New steering gear
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
I never used either all I will say is that Redhead had a great reputation in this forum early on and then quality and customer service problems seemed to develop. There also seemed to be some warranty issues. I myself would go for an am that has a lifetime warranty and is backed by a national chain. The best box in the world does no good if it breaks in BFE and the only distributor is a thousand miles away or closed on week ends.
Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 30
Likes: 2
Being in the auto repair industry, I don’t recommend any normal chain aftermarket boxes anymore. Having plenty of experience warrantying them out, I go for dealer remanufactured when possible if the customer can afford it. They actually rebuild them properly. I normally have to warranty chain AM due to leaks or play in the pitman shaft causing loose steering(which is not something the quick adjustment will fix).
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,038
Likes: 0
Bismic, the info around on that upgrade is pretty spotty. I read in a thread somewhere that the shaft on my 06 would not work with the 6.7 gear. I couldn't find anything else regarding the shaft so I have up on it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,480
Likes: 161
From: West by God Virginyuh
I bought a Cardone at Advance Auto, it had a bunch of play in it right at install. But mine is an 05 Excursion, which has the same steering box as the 04 and earlier pickups. From what I understand Cardone offers a heavy duty rebuilt version for the 05 and up trucks, which should suit the OP’s truck and I’ve heard good things about it.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: Spanaway
Mark when you find that link I would like to read it.
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Fleet Owner
Joined: Nov 2003
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Took me some time to remember where I saw it.
The post I first saw was on the Org.
Which Steering Box? - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
The discussion on the conversion was on PSA.
Steering Gear Issues [Solved] - PowerStrokeArmy
http://powerstrokearmy.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=77149
The conclusion that I saw was that (at a minimum) the shaft would have to be replaced and the steering gear box to the hydro pump line, but the shaft at least was a bolt-in job. After re-reading, there are some hints of a few bolt-hole alignment issues also.
The post I first saw was on the Org.
Which Steering Box? - Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
The discussion on the conversion was on PSA.
Steering Gear Issues [Solved] - PowerStrokeArmy
http://powerstrokearmy.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=77149
The conclusion that I saw was that (at a minimum) the shaft would have to be replaced and the steering gear box to the hydro pump line, but the shaft at least was a bolt-in job. After re-reading, there are some hints of a few bolt-hole alignment issues also.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 17
From: Millersburg, OH
I've been happy with the Redhead in my 2000. My 2006 is getting to the point of needing a new steering gear and right now I'm thinking of getting a Cardone. It's a new steering box and not a reman. You can get it for under $350 from Rockauto and no core is required.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 765
Likes: 5
From: Long Island, NY
No experience with red or blue top gears. I bought a Cardone this past year and it had lots of play in it, to the point it would clank when moving the wheel left to right with the engine off. Cardone Customer Service did nothing for me other than to say return it to where you bought it. I did that and bought a unit from Ford. It was the new round top design. No issues since.
I think I was just unlucky with the Cardone unit but the Customer Service was not helpfull at all.
I think I was just unlucky with the Cardone unit but the Customer Service was not helpfull at all.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 17
From: Millersburg, OH
I noticed today that Motorcraft now has a new unit STG463 along with the previous reman unit STG263RM. Odd thing is the reman is more expensive and the new unit there is a core charge. This is all on RockAuto.
I wonder if the Motorcraft STG463 is rebranded Cardone unit or is made by someone else?
I wonder if the Motorcraft STG463 is rebranded Cardone unit or is made by someone else?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
I had called FICMrepair the other day to find some info on
the status on new steering boxes from Ford. They do have one
that is an updated one for out trucks, I don't have the price handy
but as I recall it was not bad at all if you look at the price
for Red Head and it NEW. So I think that will be the route I am going.
the status on new steering boxes from Ford. They do have one
that is an updated one for out trucks, I don't have the price handy
but as I recall it was not bad at all if you look at the price
for Red Head and it NEW. So I think that will be the route I am going.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2003
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Good info Yahiko.
This one here on Rockauto is listed as new.
More Information for MOTORCRAFT STG463
I cant find much info about this one on the web though. Might have to put a call in to the local dealership.
This one here on Rockauto is listed as new.
More Information for MOTORCRAFT STG463
I cant find much info about this one on the web though. Might have to put a call in to the local dealership.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 27,307
Likes: 549
From: Spanaway
From >>> FICMRepair.com - FORD Powerstroke 6.0 FICM Repair, PHP Tuning and Truck Parts
This is the one I need for my 2006 F350 4WD
7C3Z-3504BR-M
$514.98 + $225 core.
And you all should know that Ford seems to take any core back.
RedHead wants a usable core and in my case the box is in bad
shape so Ford or a no core deal would be my only real option.
EDIT:
OK there is an eror in the part number I posted. You want
to remove the R-M from the end.
You want to look for this >>> 7C3Z-3504B
This is the one I need for my 2006 F350 4WD
7C3Z-3504BR-M
$514.98 + $225 core.
And you all should know that Ford seems to take any core back.
RedHead wants a usable core and in my case the box is in bad
shape so Ford or a no core deal would be my only real option.
EDIT:
OK there is an eror in the part number I posted. You want
to remove the R-M from the end.
You want to look for this >>> 7C3Z-3504B