1965 F250 manual steering box questions

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 15, 2014 | 10:27 AM

Camper Special Gene

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 44

Likes: 0

1965 F250 manual steering box questions

I recently installed a Red Head reconditioned manual steering box on my 1965 F250 and am happy with it, but have 2 questions:

What should the large nut at the bottom of the steering box be torqued to? I torqued it to 90 ft lbs and stopped. While it is a large nut in diameter, it is not that deep and I didn't want to strip it. Is there a factory specification for this nut?

What is everyone using for steering box fluid? I asked the people at Read Head and they just said it comes from them filled up and it won't leak and just leave it alone. This might be ok for a while, but I'm sure I'll eventually have to top it up. What should I use?

Thanks, Gene

Jan 15, 2014 | 11:17 AM

Rusty_Old_F250

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,771

Likes: 9

From: Western Washington

The manual box in my F250 was filled with grease, looked like regular wheel bearing grease.

Not sure on the torque spec, but you could give Redhead a call.

Sam

Jan 15, 2014 | 02:16 PM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

Likes: 783

From: Simi Valley, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camper Special Gene

I asked the people at Red Head and they just said it comes from them filled up and it won't leak and just leave it alone. This might be ok for a while, but I'm sure I'll eventually have to top it up. What should I use?

These boxes use steering gear grease, not gear lube.

Are you asking about the 351153-S nut that retains the Pitman Arm (3590) in place? If so, you'll have to ask someone w/a shop manual for the torque specs.

Attached Images

Jan 15, 2014 | 05:10 PM

Camper Special Gene

Thread Starter

5th Wheeling

Joined: Mar 2013

Posts: 44

Likes: 0

Steering box nut

Yes Bill, that's the nut I was referring to and the one for which I need to know the torque value.

Do you happen to know the name of the steering box grease to use? I called a few of the local parts stores, and they were not familiar with a specific grease for steering boxes, only the usual wheel bearing greases.

Thanks, Gene

Jan 15, 2014 | 07:05 PM

NumberDummy

Ford Parts Specialist

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 88,826

Likes: 783

From: Simi Valley, CA

Current Ford part number: XG1C (replaced C3AZ-19578-A) .. Steering Gear Lubricant (Life Time).

Check w/a local dealer or try NAPA or an indie parts store. This grease comes in a cardboard tube that's inserted into a hand held grease gun.

EDIT: I found one tube of C3AZ-19578-A at Ralph Baird Motors in Larned KS (620-285-3123).

Apr 18, 2025 | 03:49 PM

Dodgeyaussie

Mountain Pass

Joined: Feb 2011

Posts: 189

Likes: 24

From: San Francisco Bay Area

I know this is an ancient thread, but it came up in my search for the same info, so here's the answer from the manual, should anyone else find themselves in the same predicament.