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.
The Delphi 600-series is a remanufactured unit built to tighter tolerances than the original. It is a direct bolt-on replacement — same mounting points, same shaft, same hydraulic connections. The improvement in on-centre feel and overall steering precision is consistently reported as the most noticeable single upgrade in the entire steering system, even more so than the front end rebuild.
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
- Delphi 600-Series Remanufactured Steering Box Delphi SGX0030 / ACDelco 36G0065
- Power Steering Fluid (1–1.5L) ACDelco 89021184 or equivalent
- Pitman Arm (reuse from 1.2a if new, otherwise replace) Moog K6141
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
What It Will Cost (AED)
| Item | Source | Est. Price (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Delphi 600 Remanufactured Box | Order via Aramex / specialist supplier | 900 – 1,400 |
| Power Steering Fluid (1.5L) | Any auto parts | 40 – 80 |
| Pitman Arm (if not replaced in 1.2a) | Sharjah Industrial | 120 – 220 |
| Labour | Independent Sharjah mechanic | 200 – 350 |
| Total | 1,200 – 2,000 |
The Delphi box is not typically stocked in Sharjah. Order via Aramex Shop & Ship from RockAuto (US) — allow 7–10 days. Verify part number against your specific year before ordering.
Where to Find the Parts
Best Route — Order from US
- RockAuto.com — Delphi SGX0030
- Ship via Aramex Shop & Ship to UAE
- Allow 7–10 days from order
- Significantly cheaper than UAE retail
Core charge applies — you return the old box for a refund. Keep your old box.
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 Delphi remanufactured 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. Old box must be kept — it has a core charge return value."
This Upgrade Fits
Verify exact part number against your model year — minor variations exist across the production run. The Delphi SGX0030 covers the majority of K1500 4WD applications.
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.