Red Head Steering gear
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Minnesota
Red Head Steering gear
I know the Red Head steering gear is a popular upgrade. I'm looking into it and wonder how hard it is to install, and what price is a good price. Every time I do a search, my computer crashes. I'm sure it's my internet, but sorry if this has been covered.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
The going price is around $350 plus shipping, and you can save up to $60 if you get in with a group buy. The job took me a couple hours taking my time, and it's not something that's terribly difficult.
I would not attempt this job without a good pitman arm puller and impact wrench. Without the impact wrench separating the pitman arm isn't something I would be willing to tackle!
I would not attempt this job without a good pitman arm puller and impact wrench. Without the impact wrench separating the pitman arm isn't something I would be willing to tackle!
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: N. IL
Super Moderator
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Isanti, MN
Postmaster
Joined: Aug 2012
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From: Westfield, Indiana
Not that hard to do...here is a write up on it for V10's followed by one for Diesels above the original post.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-dummies.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...r-dummies.html
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 160
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From: Colorado
Not hard to install took about an hour and a half there is a great write up on this forum on how to do it. Paid $350 with a $175 core but make sure you keep checking your bank account took about six weeks to get my core back.
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Tuned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 269
Likes: 3
From: Newnan, GA
I thought I would never get the Pittman arm off of the old steering box! Definitely needed a big puller, impact wrench, and heat.
Other than that it's not a bad job to do. The results are profound. Well worth the expense.
I changed the ball joints AGAIN (Moog this time) and re-greased everything under the front end. One item I had missed before was the wheel u-joints. Since they are directly in line with the pivot axis of the front wheels, this made a huge difference too. The u-joints were in good condition but were stiff. This added to the stiffness in turning and lack of steering wheel returning nicely to center.
I also changed the caster bushings while in there. Added some positive caster. Now it drives like a champ.
While trouble shooting steering issues I disconnected the steering damper. I have not reconnected it and will not.
Other than that it's not a bad job to do. The results are profound. Well worth the expense.
I changed the ball joints AGAIN (Moog this time) and re-greased everything under the front end. One item I had missed before was the wheel u-joints. Since they are directly in line with the pivot axis of the front wheels, this made a huge difference too. The u-joints were in good condition but were stiff. This added to the stiffness in turning and lack of steering wheel returning nicely to center.
I also changed the caster bushings while in there. Added some positive caster. Now it drives like a champ.
While trouble shooting steering issues I disconnected the steering damper. I have not reconnected it and will not.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: Danbury, CT
Check the SuperDuty forum for ongoing group buy of red head box. We need at least one more so join in!
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: Pacific Northwest
here is the current group buy thread. in its second generation I might add.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...oup-buy-5.html
on the first buy in that thread, I took my gear off and drove it down to red head and said give me one of these. I do like living in seattle!
DOE
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...oup-buy-5.html
on the first buy in that thread, I took my gear off and drove it down to red head and said give me one of these. I do like living in seattle!
DOE
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