1997 Chevrolet K-1500 Steering Gear Box & Pump

[TexasAggie]

History - originally having trouble steering at low speeds - so I removed the EVO valve from the back of the pump and installed a non-EVO pressure hose from the pump to the gearbox. This seemed to work for a while, but the pump started growling horribly and again it became difficult to steer.

 

In my infinite stupidity, I went to the salvage yard and found a donor truck and removed the gearbox, pump and hoses. The truck had the EVO and the whole smash and the fluid was clean and clear, so I went ahead and installed as it was. I didn't have any problems for about a year, except for the pump making noise at high RPM. Now, the steering has got progressively worse and I can hardly steer at all at low RPM.

 

I went to the dealership and they informed me that the pump & gearbox for this model had been discontinued - and they referred me to a salvage yard.

 

So, I have a few questions...

 

1 - The gearbox and pump that I got from the salvage yard came off of a standard cab truck. Ever since installing, my turning radius has been horrible - a definite difference from my previous box. However, when you go look up the parts at the dealership, they all show the same part number regardless of cab size...what gives? Is there a difference between regular cab, extended cab, etc?

 

2 - Are these gearboxes and pumps truly discontinued or are they simply listed under a different part number without the EVO crap?

 

3 - I am also considering a AGR replacement box and pump...any advice here would be appreciated...

 

Thanks guys...