Gear box started locking up today. Has been sloppy for the last 100,000 or so miles. Adjusted it a while back. Think its time for a new one. What's good now? I've heard good and bad things about redhead. Oem got me this far so? Not buying one from auto parts like autozone etc. let me know what's good. Price not an issue.

 

If price isn't an issue, then just get a Red Head.

That said, the gear box in my '99 F250 was replaced with an OEM unit a year or so (probably longer) before I bought the truck from Clay last year, and it works great. Keep in mind I have a 6" lift and am running 37's on 18x10 wheels.

Stewart

 

Red head it is. Thanks Stewart.

 

I had a red head put on in the spring and have been very happy with the improvements it made. Good luck with your decision!

 

I would do the "something else" unless you just like paying extra for advertisement.

 

Im very happy with my Redhead

 

I hope so, it's rebuilt.

 

Then what would you suggest?

 

Many don't agree but after 50 years of working with car parts I say a rebuilt is a rebuilt and I would just go to the local auto parts store, buy what they got, and make sure it has a decent warranty on it. There is a lot of hype on some parts but that just means they have to raise the price to keep the hype coming. It's much easier to deal face to face locally if anything ever does go wrong.

 

Problem with me is my truck makes me money. I'm always on the road and never home. So cheap parts are not an option. Break downs cost me time and money. Say for example I buy the cheapest part with a lifetime warranty and the part breaks multiple times but I get the part for free. There's still the labor for swapping it plus the down time.

 

Also rebuilds do vary. I bought a reman alternator from oriellys that I've swapped out 5 times in one year. Brought the last one to a local rebuild shop told him what I wanted which was 250 amps and reliable. $800 later and 4 years down the road I'm still on that same alternator.

 

Yeah, when you depend on your vehicle to pay your mortgage, wasting time swapping Chinese made "lifetime" warranty parts is not worth it.

I also replaced my OEM alternator with a HD 250Amp for about $700. The internals are much beefier than the OEM 160A unit and I expect it'll last another 10+ years.

I also put a RedHead on my Ex knowing it's a rebuild. I have no fear of a rebuild if it's rebuilt by a reputable company that understands the wear elements and put well engineered parts into the rebuild. These can be better than OEM if done properly.

I had a ton of slop in my steering rack no matter how much I adjusted it. After I replaced it I've had no problems in over a year of regular use.

 

Who said anything about cheap? I'm just saying they are all the same, Autozone is not going to sell crummy parts with no warrantee. There is no silver bullet when it comes to rebuilt parts, they are all basically the same. Redhead is just another rebuilder but they paint them red, have a catchy name, and advertise a lot.................it's all the same stuff. Did you think Redhead never has problems? Read about them in here.
I'm done with this thread.

 

This isn't a personal attack. I just want everyone to know there are quality differences in products from different suppliers.

Of course, every supplier has problems and I've read the Redhead thread. Fortunately, I haven't experienced any of the reported problems.

And unfortunately Autozone does sell crummy parts and with a lifetime warranty! The point is, all rebuilds AREN'T the same. It's true that several of the major chains use the same suppliers and as a result have similar quality.

I have 2 friends who used to work at Autozone and they refuse to buy anything with "Duralast" in the name.

 

"Lifetime warranty" means "you're going to be replacing me for the rest of your life".

Love my Redhead. No problems, and tighter steering than OEM.

Mark