Red-Head Steering Box Question
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City, MD
Red-Head Steering Box Question
I am getting ready to order a Red-Head steering box (36 spline) and need to know if I have to order the optional "PRE-TAPPED PORTS OPTION". I don't believe I need that option ($150 additional) but wanted to check here first.
Thanks!
Thanks!
FTE Remembers
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Are you doing a ram assist ? If not you don't need a tapped box
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 646
Likes: 4
From: Blue Springs, mo
Trending Topics
FTE Remembers
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Howe and PSC make quality cylinders and with JIC fittings you should not have a single drop leak out.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
FTE Remembers
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Once you get to 37" tires and 5* + of caster the power steering on the SD/Ex is woefully underpowered, the ram takes the load off the steering box and increases the power. It essentially uses the steering box as orbital valve and a mechanical connection. Done correctly a ram steering even with large tires is better then factor with stock tires.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City, MD
I had the RedHead installed yesterday and while the steering is much tighter, at low speeds it actually takes more effort to turn. Does that sound right?
FTE Remembers
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
Sounds like a pump to me, however before you do anything I'd call the folks at redhead and discuss with them. I do not know if they rebuild the spool valve but they must test them. Give them a call
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 26,410
Likes: 6
From: Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Good luck with it
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 151
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City, MD
Thanks LL for the info! I will keep a close eye on it.