steering box
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More Turbo
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 527
Likes: 6
From: Jamestown Tn
steering box
I have been having a problem with a lot of sway in the steering. I just took it to my local mech to put it on the lift. He and I both checked the tie rods and all the suspension. All seemed tight. The problem is the steering wheel will turn almost 3 inches before any movement in the steering happens in the front of the truck. we had the front end up on jack as well to check this out. The conclusion was the the steering box is bad. I also have a completely shot damper. I just ordered a new rough country damper so that's done. My question is I need ford part YC3Z-3504-ABRM for my truck(checked with the dealer) I have a 02/11/02 build date. Is there any good after market steering boxes available by MOOG or any reputable supplier? Or is the ford one the best bet. I want to buy online but then I have to return the core bla bla bla and pay 2x shipping etc. thanks jeff
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,037
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From: Florida
Red Head is generally regarded as the best. Supposedly the Ford boxes are also rebuilds, I had a Ford replacement fail less than 18 months after install. Red head was better out of the box, and is holding up good. Here is a link: Red Head Steering Gears - Steering Gear | Steering Gear Box
Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 2,613
Likes: 8
From: North Georgia
Pop the hood and look down at the steering box...
See that nut with the allan screw head sticking up?
Loosen the nut... and tighten down the allan screw a couple turns...
Check steering play...
Couple more turns...
Check steering again...
Rinse and repeat until tight...
See that nut with the allan screw head sticking up?
Loosen the nut... and tighten down the allan screw a couple turns...
Check steering play...
Couple more turns...
Check steering again...
Rinse and repeat until tight...
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,910
Likes: 2
From: Hat Creek Ca
Be really careful with the adjusting screw on top of the box. Even a slight over tightening can destroy whats left of the box. There is some sort of "crush washer" that that screw works against and if it is crushed your box is dust. If you do adjust it it would be best to have the front end off of the ground and do it in small increments while testing the play from lock to lock to make sure it is not binding up.
As for the Red Head box I wish that I had known about them before I had my box replaced. The shop that did the work went through something like 12 boxes before they found one that they would install and stand behind.
As for the Red Head box I wish that I had known about them before I had my box replaced. The shop that did the work went through something like 12 boxes before they found one that they would install and stand behind.
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New User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 13
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Red Head is generally regarded as the best. Supposedly the Ford boxes are also rebuilds, I had a Ford replacement fail less than 18 months after install. Red head was better out of the box, and is holding up good. Here is a link: Red Head Steering Gears - Steering Gear | Steering Gear Box
what does a red head box go for, im in the need of one for my truck , and have heard good things about them.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,037
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From: Florida
I can't recall but it was a bit more than the other options. Honestly the best thing to do would be to phone them for current price; that's what I did and they were very forthcoming with information. They'll probably want your old one shipped back as a core.
New User
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
thnks, ill give them a shout,truck needs some other stuff done so its pretty low on the priority list now, maybe in the fall.
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