Redhead gearbox
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
The alignment will usually fall into place after balljoints are put in and a toe in is easy to do yourself.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 13
From: Forest lake minnesota
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I don't dislike them, I just would never waste my money on one. It's like buying a gold plated pipe wrench, what for? What is in them that is so special? Are there highly paid technicians working on them?
Also; Edison wasn't a mechanic, he was an electrical genius and greatly improved the light bulb.
Also; Edison wasn't a mechanic, he was an electrical genius and greatly improved the light bulb.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,602
Likes: 148
From: SE Georgia
While I like the thought of a redhead if/when I replace my box...I can't justify the $$$. Parts store is 3-4 miles away and the "OEM" replacement is cheap.
like when he electrocuted the elephant with AC?
like when he electrocuted the elephant with AC?
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,313
Likes: 19
From: Louisiana
Some of you guys REALLY make me wonder sometimes. Those that say they wouldn't "waste" the money, have you ever used a Redhead? They are a local company up here in Washington and are great people and will work with you to get you the best performance for your buck. I would absolutely use Redhead for my needs all day every day.
FTE Chapter Leader
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 30,591
Likes: 1,236
From: N. IL
Had mine for a couple years; been happy with it. Group buy made the price reasonable. Installed it along with new hoses and a new cheapo ps pump which needed to be replaced. Reinstalled Ford ps pump and took off one of the dampers; been happily steering ever since.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
From: Walnut Grove Langley BC
I put a RedHead in last summer and it really tightened things up. It was the last piece of the puzzle after replacing pretty much the entire front end. Excursion is my first used truck and I couldn't deal with the sloppy feel in the steering wheel.
As far as a waste of money; thats subjective. Personally for me, anytime I've gone the cheaper alternative with vehicle parts it seems to cost me money in the long run. Because of that I don't screw around with trying the bargain basement part. If I wanted to be cheap I would have bought a Dodge.
As far as a waste of money; thats subjective. Personally for me, anytime I've gone the cheaper alternative with vehicle parts it seems to cost me money in the long run. Because of that I don't screw around with trying the bargain basement part. If I wanted to be cheap I would have bought a Dodge.
Senior User
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Roseville, CA
I guess i should've updated a long time ago. I suck as a fellow human being. 
With the punishment and full confession out of the way, Auto zone gearbox is doing good a year+ later. I'm thinking about slightly tightening the box adjustment due to this summer my wife told others on a camping trip that she would drive on the ladies outing that day but they needed to know she would 'steer alot'. Not sure why she said that but i am assuming my truck steers a little different then her 1996 mitsubishi mirage. I did notice over the last couple weeks the feeling of wander again but not sure if it's not just in my head. Tighten a small amount should tell me and it is super easy to do.
With the punishment and full confession out of the way, Auto zone gearbox is doing good a year+ later. I'm thinking about slightly tightening the box adjustment due to this summer my wife told others on a camping trip that she would drive on the ladies outing that day but they needed to know she would 'steer alot'. Not sure why she said that but i am assuming my truck steers a little different then her 1996 mitsubishi mirage. I did notice over the last couple weeks the feeling of wander again but not sure if it's not just in my head. Tighten a small amount should tell me and it is super easy to do.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
I bought a redhead box for my Bronco a few years ago and it really made a huge difference in steering over the stock box with 140k on it. I can't compare it to a cheap POS from the Chinese auto parts store, but then again I don't put parts like that my on my truck. When my Ex needs a new box, I promise you it's getting a redhead.