Just watched your video. So here is my honest experience from 4 days ago. I have a 1995 Z71. Had lots of play....slop... Decided to just get the RedHead. $$$$. Got ACdelco pitman, idler and idler bracket. Took it to my shop in the morning, stopped by at lunch and the mechanic said everything is in, but.... there is still a little play, I asked what could it be? He said let's pull the Intermediate shaft , we did... And bam, there it was... a 1/2 inch of play in the rag joint, which translates to 2 inches at the wheel. Called around, found a brand new one by Dorman for $275.00. Trust me when I say, Night and day difference. Better then when it came from the factory. You just have to touch the steering wheel and the tires move. Mind you, I'm now into the steering for a $1000.00 bucks, 400 for the Redhead, 300 for the shaft, 150 for the AC Delco parts and labor. So there it was, combination of garbage reman steering box and bad intermediate shaft. Pull the shaft out and check it. If no play, then its the box, gonna have to get a Redhead or Bluetop. Hope this helps. And by the way, Redhead staff and service was excellent. Box arrived day before Christmas when it was supposed to be after New years. Got there return label and shipped the old one back for the 150 core charge.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I think I will try the shaft next. I really appreciate you taking the time to explain your experience in depth

@MarinFournier

3 ай бұрын

For anyone not wanting to pay $275 for the intermediary shaft you can just replace the rag joint at the end of it for $30. Lares 205 - Steering Coupling Assembly

Sup Travis! Keep the videos coming. The white truck is looking nice.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. Lots to do here

Welcome to the club. Replaced my rag joint, power steering pump, gear box and still have play. Only thing left is the upper shaft that goes into the firewall, but they don't make that for my truck anymore.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah that is what I'm afraid of

@sschevmale24

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports you can try tightening the gear box. Could help some of the slack

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I think I am going to

@gnr4954

3 жыл бұрын

which box did you go with? I've heard blue top boxes seems to fix the issue in gmt400 trucks from people that have used them.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I haven't yet

Love these trucks. Looking good.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you Kyle

I have a 1994 chevy silverado and all suspension is new. I had a lot of play on my steering as well. I put a new steerinng box and like you it improved a litte but still has a little play

@TWAMotorsports

8 ай бұрын

Yeah it is just a terrible design.

Good Friday afternoon my friend 👍... Looks like winter wonderland out there... have a safe weekend..

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. All the snow is melted now. Have a good weekend too

@keilylmm6377

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports good Saturday morning my friend. I'm up early cause A my cat keeps waking me up for his Saturday morning breakfast. B I have some new trans am parts I got for a Christmas gift from Santa haha... So even though it's like 40° in my garage I'm going to be turning wrenches for the first time in 2021 back on my 94 trans am. Have a great day buddy 👍🇺🇲

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Sounds cold. Good luck

I have 2 current obs trucks and have had over 20 in the past. As far as the trucks I've owned they've all been like that. From stock to lowered to bagged and bodied. 20k miles to 300k miles. All have a little play.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Really. I have driven them without. Makes me crazy lol

Recently changed my steering gear box on my 00 Escalade 5.7 vortec the previous owner hit a nasty curb nd ruined the whole steering on it but managed to find one exactly the same at a junkyard and the steering improved like crazy but there’s still a tiny amount of play just like yours i honestly just think its a box problem even after tightening the wheel even more it always has play

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Isn't this annoying lol. Makes me crazy

The square body "fix" is going with a Cherokee (late 80s/early 90s) steering intermediate shaft. Not sure if it'd work, but something to do away with the rag joint.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

That can be done on a 88-98 also

@colemcmeans7809

3 жыл бұрын

this is good to know

Pitman arm really cleaned up my 96 steering.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

It had a new one on the old box and the other had zero play

Cunningham machine came out with a new u joint shaft I just ordered mine cause I replaced my rag joint didn’t really help replaced several suspension parts , I heard AGR boxes are good but they are like $800.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I will check that out. Thank you

I recently bought a 97 Sierra with low miles, and it has the exact same feeling, i drive a awd nbs Sierra and its 100 times better feeling than the obs steering even though they’re the exact steering setup.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Isn't that crazy

I have the same problem with my 89’ burban. Went thru 3 gear boxes from Advanced Auto and 1 gear box from NAPA. New suspension. , tires, and the Jeep shaft. Still have the same problem. I’m thinking about trying Red Head gear box.

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

Probably the best option out

there should be about 1/8 of a wheel play in the steering. this allows the valving in the gear box enough time to switch pressure from the left to the right

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

This has about 2 inches. Lol

I had an obs that had play I done the same changed everything but the problem remained until one day I checked my wheel bearings and they were loose I tighten them up and problem solved not saying that’s your problem but it’s worth a shot if you haven’t looked there.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

It did the same with the truck off the ground so don't think that is the issue

I went through 3 Napa boxes and 2 oem boxes before I cranked the preload on the box a tiny bit and it helped. I also did an jeep shaft on and it’s tight and was fine for years. Google the retrofit. Tac the slip joint on it and new shaft but it ditches the rag joint and uses u joints on both ends

@russellg7382

3 жыл бұрын

I wish I was closer to you I’m stripping my obs 3500 in a few weeks and it’s all new and coming back off to be replaced with lowboy suspension and bags and because I have ocd the small stuff will all get replaced again while I’m in there. Doing a red head box this time because my choices were use a 1500 front stub and convert to a rack or keep it box and relay rods. I’m putting a duramax in it so I decided the weight and stress was going to trash the rack. I called them and they can set it all up to run with a higher pressure pump with the obs box.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I'm going to try adjustment next.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

That sounds like an awesome setup coming. Congratulations

@russellg7382

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports when I did it I was gentle. Small amount at a time. I hope it will be. It’s been a long time coming. Had the truck 6 years and spent a ton keeping it going. Everything has been new a few times except the motor. After throwing the chain it’s never been good. Decided to take the plunge and buy a smashed Lbz truck with under 100k that is a great donor

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah that sounds like a cool project for sure

such a dream garage

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I just love the obs steering.... not yea the only rack and pinion options so far is from elevated concepts but it's not a complete set its just brackets. I put a 454 ss steering gearbox in mine. But I'm still not impressed with mine. I thought about a blue top. Mine still has play and I've changed everything. There is a joint you can get to remove the rag joint. I think this is just the way they are. We have gotten so use to rack and pinion haha. I even tried a steering dampened shock

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah its frustrating. Mine has a new rag joint on it lol

@DrivenbyGears

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports yea mine 2 the only thing I haven't changed is the piece from actually steering wheel

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I need an entire shaft

I know youve probably found something by mow but Elevated Concepts makes a rack and pinion kit for the OBS

@TWAMotorsports

5 ай бұрын

It is a nice piece

I wanna know if you could get a piece of urethane cut to put in place of the rubber in the rag joint.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I have another plan soon for that

Man I was hoping that would fix it. My Tahoe has the same prob. New suspension/steering components same box though. A mechanic told me there is no fixing it. And I have yet to read anything on the internet about a solution

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

That's kinda where I'm at lol

Try a steering shaft from an early 90's Cherokee. Same splines and eliminates the rag joint.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I have heard that is a good swap

@ajw148

3 жыл бұрын

Definitely

@lateferdinner1131

3 жыл бұрын

I had great success with the grand Cherokee shaft. Gm made the part for Jeep...crazy they didn’t put it on their own vehicle. I got mine new aftermarket about $75. No more slop. Has u joints on both ends and it’s collapsible about 2”. Too easy!

@lateferdinner1131

3 жыл бұрын

Eliminates rag joint. 93-98 grand Cherokee. Measure from gearbox shaft. Do not adjust gearbox whatever u do

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

@@lateferdinner1131 I have a similar option I just installed

Nice OBS for sure. I looked for one for a couple months before buying my other truck

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Thank you. I probably shouldn't have bought it but I have a buying problem

@frankm8533

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports lol I hear that, I just got my Silverado now I want a different one after 3 months. A little newer with a V8 but if I found a nice OBS shortbed I'd buy that right away. Im looking into North Carolina that's usually where I travel to find nice trucks or far into VA

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I do that exact same thing all the time.

The only way to fix it is tight that worm gear I've replaced the whole front end and the only thing to stop that little play is just adjust it it doesn't hurt it at all it needs a little more tension on the bearings just like a wheel bearing has to be just right

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I'm going to try that next.

All space clearance from steering gears box or steering shaft rubber weak some people upgrade to u joint to be strong and long life

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

That's next I think

I have a 1991 Chevy 1500 an my steering is ruff. I’m trynna figure out what it can be I’m guessing the gear box but same time it looks like the whole pitman arm an gear box

@TWAMotorsports

2 ай бұрын

Good luck on yours

Elevated concepts makes a rack n pinion steering for that problem..

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I'm not in love with that price

Look under the dash at the u joint of the intermediate shaft. Move the wheel just enough feel the slack. You may see a little wobble there. I replaced my intermediate shaft with the cheapo Rock Auto part. This fixed it for a few hundred miles, but the slack came back. CHEAP U JOINT CONSTRUCTION on these. Got a new BETTER part now. Waiting for a ward day to replace. Anyway. Just a thought.

@TWAMotorsports

6 ай бұрын

Thank you. I will check into that

I got a lares steering box for my blazer I think? Has been good so far. Got from advance. Paid a little more for it.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I tried one before and same results.

@gunandknifenut

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports guess I got lucky. Replaced my rag joint also. 200,000. Def. felt better.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah mine will be replaced again

you should get the led NBS DRL headlights that got the Led strip. They would look preety nice

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I like them but don't think they fit what I want to do.

@jorjesalazar1068

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports tue but maybe for the sierra or suburban love the project tho 🔥🔥😈

@jorjesalazar1068

3 жыл бұрын

*true

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Maybe

Yoo I have that same problem with my 99 yukon and I changed the entire suspension control arms everything they gave me 2 reason lower steering shaft or the the entire steering

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah that where I'm at

@LilBill1632

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports for sure shoot it's gonna cost tho

After about an hour and Half of highway driving great my 2000 Silverado , the steering wheel will start twiching to the right , rake and pin maybes?

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

Could be but that is a different set up than this video.

@pherdog82

Жыл бұрын

Could be the evo assist on it if it has it. My 97 k1500 does and it's on the shaft inside cab by firewall.

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

I have heard that too

You should invest in a mighty vac fluid evacuator its pneumatic and pretty cheap

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I have one and its terrible lol

I had 95 1500 and 98 2500 obs the steering always was sloppy and the brakes sucked but I still drive a obs with the little problems it’s has. People got to used to the newer trucks because they are more like cars than a work horse like the obs is. I would start with a better steering box if The drag link Doesn’t have play and the other mod to do is a NBS Brake master cylinder for better feel. I see it all over KZread.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Brakes coming very soon. It shouldn't have this much play.

@TXREDVR6

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports true I had a lifted 95 2wd on 33x12.50’s it had some play. The truck only had 32k on the clock I had that truck almost 10 years I just did the adjustment few times did not have any problems at all. A GM Instructor show me how to do the adjustment and give me the copy in the service manual to do the adjustment with the Beam style torque wrench. Be nice you could do a nbs steering setup lol because it’s a different animal and it’s still the old school Style gear box I could Never get that at all.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah I think I might try to adjust it

@gabelossusthe4th

2 жыл бұрын

The NBS master really works. I rebuilt all my brakes and threw that in, like a new truck.

@TWAMotorsports

2 жыл бұрын

It is a nice upgrade

Elevated concepts has a rack and pinion conversion

@calebspain7956

3 жыл бұрын

Nvm just looked it up that's the 1800$ one 🤦‍♂️

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Yep that's the one. Lol

A rack from a 99-06 2wd gm 1500 would probably fit with some easy modifications

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

The tierod angle would be the killer I think

@bassackwards8821

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports not if you could make some strong brackets to place them in a good spot that wouldn’t put the rods in a bind

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Out of my league

You have to adjust it ,one 1/4 turn in, then drive it.i wouldn't go more than 1 1/2-2 turns

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

Thank you

This isn't related to your current video but who makes the wheels that are on your Firebird? Thanks

@michaelm3381

3 жыл бұрын

Factory ws6 wheels.

@427yenko67

3 жыл бұрын

@@michaelm3381 Bummer...I was hoping to look at some for my 6 bolt pattern Silverado....oh well

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

American racing. Links in video on install a few years ago

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Won't work

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

No they are American racing

Elevated concepts makes a rack n pinion kit for these trucks

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

For $1850

@joshuaavila8317

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports ya his prices are high but he's making a living off it all hand made parts

@keilylmm6377

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports Travis I would almost conclude that it's the steering rack and the steering box both to have the much play in steering wheel.. that is alot of play too you got in that truck..

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

That's true

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Truck doesn't have a rack

Your videos are the best Travis keep up the good work👍 I love watching you work on the OBS truck🚘

@TWAMotorsports

5 ай бұрын

Thank you

Suck out the fluid from the reservoir, take off the return line, put it in a bucket, crank it up for about 10 seconds and pump the rest out.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I probably should

jeep cherokee steering shaft with u joints will eliminate that rag joint and its bolt in

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I have seen that swap.

The box is used. It could have play already in it. At 90k . I think between the used box and a loose shaft that's were your getting the play at. But at 1800. That new rack might be the trick. But come on the life span of you owning the truck is short. I can already see taillights as its going down the road lol. Just play either way I hope you fix it. Love the channel keep it up brother.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Lol. Stuff like this makes me want to punt sometimes

Just stretch the seatbelt out and tie it to the steering wheel to hold it in place.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Lol

Ive tried everything man. Pitman ,idler, steering box, and new pump, all new front end suspension.... still have play in the steering.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I guess I may have to live with it.

@ajw148

3 жыл бұрын

I got everything new except the box and haven't replaced the rag joint yet but i have it.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I'm going to try a joint there

@Viccr72323

Жыл бұрын

Were you able to fix it?

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

No. Going to rack

Guys, there is an Allen adjustment screw on top. Straighten your wheel, tighten it all the way, back it off a quarter, then tighten to your liking. If it binds, you're too tight

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

Agree, replace box in 3,000 miles from adjustment date.

@carter4627

Жыл бұрын

@TWA Motorsports huh? Not if it's correctly adjusted. They're saginaw box's, they have adjustment specs online

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

Never had luck wth adjustment. Generally wear is what causes the need for adjustment and then failure happens soon after

how do the brakes feel on the truck?

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

soon to be WAY better

@colemcmeans7809

3 жыл бұрын

Mine have always been squishy, thinking it's in the abs module?

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I'm doing nbs master soon

There’s another guy making a video he he replace to the rag joint I don’t know if you got a rag joint but it could be in that

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

I did rag joint replacement too

@johnfought9248

Жыл бұрын

I’m not sure what it is I have the same problem with mine I have a the gearbox off I’m going to send it in to have it rebuilt I have about 4 inches of play Tony other thing I could think of was may be in if the inside bearings are wobbling I haven’t checked out yet it seems to be right there where the steering mechanism connects to the gearbox maybe it’s just a design flaw of Chevrolet I don’t know I’m not a front end specialist my brother-in-law is but he won’t work on it so I haven’t been able to figure it out either

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

Gearboxes are junk is the issue

@johnfought9248

Жыл бұрын

You may be right there are some people saying that rack and pinion is better but I think it cost you about $1800 to have your vehicle converted over

@TWAMotorsports

Жыл бұрын

Yeah the rack isn't cheap

Pretty wild looks like you stole my truck lol except for the wheels its the same lol

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Lol

2 to 4 inches is OEM standard of play

@TWAMotorsports

2 жыл бұрын

That's crazy

Never been this early

@blakewolfe2968

3 жыл бұрын

same

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Lol. Get in early

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

👍

What size is your tires?

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Not sure. Not the same front and back. I bought the truck with them on it.

@jeffstanley2324

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports it's embossed on tires

@jeffstanley2324

3 жыл бұрын

vimeo.com/165324708 Travis by watching your videos I think you can do a box. This video is a good one just make sure you get a box out salvage yard on 3rd gen Camaro or firebird the best one is iroc. 2 1/4 turn lock to lock but any 3rd gen has good spool valve which is what gives you the feel your looking for. You'll have better box than turn 1 or redhead.

@jeffstanley2324

3 жыл бұрын

www.ebay.com/itm/1982-92-Camaro-Firebird-Quick-Ratio-Steering-Box-2-1-4-TURN-GM-OEM-IMCA-TPI-/353096821345?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286

@jeffstanley2324

3 жыл бұрын

Just so you don't think I'm pulling your chain here is a video of my truck I've since added a full ride tech coil over suspension system and a d1sc procharger to this truck. If you need more info just let me know on box kzread.info/dash/bejne/gJ53zKWIn6atqLw.html

Must have been filmed before you got the kerosene heater

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

No it was after but don't run it while I'm filming

Hey Whats up

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

What up

I think I'm seeing the same slop on my steering gear that you are. I can rotate the steering shaft/spline and you barely see the grease fitting on the pitman arm move. This is my original steering gear on my 170K 1996 Yukon. I've been debating a new steering gear from Lee Powersteering, Redhead, or AGR. kzread.info/dash/bejne/i4N7uNWlltu2m9I.html

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I think I may try agr

@andyfarrior4146

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports Was it the similar slop you're seeing on yours? When you get a new steering gear, hope you post it. Thx. I like your vids.

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Haven't tried agr yet

Wood stove

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

?

@couchrider6228

3 жыл бұрын

For heat in shop

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

I see

Youll never get rid of sloppy steering with a steering box. The tight precision feeling everyone is after for the obs will only be fixed with rack and pinion.

@TWAMotorsports

8 ай бұрын

Which will happen eventually

Ahh can't wait till that gets a 6.0 In it 👍

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

That's going in my 52 flat black truck

@artysmotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

@@TWAMotorsports maybe a different 6.0 haha

@TWAMotorsports

3 жыл бұрын

Maybe eventually