OEM or Redhead
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Senior User
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 105
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From: Palm Harbor fl
OEM or Redhead
I am about to start my excursion christmas shopping and I was wondering what steering gear i should go with, redhead or oem?
I read the group buy page and there were people with a few issues with them and i was thinking just to go with oem, but I'd like to hear the advantages/disadvantages going either way.
Also, since im replacing that, what else should i be replacing while im doing that?
should i go oem with those parts or is there an aftermarket brand that people recommend?
I read the group buy page and there were people with a few issues with them and i was thinking just to go with oem, but I'd like to hear the advantages/disadvantages going either way.
Also, since im replacing that, what else should i be replacing while im doing that?
should i go oem with those parts or is there an aftermarket brand that people recommend?
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Go with who you are comfortable with but here is the difference.
Oem,
Ford dealer sells remanufactured boxes under the motorcraft brand name. They are rebuilt to motorcraft specs by subcontractors and are backed by a 12 month warranty. They are the best of the big name job shop remams in my opinion.
Redhead
Is a small boutique shop that remnufactures original ford boxes to tighter tolerances then the big jobs shops. Also with a 12 month warranty.
Brand new steèring boxes are not available for your excursion. They are all remanufactured.
Oem,
Ford dealer sells remanufactured boxes under the motorcraft brand name. They are rebuilt to motorcraft specs by subcontractors and are backed by a 12 month warranty. They are the best of the big name job shop remams in my opinion.
Redhead
Is a small boutique shop that remnufactures original ford boxes to tighter tolerances then the big jobs shops. Also with a 12 month warranty.
Brand new steèring boxes are not available for your excursion. They are all remanufactured.
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
What else should you replace while you are at it ?
What ever is worn out ?
Steering shaft
Ball joints
Tie rod
Drag link
Radius arm bushings
Leaf spring bushings
Shackle bushings
Unit bearings
If it moves, it wears out. If it's worn out, replace it.
What ever is worn out ?
Steering shaft
Ball joints
Tie rod
Drag link
Radius arm bushings
Leaf spring bushings
Shackle bushings
Unit bearings
If it moves, it wears out. If it's worn out, replace it.
Elder User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 752
Likes: 9
From: NYC
I have to agree with Michael on this one. Go oem. If there's an issue it'll be easier to sort out. I'm not saying redhead is junk, but they don't seem to have very good quality control and as such it's a bit hit and miss.
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Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
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From: Central Coast of CA
That being said, I have a perfectly functioning Red Head unit on my Ex, and a newer OEM unit on my F250 and I cannot tell a difference between them both.
Stewart
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From: N. IL
Give me a minute, Looking for that link...(or set of threads covering the topic).
http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/949...les/042601.pdf See section on Steering gear mesh load adjustment. 1/4 turn, then tighten and drive re-test as Michael recommends. Not implying you have oscillations, but the step by step instruction is described there.
That's a great observation Stewart.
http://www.thedieselstop.com/faq/949...les/042601.pdf See section on Steering gear mesh load adjustment. 1/4 turn, then tighten and drive re-test as Michael recommends. Not implying you have oscillations, but the step by step instruction is described there.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
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From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
1/4 turn at a time, I can't stress this enough....
When I had my previous Ex done, I't took a total of about 3/4 turns to make it tighter. You don't want to over do this, I recommend you drive her a little between 1/4 turns.
When I had my previous Ex done, I't took a total of about 3/4 turns to make it tighter. You don't want to over do this, I recommend you drive her a little between 1/4 turns.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
) and have also posted a link to the instructions in the tech folder, when upon further investigation I realized there isn't a link in the tech folder!What the heck...how could THAT have fallen in the cracks?
Oh well....rectified!
Stewart
