Since every bushing, ball joint drag link and tie rod end is new and properly aligned, bearings and steering rod is tight, I need to remove the original box and clean to inspect the frame for cracks. (still have some wandering) Perfect time for the swap to a Red Head and take that variable out........

I did notice during the re-build, with the front bumper off, the frame horn does deflect, and very slight movement in crossmember-to-frame.

 

I need one of these too.

If anyone else is planning this for later - maybe enough of us can get together to do a group buy and get a discount (if Redhead is still doing the group discount).

Is the 80-86 F150-250, 2x4 and 4x4 all using the same box?

 

Good question, and one for which I don't have an answer. I'll put up a web page to answer it in a bit.

 

Their web site says:

"Part# 2757 Ford F-series And Broncos 1980-1997. The 1997 is the only year that could possibly be a 4 bolt top cover. All other gears will be the 2 bolt style.
$266 + $100 Core Charge. Please note: core charges will apply to sale price. Upon return of the core, charges will be refunded. Shipping costs vary."

Since Bronco is included, this one "must" be for 4x4 and only F-150, Not 250 since Bronco and F-150 share components and Bronco was always 4x4

 

Reamer - from the website quote you posted - to me it reads that all 80-97 "F Series" and Broncos use the same power steering box (except 97 may have 4 bolt or 2 bolt cover))

I don't read that F250 (2x4 or 4x4) is different. I think it is same box. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

On the Redbox website there was mention of checking your "steering ratio" but I think that was just generic warning. Looking at the order page, there appears to be no choice for steering ratio.

 

Looks to me like there was one power steering box for the 1980 trucks and another from 1981 through at least 1989, which is as far as the catalog goes. Steering Gear Box - ???Gary's Garagemahal

Edit: I should have said one box fits all Broncos and F100-350.

 

Yes. Other than the "Stripped Chassis" they are the same part number (all r/b F3TZ-3504).
Of course this is for power steering.

What does the "star" next to the number mean?

 

I put one in my '81 F100 a few months ago. Very good improvement over the stock part IMO. They were easy to deal with, quick shipping and a pre-paid sticker to ship it back USPS. I put the old one back in the box they sent, taped it all up good and sent it on it's way. In no time they credited my account back the $100.

 

I added this to that web page, but in reality it needs to go on every web page:

 

Your not too far from me (central FL) - did you have to pay for the shipping of the core back to Redhead? If so, do you remember about how much $?

 

$35 each way......

 

They charge $70 flat rate 2 way shipping. So, they send it to you and provide a pre-paid label for the return. I packaged the old one in a new USPS box with their special packing cardboard, taped it up good, and attached the label. They sent me an email when it was received, and the $100 core was credited promptly.

I have $336 in the steering gear replacement; I don't think they charged sales tax.

 

Drill this out so the hole is round and hammer in a shouldered bolt. Had this problem on one of my trucks and that has kept it tight. I think there may have been a TSB as it was somewhat common.

 

Thanks cadunkle!
Red Head box "should" be here Saturday.
Just did a complete ignition swap, from HEI 1-wire back to Duraspark.
Man the thing flies now.
Got the address from Gary of a company on the west coast that "custom curves" new dizzys.
Got that, 2 NOS modules and a harness from a bone yard, and down the road it goes!

 

As far as I know all '80-97 F150 through F350, Bronco, Bronco II and Ranger all use the same box regardless of whether they are 2wd or 4x4. The only difference is the pitman arm. I've swapped boxes from Rangers to full size pickups several times.