Replacing the steering box on a Ram 2500 or 3500 is a common repair on these solid-axle trucks, especially with larger tires, lifts or plowing. The job involves disconnecting the steering shaft, the pitman arm and the power steering lines, unbolting the box from the frame, and installing the new box with correct centering and torque, then bleeding the steering system. Many owners choose an upgraded aftermarket box with tighter tolerances or a stronger housing.
Signs your Ram’s steering box is worn
- Play in the steering wheel and wandering on the highway
- Constant small corrections needed to drive straight
- Power steering fluid leaks at the box
- Steering that feels notchy or heavy
See bad steering box symptoms and loose steering. Check the track bar, tie rods and ball joints too, since worn front-end parts cause similar symptoms; see death wobble.
Replacement steps overview
- Center the steering wheel and lock it, and mark the steering shaft position.
- Disconnect the steering shaft from the box input.
- Remove the pitman arm with a puller, noting its position.
- Disconnect and cap the pressure and return lines.
- Unbolt the box from the frame and remove it.
- Install the new box, torque the mounting bolts and pitman nut to specification, and reconnect the lines and shaft.
- Fill and bleed the power steering system, then check for leaks and center the wheel.
Fitment by year
Steering boxes are year-specific. The Red-Head steering gear box RH2881 for 2009 to 2020 Ram 2500 and 3500 is listed for 2009 to 2020 trucks at $866.00; check the listing against your year, drivetrain and steering configuration before ordering.
Why Ram heavy-duty boxes wear
Solid front axles, heavy diesel engines over the front wheels, large tires and lifts all load the steering box and its frame mount. Over time the internal gears wear and the frame mount can flex, which together cause play and wandering. A box brace reduces the flex, and tires close to stock size reduce the load.
Upgrades to do at the same time
- A steering box brace to stiffen the mounting on the frame
- Replacing worn tie rod ends and the track bar
- Fresh power steering fluid of the specified type
- A front-end alignment after the work
After installation
Expect the steering to feel tighter. If the truck still wanders, look at the rest of the front end, tire pressures and alignment. If there is pump noise after the swap, there may be air in the system; see power steering pump noise.
Related
See steering box adjustment and, for Cummins Rams, how long a Cummins lasts.
Shipping is a flat $80.00 per order to US addresses, with 15-day free returns. Questions? Ask a parts specialist.