Complete Section 1.2a first. The front end rebuild must be done before this job. Installing a new steering box on worn linkages is a waste of money — you cannot accurately feel what the box contributes until the joints are tight.
What the Box Actually Does — and Why It Wears
The OBS uses a recirculating ball steering box — a robust design that was standard on American trucks for decades. The problem is internal wear. The recirculating ball mechanism develops play over time, and while the box has an adjuster screw that can tighten it up to a point, an over-adjusted worn box creates a tight spot on-centre with slop either side — which is arguably worse than uniform play.
Do not attempt to adjust the existing box before replacing it. Adjustment is a temporary measure on a worn unit and will create new problems. Replace it.
What You Actually Gain
What You Need
Mandatory
- Quick Ratio Steering Box (12.7:1) Borgeson 800134
- Power Steering Fluid (1–1.5L) ACDelco 19329450
- Pitman Arm (reuse from 1.2a if already replaced, otherwise install) Moog K6335
Recommended
- Power Steering Hoses (inspect — replace if cracked) Inspect both high and low pressure lines
- Power Steering Fluid Flush kit Turkey baster method works — flush old fluid whilst you're in there
Skip the Hunting
Get the box and fluid delivered
This is a genuinely bigger investment than a generic remanufactured box would suggest, the correct part is a purpose-built quick-ratio unit, not a cheap swap. After re-sourcing it myself and catching the wrong part number above, I built an OBS-UAE steering box kit through OBScure Parts, the parts store I also run, covering the box and fluid as one order. Add the pitman arm separately if you haven't already replaced it in the front end rebuild. Full story on why it exists here.
View the Kit at OBScure Parts →Where to Find the Parts
Best Route — Order from US
- RockAuto.com — Borgeson 800134
- Ship via Aramex Shop & Ship to UAE
- Allow 7–10 days from order
- Significantly cheaper than UAE retail
No core exchange on this part, it's a new, purpose-built unit, not a remanufactured OEM box. Nothing to return.
UAE — If You Need It Now
- VEGA Auto Spare Parts — Al Quoz, Dubai
- WERKS Motorsport — enquire for specialist order
- Sharjah Industrial — ask for remanufactured GM steering box
UAE availability is inconsistent. Call ahead. Pricing will be higher than ordering direct.
The Process
- Place a drain pan under the steering box. Disconnect both power steering hoses from the box — fluid will drain. Cap the hoses to prevent contamination.
- Remove the pitman arm from the box using a pitman arm puller. Do not use a hammer or pickle fork.
- Remove the steering shaft coupler from the top of the box — note the position before removal.
- Remove the three mounting bolts holding the box to the frame. The box is heavy — support it before removing the last bolt.
- Install new box onto frame. Torque mounting bolts to 95 Nm.
- Reconnect steering shaft coupler. Ensure steering wheel is centred before tightening.
- Reconnect power steering hoses. Torque fittings — do not overtighten.
- Install pitman arm onto new box. Torque to 185 Nm.
- Fill power steering reservoir with fresh fluid. Start engine — do not run dry.
- Turn lock to lock slowly three times to bleed air from system. Check for leaks at all connections.
- Top up fluid. Road test. Check centre position of steering wheel — minor alignment tweak may be needed.
Hand This Over
"Replace the power steering box with the new Borgeson quick-ratio unit I have provided. Use a proper pitman arm puller to remove and refit the pitman arm, do not use a hammer. When refitting the steering shaft, the steering wheel must be centred. After fitting, fill with fresh power steering fluid, start the engine and turn lock-to-lock slowly three times to bleed the system. Check all hose connections for leaks before returning the vehicle."
This Upgrade Fits
The confirmed Borgeson 800134 covers both 2WD and 4WD trucks across the full 1988–1998 range as a single part, no year-specific variation to worry about here.
Complete the Steering Upgrade
- Next — 1.2c Borgeson Steering Shaft — the final piece. Eliminates the rag joint flex between your hands and the box. Independent job, can be done any time, significant improvement in steering feel and feedback.