Guys running DSE 600 steering box -- happy?

[Blown353]

Well, I've noticed over the last few thousand miles my fast ratio GM 800 box has been getting a bit "loose" on-center. I re-lashed it a while back, and while that helped it's still loose-- there's a bit of a "dead zone" until the steering wheel input becomes actual tire movement. The steering box has also been weeping a tiny bit of fluid lately from the pitman shaft; not enough to spot the ground but enough to leave the pitman arm oily and let dirt/dust stick to it. Suspecting that as a sign of a bigger problem, I had someone work the wheel tonight while I laid under the car and I can see the pitman shaft wiggling where it exits the steering box, so the output bushing/bearing has developed some slop (explains the leak, too.)

Rather than rebuild the 800 box yet again, I was thinking of upgrading to a new 600 series box from DSE. If you're running one, are you happy with it?

I wouldn't mind going to R&P but the Chevelle chassis/crossmember and steering shaft location makes a retrofit quite difficult due to crossmember and header interference with the steering shaft. The DSE box seems like a logical choice, just thought I'd ask for some real world experience before shelling out the $500. (and I was hoping to buy new seats in a few weeks!)

Troy