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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 07:50 AM
  #1  
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jimschevey
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May need steering box

I was hit the other day by an 88 Dodge Diplomat, still not sure where he came from. he clipped the corner of the front bumper caught the inside of my tire just right to turn the wheel. looking at the damage while the vehicles were together all i needed was a bumper and the lower valance, he needs everything from the windshield to the front bumper. i was in a parking lot exiting work , raining, 11:00 at night, moving about 5 to 7 mph. as i backed my 02 F-250 5.4 4 wheel drive up i notice that i had no steering. nothing is bound up underneath, the problem is in the steering box. when you turn the steering wheel you can see it will only turn the shaft in certain areas. the steering shaft is fine. i took pics with my phone but at 11:00 at night they are not good. i will take pics of it today. change of plan, i can not figure out how to insert a picture
 
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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 09:57 AM
  #2  
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Rick03F250
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From: Preston co. WV
That bites a big one.
to bad I cant find anyone to hit mine in both rear wheel wells, I could use a little rust proofing lol
 
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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 10:02 AM
  #3  
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cartmanea
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I just bought a wrecked '08 that hit a wall at an angle and the steering gear is broken in it. The input shaft broke internally and the steering wheel just spins. I found a salvage yard one to replace it, but I would recommend getting a rebuild from Red Head, they are better quality than OEM. Also, since your steering wheels spins freely, you will more than likely need to replace the clockspring in the steering column since turning too far one way can damage it. Even if it's not damaged, it may be moved too far from center and fail in the future.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 10:58 AM
  #4  
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bill11012
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From: Texas
Red head is the way to go.

After replacing the same one with A1 cardone and motorcraft rebuilds sevral times, I went with the red head.

Much much better than stock.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 06:39 PM
  #5  
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if i turn it too far to the left it will stick and not turn back to the right. i have been looking into the redhead steering boxes, didnt know they were remanufactured.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 06:47 PM
  #6  
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bill11012
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Yes, they are hand built. They replace the bushings with needle bearings.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 06:47 PM
  #7  
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cartmanea
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Yes, they are rebuilt with better components and tolerances.
 
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Old Oct 28, 2010 | 06:58 PM
  #8  
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Monster-4
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Big fan of Red Head as well.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2010 | 10:58 AM
  #9  
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jimschevey
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thanks to all for the point in the right direction. Red Head is where i will be looking. Can someone point out how you upload pictures. Lots of buttons
 
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Old Oct 29, 2010 | 12:48 PM
  #10  
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GUNNERDOG
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From: North Carolina
Yep, readhead, don't waste your time with the "autozone reman..." I did and now im sorry. I am saving up for the readhead.

Before you spend money though, make sure the steering shaft is tight on the steering gear input shaft... if i remember correctly it is tightened down onto it with a single bolt, if that bolt came loose or broke it might exhibit the symptoms you are talking about. Mine has a cheepo plastic cover on it, so you might not see it if you arent looking for it.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2010 | 08:44 PM
  #11  
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thank you, i will definately be pulling the plastic cover tomorrow to check the bolt. i seen the plastic cover yesterday, still wondering why it is there
 
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Old Oct 29, 2010 | 08:47 PM
  #12  
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cartmanea
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Its just a shield to keep stuff from collecting on the shaft and rubbing on the upper seal.
 
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Old Oct 29, 2010 | 10:44 PM
  #13  
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RedHead no question in my mind. There is nothing else like it.
 
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Old Nov 7, 2010 | 09:14 AM
  #14  
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well, it turned out i needed a steering box. Due to price of fuel,this close to christmas and the fact that it is a 2002 model i went with a junk yard steering box. Easy to take out and install. Anyone know why my steering wheel is not centered. The junk yard steering box was donated by a 2002 model. The steering shaft only goes on the box one way.
 
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