A while back I proclaimed that I would do the Redhead steering box thing on my '72 when I could afford it. I've saved up some money, so I am close to pulling the trigger. When I first decided to look into going this route, everything I read made me think the Redhead box was the greatest thing since sliced bread. However, I have searched out and read some negative posts lately, about them leaking, and their overall company quality level not being as good as it once was. I'd like to hear some opinions from those of you who have a Redhead box on your Bumpside, and especially those who may have dealt with them recently.

Many thanks!!

 

Subscribing. I too will be replacing my box in the near future.

I was gonna go with a redhead for the same reasons, but if quality is going downhill, maybe I'll just get a reman from oreillys.

 

No complaints here.. . the integral PS Redhead gear in my 4WD '73 (swapped to '79 Bronco steering system) works great.

 

Thanks! The quote they sent me is $296 plus shipping to rebuild my box. That way, there is no core charge ($150). I'm sure the shipping won't be cheap from NC to Washington, some 2700 miles, but if the quality is good, I'd think it might be worth it in the long run.

 

I just looked online at oreillys. A rebuilt box with a lifetime warranty is $142. Hmmm...

 

I got mine through O'Reilly's. Although, I could not buy it through my local store. I had to go through their website and have it shipped to my house.

It doesn't have the added needle bearings on the sector shaft but, so far, over a year later, it doesn't leak either. If it does start leaking, it does has a lifetime replacement warranty on it.

 

Watching this thread as well. I purchased my power steering gear through buyautoparts.com. At this point, all I can say is the gear works and doesn't leak (my leak is probably with my fitting).

 

Just got my RedHead Manual Steering Gear installed 2 weeks ago in my 1970 2wd Ranger. Looks good and is incredibly smooth. Couldn't be happier.

 

2X... Installed Moog CC808 variable springs and a RedHead power steeringbox last spring/summer. No leaks, very pleased. A front stabilizer bar and wider rear wheels are next on the list.

 

Not nearly as much response to this question as I expected. Maybe the sentiment has changed, or perhaps it wasn't as strong as I originally thought.

I guess what I was looking for was someone who would say, "You can justify the extra cost because the Redhead box is ___________."

 

If you want the Red Head box, get it. I'm not against them it's just at the time I put my parts store Saginaw box on, I was making a lot of other simultaneous changes on my truck and I had already laid out a lot of cash for all those things. If I had had the extra cash for the Red Head I would have gotten it.

As it is, my parts store (O'Reilly's) refurbished Saginaw gearbox works without problems or leaks. If it ever does become a problem, then I may opt for the Red Head.

 

I'm completely happy with my Redhead steering box. No leaks, ultra tight steering. Great customer service. The thing I like about the Redhead box is the needle bearings. Also, I prefer helping out a smallish, privately owned business than I do a major big box auto parts store that specializes in selling Chinese auto parts.

 

I installed my Red Head box about a year ago. Works great, no leaks and tightened up the steering. I would buy again.
Kenny

 

Thanks, guys! You got me leaning in the Redhead direction again....

 

:-) Definitely tightened the "play"up from my previous steering box had, the seals haven't leaked. The needle bearings should help it "work fine, last long time". The box is heavy and awkward enough it's not a job I want to "needlessly repeat", replacing boxes "under warranty". ;-)