Replacement Steering gear question

[endless]

I was just told by a repair shop that I need to replace my steering box and pitman arm. They advised the vehicle is unsafe to drive. They are quoting me $771 to pefrom this work. I decided I will do the work on my own. I had a few questions on this repair. The vehicle is a 1997 4x4 blazer, I wanted to upgrade the steering to the ZQ8 Sterring box. What part number would I need from http://www.oreillyauto.com

Also Would it be a good choice to go with Moog branded componets or just use the OEM branded parts. Would this also be a good time to replace the Idler Arm aswell ?


Thanks

[fast68chevy]

moog

the store cheap stuff w ehave used many times and always ends up junk wonr out in a couple months

700 bucks is wayyyyyyy too much labor charge for replacing a steering box and a couple steering parts

we would charge no more than 200 or so

and never do

i cant believe what ppl will pay for auto repair

its crazy,,

replace anything that is worn, you can check them yourself its not that hard, get a person to rorate the steering wheel quickly back and ofrth and watch each steering part for side to side or any other abnormal motion

idler arms and pitman arms and steeing boxes are the first things to go at around 200k miles

very common

full size trucks too,

same deal.,

we do lots and lots of these all the time.

[S15vortecpwr]

if that 700 includes moog parts and labor, it not a bad deal.

[crash55]

do it yourself 'we will walk ya thru it start oiling down the bolts that attach the gear to the frame now with pbs blaster & give them a squirt every day or so till ya do the job they will come out much easier while it is off put a new rag joint in

[endless]

How Can I check to verify if the Steering gear is actually bad. So when I check the pitman arm Im just looking for sloppy movement with it