Yukon Gear 03-08 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Power Steering Gear Box
Owners of 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks know the feeling: the steering goes vague, the truck needs constant small corrections on the interstate, and the front end seems to have a mind of its own after a bump. The steering gear is one of the parts that wears on these heavy, solid-front-axle trucks, especially with a Cummins up front and a trailer behind. The Yukon Gear & Axle ZSG7616 is a new power steering gear box from Yukon's USA Standard Gear line for this generation of Ram heavy-duty pickups. It is not a rebuild, and there is no core to return.
The box mounts to the driver-side frame rail ahead of the front axle. The steering column's intermediate shaft turns the box's input shaft, and a recirculating-ball gear converts that into rotation of the sector shaft. The pitman arm on the sector shaft swings the drag link, which steers the knuckles through the tie rod. Hydraulic assist from the engine-driven pump is applied inside the box. Because the front axle moves up and down independently of the frame, the box, the track bar and the drag link all have to stay tight for the truck to steer precisely. Per the manufacturer, this box is 3.0 turns lock-to-lock on 2500/3500 trucks.
Start the engine and, with the truck on the ground, have someone rock the steering wheel while you watch the box from the driver-side wheel well. If the input shaft rotates while the pitman arm stays put, the play is inside the gear. If the pitman arm moves with the wheel, the box is doing its job and the slack is downstream. On these trucks check the track bar ends and bushings, drag link and tie rod ends, ball joints and the steering shaft joints carefully, because a loose track bar is a common cause of the shake and wander that gets blamed on the box. Also check fluid level and pump noise. If you are chasing a clunk that comes with acceleration or shifting rather than steering, read our 48RE whine and clunk diagnosis guide first.
This listing fits 2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups. The manufacturer also lists 2006-2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4 for this part number, with 3.3 turns lock-to-lock on that truck. Earlier 1997-2002 Ram 2500/3500 4x4 trucks use a different box, the 1997-2002 Ram 2500/3500 steering gear (ZSG7585). Compare your old box's mounting bolts, input shaft and line ports with the product photos, or send us your year and VIN to confirm. Most automatic Cummins trucks in this range use the 48RE, with the 68RFE arriving on the 6.7L in mid-2007; parts are in our 48RE parts collection.
Ball joints often go at the same time on these trucks; our ball joint and U-joint press kit is sized for heavy-duty pickups. For known issues in the drivetrain, see 48RE Ram 2500 Cummins common problems.
| Brand | Yukon Gear & Axle |
| Part number | ZSG7616 |
| Fits | Yukon Gear 03-08 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Power Steering Gear Box |
| Vehicle fitment | Dodge Ram 2500/3500 Power Steering (2003-2008) |
| Type | Power Steering Pumps |
| Condition | New |
| Ships | Same business day (in stock), from the USA |
| Warranty | 1-year |
The listing covers 2003-2008 Ram 2500 and 3500 pickups and does not split by drive type, so compare the mounting pattern and input shaft on your old box to the photos, or send us your VIN and we will confirm.
The manufacturer lists this part number for 2006-2008 Ram 1500 Mega Cab 4x4, at 3.3 turns lock-to-lock. Send us your VIN if you want us to double-check before ordering.
Not by itself. Violent front-end shake after a bump on solid-axle trucks usually starts with a worn track bar, tie rod ends, ball joints or tire balance. A worn box adds slack, so replace it when it tests bad, but inspect the whole front end.
No. It is a new box, not rebuilt, and there is no core return.
No. 1997-2002 Ram 2500/3500 4x4 trucks use the ZSG7585 box, which has a different ratio of 4.1 turns lock-to-lock.
Use the power steering fluid named on the reservoir cap or in your owner's manual. Flush the old fluid, then bleed the system by turning lock-to-lock with the front tires raised.
