What's new
CK5
Register an account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members.

AGR or PSC?? Advice needed

Eric M.

Eric M.

1/2 ton status
Joined
Dec 10, 2001
Posts
2,142
Reaction score
3
Location
Oakland, CA
I have an AGR steering box in a 91 Burb. Stock suspension, 33 x 10.50 tires, all street driving. The sector shaft clip snapped and the arm dropped about 1/4" losing all the fluid. AGR says the box will need a complete rebuild for $185 plus shipping both ways. The thing that worries me is the box was 4 years old and only had 25K miles on it.

I can get the same box from PSC, shipped, for $390.00. I've heard AGR is (or was) having some quality issues. I thought it might have been only if you were doing some extreme wheeling, not just city driving.

What do you guys think? What are your experience with AGR and PSC? I don't mind spending $180.00 more for something that will last. I have hydroboost, when the P/S system fails, the steering and brakes both go ... not fun and getting towed home is never anything to be proud of.


Thanks,

Eric M.


UPDATE: Called PSC, they will rebuild the AGR box to their standards with their parts for $100 - $125 plus shipping. I think I'll do that.
 
I would go PSC every time! I have no personal experiance with either company but, PSCs reputation is good enough for me!
 
No first hand experience but, Years ago, maybe '01 or '02 a buddy of mine bought a brand new AGR box, and leaked within weeks. Granted it was a long time ago. I dont recall ever reading a thread where someone was bad mouthing PSC. When i redo my steering, ill be going with PSC.
 
I'm going all PSC on my stuff other than the box... hydro, pump, etc.....,.. I have NEVER heard one bad word about their products...
 
I bought an AGR box years ago and it was a pile of crap. That is when I decided it was time for me to learn how to rebuild these boxes and have been doing so ever since. :whistle:

I've built a couple for members here recently. :deal: :D

Why don't you bring me your box and at least let me take it apart to see what is going on, then if you want I can rebuild it if you agree to my pricing. I can even drill and tap for hydro assist at the same time if you ever intend to add hydro assist later on down the road.
 
Eric
Is clip that you are talking about the one between the pitman arm and the seal? If that is the one that broke just replace the seal and the clip and you are good. IIRC the sector shaft shouldn't be able to drop unless the shaft or housing is broken.
 
38377k5 said:
Why aftermarket steering box or pump?
Click to expand...

Good question, I was asking myself the same thing as I waited for the tow truck.
I've always had lots of vehicles and have been doing all the work on them myself for the last 25 years. I've noticed over the years that the quality of replacement parts has really fallen. Starters and altinators with lifetime warranties that need to be replaced every 6 months are fine if you have the free time to change them and don't mind getting stranded from time to time. Nothing seems to hold up as well as the original parts, but, buying new from the dealer costs a fortune.

This Suburban is used for long trips, I wanted to make sure I didn't have any problems with it, so, I went with an aftermarket box. I went with a box from Kragen at first and it didn't work right out of the store.

It's a hard call, I'd like to say you get what you pay for, but that isn't always the case. I guess it's trial and error, post your experience on the internet and do your research before you buy. I only have one AGR box and I learned from this site shortly after that AGR was having quality issues. Every box since has been PSC. Judging from the responses to this post I'm doing the right thing, just wish I'd done a little more research before I bought the box for my Burb 4 years ago.

Eric M.
 
Got my box rebuilt by PSC. Good price, shipping adds up, about $35 each way. Put it in, seems to be doing fine. PSC mentioned a "Tri Bering" that AGR uses instead of a sleeve at the top of the sector shaft that has been failing in the AGR boxes. Maybe this is the problem AGR is having with their boxes???

Anyone else see their AGR Tri Bering fail?


Eric M.
 
Eric M. said:
Got my box rebuilt by PSC. Good price, shipping adds up, about $35 each way. Put it in, seems to be doing fine. PSC mentioned a "Tri Bering" that AGR uses instead of a sleeve at the top of the sector shaft that has been failing in the AGR boxes. Maybe this is the problem AGR is having with their boxes???

Anyone else see their AGR Tri Bering fail?


Eric M.
Click to expand...

what did PSC charge for a rebuild?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Latest Posts

Top Bottom