I put a reman steering box from Advance Auto with a lifetime warranty in my 78 F-150 4x4 about 6-7 years ago. A year ago when I got the truck inspected in VA the shop I took it to didn't want to sign off on the inspection because the steering box was too loose. It has maybe 25,000 miles on it since the box was replaced. I took it to a second shop and they gave me a new sticker but did say it felt pretty loose. I need to get it inspected again (actually am expired now) and want to take care of this problem before I take it back in. Concern is more about safety than a new sticker.

I could take it back to Advance and exchange it, but frankly, my time is more valuable to me than caring about a warranty for something that has already proven to be not that great. I don't care if I need to pay for a rebuild again as long as it will last for me and not be a problem.

What is a good place to get a proven high quality rebuild from?

 

Avoid the "rebuilt" steering boxes from the chain stores, they're just resealed and repainted and a waste of your time and money, these guys are highly recommended...Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Home

 

Thanks, exactly what I was looking for.

And what I suspected on the chain store reman.

They probably just tightened the adjustment on it which only worked temporarily (and chewed it up more in the process).

 

They're not cheap, but the box is better than new when they get done with it. I've been to the shop, they are professional, helpful and build a really good box.

 

(x2) on the Red Head boxes.....I have one in my F-250 & love it!!!

 

I haven't heard back yet on my email, and have been busy during business hours to call.

What are we talking about here on cost? Chain store is $200-250 for a reman, so is ballpark with red-head $300 or more like 4-500?

 

Mine was $326.00 about 3 weeks ago. You will need to send them a core for rebuild.
By the way the chain store stuff is not remanufactured. It is resealed and repainted. Red head replaces or rebuilds all the internals and they bore the case out to accept needle bearings where Ford just used the cast iron housing for bushings. Much better box. When I was in the shop they were REAL busy so it may take a while to get back to you. They are good people and real helpful.

 

Don't forget they are on the West Coast so it is 3 hours earlier. I think their hours are till 4:30 or 5:00 which would be 7:30 or 8:00 VB time.

 

Thanks for the info.

$326 is ok, particularly when weighing the difference between fixing my 78 and buying a newer used or a new truck.

 

wow I just emailed the company the other day got my email back today price sounded pretty good for my truck especially for a better then new steering box