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I've had a wandering problem with this 2006 ?F-350 since the day I drove it off the lot brand spanking new in 2006. Now we think that the valving in the steering box may be the issue since it tends to jerk back when applying constant pressure and holding in one spot. I see that there have been steering box issues when I've googled it. Can you guys recommend a quality replacement, Ford or aftermarket, that has been run and proven?
Before you take that jump. Check both the upper and lower ball joints.
You may find that you need them also. I find it better to know how deep
the pool is before jumping in with both feet.
Before you take that jump. Check both the upper and lower ball joints.
You may find that you need them also. I find it better to know how deep
the pool is before jumping in with both feet.
Now that being said I would also go Redhead.
Sean
Anybody have bad luck with a Cardone steering box? I'm seeing that name pop up too as a quality and less expensive option.
Have gone through the hole steering system, like Idler arm, tie rods. ?
This has been a problem since day one of a brand new truck. Been gone through by half a dozen shops as well as the dealer. Steering box has always had that jerk back on you trait. Mechanic at dealer said that was normal. Don't recall ever having that problem on any other truck or vehicle I've ever had. Finally ran across somebody at a heavy equipment shop that said that was NOT normal. It has gotten worse as milage has crept up. I'm looking for a quality replacement that will last. Don't want to deal with this again.
This has been a problem since day one of a brand new truck. Been gone through by half a dozen shops as well as the dealer. Steering box has always had that jerk back on you trait. Mechanic at dealer said that was normal. Don't recall ever having that problem on any other truck or vehicle I've ever had. Finally ran across somebody at a heavy equipment shop that said that was NOT normal. It has gotten worse as milage has crept up. I'm looking for a quality replacement that will last. Don't want to deal with this again.
I had a wandering issue and adjusted the OEM box three times before I replaced it. It improved a little with each adjustment but still had to turn the wheel a lot to get the pig to turn. Replaced OEM box with Redhead box at about 60K miles and things got a lot better. Still adjusted it slightly once. Final solution was to replace the steering from the control arm to the ball joints at 122K miles. I also replaced the OEM hubs while I was there with Timkin hubs. Total for labor, MOOG steering parts and ball joints, misc. seals, alignment and hubs (included auto hub rebuild) was about $1800. Drives like a new vehicle with a rack & pinion steering gear.
Does anybody have any positive feedback on Motorcraft replacement or reman steering boxes? I've often found that OEM parts are clearly superior to aftermarket replacements.
The main thing I see with the remans is that they like to replace seals and bushings, paint it and call it good. They ignore wear on the gear its self and reuse parts that shouldn't be. The last Ford unit I got had almost 1/4 a turn of play. I've had A1 units that leaked do to shaft burrs, were too loose and even one that felt notchy. It had a chipped tooth and they still put it back together and sold it.
Redhead is the only company that I have yet to get one that's bad in the box from. Doesn't mean it never happens, nobody is perfect.
The first one of theirs I got is 5 years old. Its nice and tight still but the seal is starting to seep. The box has more miles than the factory box did at the point it was too loose to be safe. Now on the other hand, customers don't always want to spend the money so I still install other boxes.
The last AC Delco box was a touch loose but expectable. The last A1 box I used felt great and worked great so maybe they have fixed some quality problems since I stated hating them. The chipped tooth box was only a year ago though.
The main thing I see with the remans is that they like to replace seals and bushings, paint it and call it good. They ignore wear on the gear its self and reuse parts that shouldn't be. The last Ford unit I got had almost 1/4 a turn of play. I've had A1 units that leaked do to shaft burrs, were too loose and even one that felt notchy. It had a chipped tooth and they still put it back together and sold it.
Redhead is the only company that I have yet to get one that's bad in the box from. Doesn't mean it never happens, nobody is perfect.
The first one of theirs I got is 5 years old. Its nice and tight still but the seal is starting to seep. The box has more miles than the factory box did at the point it was too loose to be safe. Now on the other hand, customers don't always want to spend the money so I still install other boxes.
The last AC Delco box was a touch loose but expectable. The last A1 box I used felt great and worked great so maybe they have fixed some quality problems since I stated hating them. The chipped tooth box was only a year ago though.
Great info! Cardone units aren't cheap either! At least not the ones with the upgraded shaft and gear components. Seen them priced from 300 to 600 bucks. Have you had the chance to use the ones with the upgraded gear and oversized shaft components?
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