering. No more mushy feeling. No more gritty feeling. AND no piddle spots in my driveway.

Before the box, I had been messing with tire pressures to lessen the wandering. I found that 30-33 psi was good to keep it in my lane without too much over-correction. Meaning, I could briefly look at the gauges or radio with getting over the lines.

After the box I have the tires at 35 psi and very good and straight, no wandering. Finally took it on the highway and found it tracked very well needed minimal input to stay in my lane even with the 295/50R15 tires. Its no Rack and Pinon, but its feels like a new car would feel like in the 70s & 80s. Also noticed the vibration I had been fighting was less noticeable. (I still think the Cooper Corbras are to blame)

So I am really impressed with the box and would recommend. There is no core charge with the Borgeson and it comes painted black. Just install and go. Downside=expensive.

Borgeson does offer a collapsible steering shaft with u-joints at both ends. https://www.summitracing.com/parts/brg-000935?rrec=true
That would have been my next stop if the box didn't work out.
Attached Images
 
__________________
Jay Gesner
Atlanta, GA
1985 C10 Long Bed 4X2
LS 5.3, 4L60E
Father/Daughter Project
Wgesnerjr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2021, 11:34 AM   #9
Rich84
Registered User
 
Rich84's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Woodbury, Ct.
Posts: 1,661
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Did you find the steering to be tighter. Steering wheel harder to turn?
I just put a Red Head box in. It corrected all the same issues you were having, but it is quite "stiff'. I am getting used to it. It also reduced a vibration that I was getting from 45-52 mph.
Rich84 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-16-2021, 11:48 AM   #10
Wgesnerjr
Senior Member
 
Wgesnerjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Posts: 737
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Steering was much tighter in my case. I did notice there was almost no dead spot in the middle, but after the old box, anything would have felt twitchy. It took me a few miles to reprogram my brain to stop over-correcting. Now it just feels good and normal.

It is less turns lock to lock then the old one. But I have been too impressed with it tracking straight to notice if it felt more "sporty".

As far as harder to turn, both boxes felt the same. But I am turning massive front tires. Its not soft like an old Caddy, but more stiff like an IROC-Z. Nothing close to manual steering.

Hope that helps.
__________________
Jay Gesner
Atlanta, GA
1985 C10 Long Bed 4X2
LS 5.3, 4L60E
Father/Daughter Project
Wgesnerjr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-18-2021, 11:00 PM   #11
LT7A
Registered User
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: PNW
Posts: 3,472
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Looks tidy. Thanks for the report back.
LT7A is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 11-20-2021, 04:05 PM   #12
Pontiac1976
Registered User
 
Pontiac1976's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
Posts: 750
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Looks great, Glad to hear the feel is good now and it factory style set up work good like new. Good job doing the fix all the way throw the parts. I hope you get 20year out her.
__________________
1977 REG cab Long Bed with a 1984 Front Clip, 82 305 .60 over 9.0.1 flat top pistons, 4bbl, TH350, w/84 SS-intake & cam , w/ 1977 big block rad, 1975 gear box, 1984 master w/ metric fittings top & SAE fitting @ portion block, 1975 3.42 gear open diff. Duel 77-87 Factory air cleaner, duel inlet from rad support . Down sized 9' to new 8' Steel flat bed
Was a 77 454 w/308 gear. Taken out 550 lbs. up front with motor clip change.
Pontiac1976 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2021, 04:58 AM   #13
Already Gone
70+ ( Old Skool Club )
 
Already Gone's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan ,Canada
Posts: 9,070
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Thanks for the posting the info. I bought one along with the rag joint figuring it would be a good product. Can't wait to get it installed along with their power steering pump and hoses which I have as well.
__________________
1972 C10 Custom/Deluxe 613 Highlander 406/700R4
1999 White Tahoe LS 4x2 with Z56 Police Package
1992 K1500 GMC Suburban

Members I have personally met: MusicMan70 - HeavyD - ChewyChevy67 - StingRay -71SWB4x4 - 67 Burb - DeadheadNM - too much stuff - bc65 - das601

" 4 Things When Used are Gone Forever "

" A Word After it is Said - A Missed Opportunity - Time once Passed - Trust after its Lost "


RIP Charlie Watts 1941 - 2021
Already Gone is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2021, 10:29 AM   #14
Wgesnerjr
Senior Member
 
Wgesnerjr's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Atlanta, GA.
Posts: 737
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

I think you're going to like it. Every time I drive mine, I'm impressed.

I did notice that the upper joint on the steering shaft does give a little. Saw it while turning the steering wheel with the truck off. while running it does not defect that much.

If it gets bad, I will get the steering shaft. But for now, I am happy with it.

Post back your thoughts after install.
__________________
Jay Gesner
Atlanta, GA
1985 C10 Long Bed 4X2
LS 5.3, 4L60E
Father/Daughter Project
Wgesnerjr is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2021, 12:40 PM   #15
Dieselwrencher
6>8 Plugless........
 
Dieselwrencher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,112
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

I was just looking at one of these for a customer's truck since the redhead boxes seem to have issues lately.
__________________
Ryan
1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread
1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4
1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed
1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe
1969 Chevy milk truck
1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10
1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project


Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.
Dieselwrencher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2021, 01:16 PM   #16
Thealien
Senior Member
 
Thealien's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Pine Ridge Florida
Posts: 4,126
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dieselwrencher View Post
I was just looking at one of these for a customer's truck since the redhead boxes seem to have issues lately.
What issues are you having with the Red Head Steering boxes? I have used two of them over the past 10 to 15 years and didn’t have any issues with them. Might be buying a steering box for the four-wheel-drive blazer and if there’s issues I may look elsewhere.
Thealien is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-02-2021, 01:20 PM   #17
Dieselwrencher
6>8 Plugless........
 
Dieselwrencher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,112
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Quote:
Originally Posted by Thealien View Post
What issues are you having with the Red Head Steering boxes? I have used two of them over the past 10 to 15 years and didn’t have any issues with them. Might be buying a steering box for the four-wheel-drive blazer and if there’s issues I may look elsewhere.
I've had 3 different customers that have had issues with excessive slop in them. They were in 2nd gen dodges, but still. Redhead's warranty process was a huge PITA for these guys. They had to take the trucks to a shop and have the shop deem the box was bad before they would deal with it.
__________________
Ryan
1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread
1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4
1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed
1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe
1969 Chevy milk truck
1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10
1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project


Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.
Dieselwrencher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2021, 03:15 PM   #18
Bloodhound
Registered User
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Massachusetts
Posts: 237
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

That's too bad, I've been very impressed with the quality of the Redhead boxes.
Bloodhound is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2021, 07:46 AM   #19
Dieselwrencher
6>8 Plugless........
 
Dieselwrencher's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Prairie City, Ia
Posts: 17,112
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Yeah, I always was too. I've probably installed 20 on 2nd gen dodges over the years. Those trucks have got to be one of the top trucks with steering issues I swear.
__________________
Ryan
1972 Chevy Longhorn K30 Cheyenne Super, 359 Inline 6 cylinder, Auto Trans, Tilt, Diesel Tach/Vach, Buckets, Rare Rear 4-link and air ride option Build Thread
1972 GMC Sierra Grande Longhorn 4x4
1972 Chevy Cheyenne Super K20 Long Step side tilt, tach, tow hooks, AC, 350 4 speed
1972 C10 Suburban Custom Deluxe
1969 Chevy milk truck
1971 Camaro RS 5.3 BTR STG3 Cam Super T10
1940 Ford 354 Hemi 46RH Ford 9" on air ride huge project


Tired of spark plugs? Check this out.
Dieselwrencher is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-12-2021, 09:08 AM   #20
Bacca
Registered User
 
Bacca's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Euclid, Ohio
Posts: 44
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

I have the Borgenson on my '82 and love it. The 12.7 quick ratio is worth the price of admission alone. The ability to maneuver in tighter spots along with the quick response at speed is awesome. I've got almost 11,000 miles on mine.
__________________
Rust Dust & Other 4 Letter Words

https://www.facebook.com/rustdustand...?ref=bookmarks
Bacca is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-15-2022, 04:11 PM   #21
pjmoreland
Senior Member
 
pjmoreland's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 5,243
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

I ordered a Borgeson 800132 from Summit for my '68. It arrived today. I was inspecting it, and I noticed that the output shaft seal was installed crooked and was dented inward on the deeper side. I called Borgeson about getting a replacement seal, but they told me it needs to be sent back. Summit is sending me a replacement gearbox. Should be here tomorrow or the next day since Summit is only 100 miles from me.
Attached Images
  
pjmoreland is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2022, 01:55 AM   #22
pjmoreland
Senior Member
 
pjmoreland's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 5,243
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

I received a replacement Borgeson steering gearbox from Summit yesterday. Spent yesterday evening and this afternoon installing it. I had to grind down several spots on the side that attaches to the frame due to clearance issues. I used a set of PICKMUP's stainless lines. Had to do some bending on them since the pressure port on the Borgeson sits significantly higher than stock. Used a Dorman 31011 rag joint. I'm very happy with how this gearbox feels when driving. It gives me about 2-1/2 turns total, as opposed to 4 with the stock gearbox.

While I was at it, I converted to a newer-style steering shaft assembly with an intermediate shaft. Seems safer than the original one-piece shaft that was in my '68. I had to use the original bearing preload spring because the newer style spring was not long enough to preload the bearings. I believe this is because the lower bearing on my '68 column is not the same as the 69+ bearing style.
Attached Images
     
pjmoreland is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2022, 01:58 AM   #23
pjmoreland
Senior Member
 
pjmoreland's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: CA
Posts: 5,243
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Intermediate shaft
Attached Images
  
pjmoreland is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-18-2022, 07:09 AM   #24
S10Fan
Old Heap Driver
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Newport News, Va
Posts: 2,638
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

Quote:
Originally Posted by greenmtnboy View Post
Borgeson has always had a top notch reputation in the Street Rod industry for Vega Boxes and steering shafts compared to the “bargain” competitors. Interested to see how you like it.
I have a Borgeson Vega box on my Model A pickup, couldn't be happier!
__________________
_____________________________
Bryan

'99 Silverado 1500, 4.3, 5-speed, reg cab, short bed
'50 Chevy 2DR Hard Top, 350/350, M2 Front End, 3:08 gear, cruiser.
'30 Model A Pickup, suicide front end, 350, 350, traditional style hot rod.
S10Fan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 01-03-2023, 12:07 AM   #25
DM72C20
Registered User
 
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: Toronto, Ontario
Posts: 46
Re: Borgeson Steering Box

In my 72 C20 with a LS swap, I'm on my 3rd steering box in less than a year, with a Cardone that blew a seal and two locally rebuilt units including the original from the truck that have way too much play when driving straight. I can turn the wheel several inches before it responds, which is challenging when on the highway since you are always correcting. Adjusting the lash just makes it harder to steer which I had the rebuilder try. I spoke with someone at Redhead and they said that they replace the bearings in their rebuilds, sizing them to fit the worm gear wear to eliminate that. The alignment seems ok from a test drive with a competent mechanic, and he said all the rebuilt boxes are trash, which I am in agreement with. I am thinking I order the new Borgeson and be done with it for the next few decades.

Can anyone with a non Borgeson rag joint chime in about the input shaft fit? I have a new Lares 201 rag joint, which says 13/16", 31 spline. It is meant as a stock replacement for the 72' C20 and bolted right on to the stock box. The Borgeson says it needs 3/4", 30 spline but I am seeing some people say it bolted right in...
DM72C20 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 10:49 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Copyright 1997-2022 67-72chevytrucks.com