Third-generation Dodge Ram trucks (2003-2008) have amassed a loyal following since the first models rolled off the assembly line. They are strong, reliable workhorses, and owners love to lift and modify them. But like every vehicle, they have their own unique issues, one being steering "wander" and a shorter-than-expected duty cycle from the four-bolt-cover stock power-steering gearbox.

Adding lift kits, 35-inch or larger tires, and wider wheels can exacerbate those steering box issues, which, in some instances, results in shearing of the output (sector) shaft where the pitman arm connects.

"All 2003-2008 Dodge Ram trucks will eventually distort the [steering-gearbox] casting and have these issues," says Jeff Grantmeyer, sales manager for Borgeson Universal Company. "It's more prevalent on the 5.9-liter Cummins-equipped trucks because of the diesel's heavier front-end weight."

"The factory gears are also susceptible to having the pitman [sector] shaft shear off if using a dropped pitman arm with a lift and larger tires, as it changes the stress points and leverage on the shaft. Shearing will always happen at very low speed, such as parking, when the steering is under the most load," says Jeff.

Those third-gen steering issues prompted Dodge to change to a considerably more robust Delphi Series 684 six-bolt-cover Big Box (Mopar PN 68170214AA) in the 2009-later Ram models. The larger power-steering gearbox has since proved itself to have a much longer life expectancy while correcting the steering wander and sector shaft failure issues.

The good news for 2003-2008 Dodge Ram truck owners is the beefier, bigger power-steering box is an easy bolt-in retrofit for the older rigs, and Borgeson Universal Company is one of the first aftermarket suppliers to offer their version, called the "Dodge Box." The Borgeson Dodge Box is the same power-steering gearbox as the six-bolt-cover Mopar offering.

The larger casting is fitted with a more robust sector shaft, bigger bearings, and a larger piston than the smaller box it replaces. The factory sector shaft for the 2003-2008 Dodge Ram trucks is 1.355 inches in diameter, while the Delphi Series 684 in this application utilizes a 1.77-inch-diameter shaft. The OEM box uses an 80mm piston, whereas the Borgeson Dodge Box uses a 85mm piston to provide more steering assist for larger tires.

The difference between the 2009-newer Mopar Big Box and the Dodge Box that Borgeson makes is the splined end of the larger-diameter sector shaft, sized to fit the smaller diameter 2003-2008 stock pitman arm by machining down and resplining the exposed end. Everything else inside the larger steering-box casting remains untouched according to Jeff.

The only potential drawback when upgrading to the bigger steering box, whether Borgeson, Mopar, or another brand, is its compatibility with the popular aftermarket Dodge Ram steering-box braces. "Being that the pitman shaft on our Dodge Box is farther off the frame than stock on the 2003-2008 models," says Jeff, "some of these [aftermarket] braces work and some of them don't. It just depends on the amount of adjustability in the brace itself."

The aftermarket Sinister Diesel steering-box support on the 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 receiving this Borgeson steering-box upgrade at Mobile Diesel Service in Sutherlin, Oregon, won't fit on the Dodge Box, but that's not an issue; Jeff says the larger power-steering box really doesn't need that extra support because there's no flex in this bigger steering box and sector shaft, unlike in the smaller stock gearbox.

Upgrading from the original Dodge Ram power steering gearbox to the bigger, beefier Dodge Box is easy on the 2003-2008 2500/3500 trucks. It's a straight bolt-in replacement on trucks that are using stock or drop pitman arms on the smaller factory box.

Josh Hunt, one of the talented diesel technicians at Mobile Diesel Service, swapped the stock steering box for the Borgeson Dodge Box in no time. The 2008 Dodge Ram 2500 has more than 328,000 miles and the wear in the OEM box (the truck's second) made a bunch of "sawing" on the steering wheel necessary to keep the truck straight going down the road.

While the steering-box swap is underway, Josh also replaced the factory telescoping steering shaft with a heavy-duty Borgeson steering shaft, along with new ball joints and tie-rod ends. They're all common wear items on heavy-duty four-wheel-drive truck steering systems.

The gallery of images shows the basic steps Josh takes while upgrading the stock 2003-2008 Dodge Ram power-steering gearbox with a new Borgeson Dodge Box.

In episode 1 of the new video series 4x4 Garage , host Christian Hazel tears down the suspension of a 1988 Ford Bronco for a 6-inch Superlift system and dives into the axles to prep them for new 4.88 gears and Eaton TrueTrac differentials to support the 37x12.50R17 Falken A/T3W all-terrain tires for awesome performance. Want to see more? Subscribe to the MotorTrend YouTube channel!