Cured my wandering steering - Page 8

Stewart_H · #**106** (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 02:07 PM

My opinion, this is the only replacement I would consider. Lotta guys love 'e, and swear by 'em.

Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Home

Stewart

Dakrri · #**107** (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 06:20 PM

Red-Head looks like a great product, but I was going to go to the dealership and have them do it....is this a easy enough job to do at home??

Thanks

dakrri

Stewart_H · #**108** (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 07:19 PM

For me, easy or not, aint no dealership parts changer gonna touch my truck unless he's a personal friend and I know his work.

According to the threads in the 7.3L forum, it isn't too difficult to replace.

BTW, do you still have the OEM springs?

Stewart

Monster-4 · #**109** (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dakrri

Red-Head looks like a great product, but I was going to go to the dealership and have them do it....is this a easy enough job to do at home??

Thanks

dakrri

Here's a write-up I did about replacing steering box with a Red Head.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/85...installed.html

EXv10 · #**110** (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stewart_H

For me, easy or not, aint no dealership parts changer gonna touch my truck unless he's a personal friend and I know his work.

According to the threads in the 7.3L forum, it isn't too difficult to replace.

BTW, do you still have the OEM springs?

Stewart

You got that right. It's not a big job, you just need a 34mm socket or wrench and a pitman puller that will fit.

Stewart_H · #**111** (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monster-4

Here's a write-up I did about replacing steering box with a Red Head.

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/85...installed.html

Absolutely LOVE a "How-to" write up that has clear, concise pictures!

Reps to you!

Stewart

Redeyeracing · #**112** (**permalink**) 10-12-2009, 10:28 PM

I just had a red head put on my O1. I love how iy drives....I had a local shop throw it in for me...they charged me 130 bucks. I was a little hesitant to spend the cash but am so glad that I did.

Spend the money for the redhead...well worth it.

capsap33 · #**113** (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 04:12 PM

Thx dbtx for your post on the steering adjustment - AWESOME! will be doing mine very soon - 2000 X Limited 4WD - very slight wander only at highway speed - will post results and post your instructions/links/tips on the Ford Excursion - Ford Forums
sight!

Great forum!

capsap33 · #**114** (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 11:35 AM

Cured mine last night, too - thx to you dbtx! Awesome post dude! Did about (2.5) 1/4 turns, tightened her down, test drove, now she handles like my Dodge Ram 1500 360 V8 - which is about 1/2 the weight LOL - I took her up to 70mph around curves and not once did she "wander"!

Thx dbtx u da man

2005X · #**115** (**permalink**) 11-02-2009, 12:09 AM

OK, have been wanting to make this adjustment for a long time, and trying tonight (and tomorrow now). I can find and feel the steering box from laying under the car, even see the lock nut assembly from the side. Can see the corner of it from above, looking down next to the big air filter housing.

Here's my follow up question: what all really needs to come out to get access enough to make the adjustment? I can't see any way to get down there from above with a open end or adjustable wrench, allen screw and perform the adjustment "as is". I tried to get the air filter out for 15 mins straight tonite, got it loose but still hung up on the "clean side" filter housing tabs down at the bottom. Then I notice one of my battery cables may be in the way, etc... Before I kept going I aborted for the night, it's a work night and just after midnight now.

I'm gonna try again from below to see if I can make it happen, but if must go in from above, what all has to come out -- hoping just the air filter, but looking for some first hand feedback from other 6.0L owners who have done this. Upon edit, looks like you could remove or cut access in the fender skirt, then just pull off drivers front tire and go in throu the fender well, anyone done it?

Thanks,
Geoff.

capsap33 · #**116** (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 08:46 AM

On my 2000 Exc I simply had to remove the air filter mounting plate ((3) 10mm bolts) and I have clear access to the steering box - might be a bit different on your 05.

2005X · #**117** (**permalink**) 11-03-2009, 10:29 PM

Yeah, gotta be quite different. The 6.0L air filter is different as well as a lot of other stuff. I think that pulling the aif filter out will only display the battery shelf, so guessing that driver side batter and tray also need to come out.

All this would be OK, but everyone says to take a half turn, then drive and do it again, etc... If all that stuff has to come out, no way it's gonna go back in just to take a test drive and do it again, yaknow... Gotta be a better way on the 6.0 L psd.

Geoff.

Quote:

Originally Posted by capsap33

On my 2000 Exc I simply had to remove the air filter mounting plate ((3) 10mm bolts) and I have clear access to the steering box - might be a bit different on your 05.

mikewrt · #**118** (**permalink**) 11-04-2009, 07:42 AM

Because I like to see what I'm working on I removed the air filter and battery then the air filter/battery tray to make the adjustment around the intercooler cold side pipe easier. I then temporarily installed the air filter and let it gently rest on the IC pipe. I used a ratchet strap to temporarily hold the drivers battery around the metal bracket that holds the air filter/battery tray. I then went for a gentle test drive. No crazy left or right turns or fast accelerations, every time I opened the hood nothing had moved. After a couple of adjustments I had it all put back together. In hind sight there is only 4 screws that hold the air filter/battery tray down though you prob only need to install 2 for test drive.

scottf4444 · #**119** (**permalink**) Today, 05:28 PM

My wife and daughters went to my parents house Sunday to bake Christmas cookies leaving me the day to play with the Ex. This has been on my "to do" list for a while so I figured...What the heck?

30 minutes later on my test drive I was laughing at myself wondering why I didn't do this years ago. This was so easy and the results are awesome! I did just over one full turn and on the way to work this morning I decided that I'm going to do another 1/4 to 1/2 turn when I get home tonight. Needless to say, this adjustment is VERY cool.

.