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At one time, a particular company located in the Pacific NW was the premier rebuilder of these units. But the chatter on this site and others has revealed the warranty, quality of the product and even the attitude of the employees working there has been less than stellar the last couple of years. I've searched and searched, but haven't really found out whether this company has turned things around or if there are viable alternatives to OEM or discount part store units. Any tips?
I don't know what company you are speaking of, but the only supplier I have heard mentioned here of FTE other than the Duralast reman units from Autozone are redhead Steering Gears. I don't have any personal experience with them.
I put a a Redhead on my truck about 2 or 3 yrs ago, the original one that came on the truck was shot. I do still have it on the truck but am not overly happy with it. I can give you my experience if you want more info.
I put a a Redhead on my truck about 2 or 3 yrs ago, the original one that came on the truck was shot. I do still have it on the truck but am not overly happy with it. I can give you my experience if you want more info.
Your experience mirrors what I've read on numerous forums lately and pretty much makes my decision easy.
I purchased the cardone at orielys well over a year ago for my excursion. Other than it had the wrong hose oring kit. Cardone sent me a replacement oring kit with in a couple of days. It's been a great unit. Very tight still. I probably have 30k miles on it. Plus it has a lifetime warranty. And it's a third of the cost of a red head. Just my .02
OP, I have had a Redhead gear for about 8 years with approximately 60K miles on it. When I first got it, it made a little difference but not what I expected. Redheads philosophy was to rebuild Ford OEM gears with tighter tolerance parts. Two years ago I took my truck to a privately owned high end front end shop. They showed me what my problem was. I had them replace the whole front end steering: ball joints, tie rods, control arms and, while they were there, new Timkin hubs. WOW! drives like a new truck. A lot of times replacing the steering gear is just a band aide fix that masks the real problem. Worn out front end. You need to consider the mileage on your truck and, if it is high, a good front end shop will show you the real problem, if you want to know the answer.
I went to RedHead and spent some time asking questions. They seemed
very willing to answer questions and give me tips. The issue that sticks in
my mind from FTE was leaks from the body of the unit. I will still be going
with them when I do my replacment this spring.
A-1 CARDONE 277621N
This is stronger than stock. I got it. Much better than the OEM. Steers like a dream.
rock auto has it for $309
I wonder if the A1-Cardone from Rockauto and the Cardone that Advance Auto sells are the same. If so it's only $92 if you order online and use the TRT30 code to get 30% off. You can pickup locally or have it shipped for free.
I just replaced every steering component on my F350 (ball joints, tie rods, steering link, track bar bushings, leaf spring bushings). As expected it drives significantly better. All that's left is the steering gear. I'm struggling with spending the money for a Redhead vs spending 1/3 the price and saving $140 in shipping to get a Cardone from Advance Auto. With 260,000 miles on the original gear I can't see replacing the Cardone 3 times especially since every Redhead review I've read says after a year or so it loosens up.
I'd love to hear more feedback on Cardone installations.
Ot was easy and straight forward if you are able to get the pitman arm off with out issue.
I put my old steering gear with the pitman arm still attached into my hitch receiver. The pitman arm goes into the htch receiver. Then I hammer the the steering shaft out off the pitman arm. Worked great.
I wonder if the A1-Cardone from Rockauto and the Cardone that Advance Auto sells are the same. If so it's only $92 if you order online and use the TRT30 code to get 30% off. You can pickup locally or have it shipped for free.
I just replaced every steering component on my F350 (ball joints, tie rods, steering link, track bar bushings, leaf spring bushings). As expected it drives significantly better. All that's left is the steering gear. I'm struggling with spending the money for a Redhead vs spending 1/3 the price and saving $140 in shipping to get a Cardone from Advance Auto. With 260,000 miles on the original gear I can't see replacing the Cardone 3 times especially since every Redhead review I've read says after a year or so it loosens up.
I'd love to hear more feedback on Cardone installations.
Keep in mind yours is not the same as smokersteve.
Yours is a leaf spring front end truck. I believe the Redhead's held up well on these trucks.
05 and up have coil spring front end and use a different steering gear.
I wonder if the A1-Cardone from Rockauto and the Cardone that Advance Auto sells are the same. If so it's only $92 if you order online and use the TRT30 code to get 30% off. You can pickup locally or have it shipped for free.
I just replaced every steering component on my F350 (ball joints, tie rods, steering link, track bar bushings, leaf spring bushings). As expected it drives significantly better. All that's left is the steering gear. I'm struggling with spending the money for a Redhead vs spending 1/3 the price and saving $140 in shipping to get a Cardone from Advance Auto. With 260,000 miles on the original gear I can't see replacing the Cardone 3 times especially since every Redhead review I've read says after a year or so it loosens up.
I'd love to hear more feedback on Cardone installations.
If there is nothing wrong with your steering gear. Don't bother changing it out.
Don't waste your time on a redhead. Just get a stock reman and you are good to go.
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