Steering Gear Q’s: Redhead, Blue-Top, or Ford reman?
#16
08-20-2018, 06:54 PM
Lead Driver
Here is a bit of my experience:
My 04 has always has wander. 3 years ago I had a Advanced Auto steering box put on. It help with the looseness but it still had some wander.
I lived with it for the next 2 years. Last summer I had EVERY part on the front suspension plus new helwig sway bars front and back. Was a lot better but had some wander.
Then I has the caster with the shims installed. That also helped a little more but still had a little wander.
A couple weeks ago I decided that I would get a Red Head or Blue Top box but didn't have the cash on hand. For the heck of it I tightened up my steering box 1 turn knowing that I will be replaced soon. Damn if that didn't straighten it all out! I'm still going to get a new box but I have bought some time.
My 04 has always has wander. 3 years ago I had a Advanced Auto steering box put on. It help with the looseness but it still had some wander.
I lived with it for the next 2 years. Last summer I had EVERY part on the front suspension plus new helwig sway bars front and back. Was a lot better but had some wander.
Then I has the caster with the shims installed. That also helped a little more but still had a little wander.
A couple weeks ago I decided that I would get a Red Head or Blue Top box but didn't have the cash on hand. For the heck of it I tightened up my steering box 1 turn knowing that I will be replaced soon. Damn if that didn't straighten it all out! I'm still going to get a new box but I have bought some time.
yup, Caster doesn’t fix worn out parts and new parts can’t set your caster, it takes take a focused effort and some experience to feel the diffrence in the handeling each issue can create, just lumping them all into “ it wanders” doesn’t cut it.
#17
08-20-2018, 07:25 PM
I went with the Blue-Top.
Here is a review I did: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ar-review.html
After more than two months and about 3000 miles I’m still very happy with the new gear.
Here is a review I did: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ar-review.html
After more than two months and about 3000 miles I’m still very happy with the new gear.
#20
08-26-2018, 08:27 AM
I've not had issues with my Red head since installation after our group buy in 2013. I think Jon organized that for us.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12565770
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post12565770
#22
08-28-2018, 04:40 PM
Lead Driver
#23
08-28-2018, 04:55 PM
I have had a RedHead box for several years now and has been working flawlessly. I think some folks who bought a redhead via one of the large group buys found some problems - I assume from the time pressure of delivering the product. So my suggestion is to not go for big group buys even if the price seems good.
#24
08-28-2018, 07:48 PM
Lead Driver
I have had a RedHead box for several years now and has been working flawlessly. I think some folks who bought a redhead via one of the large group buys found some problems - I assume from the time pressure of delivering the product. So my suggestion is to not go for big group buys even if the price seems good.
#25
08-29-2018, 07:38 AM
#26
08-29-2018, 08:10 AM
Lead Driver
#27
08-29-2018, 08:38 AM
I was originally speaking with Tyler from Redhead back in January, and he said he added me to the waiting list for the heavy duty version of the 2764BS box.
The part number was listed on the original page for the 2764BS, off to the side and was noted as 2764BS ND which was supposed to have larger bearings etc.
Here's some excerpts, although I have not heard back at all after a number of attempts:
"I wasn't sure which one of you to contact, so whomever is appropriate please reply...thanks! Looking at a replacement steering gear for my 2003 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer 4x4. It's never been replaced and I see that you may possibly have two options. One seems to be out of stock (2764BS ND) and the other in stock (2754BS).... Can you let me know what options are available, or wait time on the 'ND' version."
"Hello, Thank you for your inquiry. The ND steering gear is a direct replacement for the stock steering gear. You do not need a new pitman arm to make it work. This unit is on backorder for another month or so. Typically the ND steering gear is ordered by those with lift kits and oversized tires. If you run close to stock height and tires the ND really won’t be necessary.
Thank you, Tyler Hanks Red Head Steering Gears Sales"
"Hi Tyler, Can let me know when you have them available again? Thanks Tyler!"
"Hello, I’ll keep you on the list for them. Thank you, Tyler Hanks"
...and now I can't even find a reference to them on their web site. Between all those threads was relayed why I wanted the ND version since I'll be running some oversized tires and a Cummins.
In any case I was hoping they weren't having issues getting these built, and especially issues with them failing. All I hear are crickets.
The part number was listed on the original page for the 2764BS, off to the side and was noted as 2764BS ND which was supposed to have larger bearings etc.
Here's some excerpts, although I have not heard back at all after a number of attempts:
"I wasn't sure which one of you to contact, so whomever is appropriate please reply...thanks! Looking at a replacement steering gear for my 2003 Ford Excursion Eddie Bauer 4x4. It's never been replaced and I see that you may possibly have two options. One seems to be out of stock (2764BS ND) and the other in stock (2754BS).... Can you let me know what options are available, or wait time on the 'ND' version."
"Hello, Thank you for your inquiry. The ND steering gear is a direct replacement for the stock steering gear. You do not need a new pitman arm to make it work. This unit is on backorder for another month or so. Typically the ND steering gear is ordered by those with lift kits and oversized tires. If you run close to stock height and tires the ND really won’t be necessary.
Thank you, Tyler Hanks Red Head Steering Gears Sales"
"Hi Tyler, Can let me know when you have them available again? Thanks Tyler!"
"Hello, I’ll keep you on the list for them. Thank you, Tyler Hanks"
...and now I can't even find a reference to them on their web site. Between all those threads was relayed why I wanted the ND version since I'll be running some oversized tires and a Cummins.
In any case I was hoping they weren't having issues getting these built, and especially issues with them failing. All I hear are crickets.
#28
08-29-2018, 08:55 AM
Lead Driver
#29
08-29-2018, 09:05 AM
Minimum 35's but maybe larger. I'm keeping the 3.73's because with 35-37's should work great with the Cummins. ATS mod rears currently and x code fronts. Not a lot of lift so may limit tire size, but not afraid to cut the front a bit as needed.
Likely I'll be letting them add the hydro-boost ports in case I go that route since the vacuum pump/ps pump assembly is already a 98 with hydroboost ready.
Love to hear what you find out. Here's the number have had in his tag-line:
Tyler Hanks
Red Head Steering Gears
Sales
sales@redheadsteeringgears.com
(206)364-3333 ext 102
Likely I'll be letting them add the hydro-boost ports in case I go that route since the vacuum pump/ps pump assembly is already a 98 with hydroboost ready.
Love to hear what you find out. Here's the number have had in his tag-line:
Tyler Hanks
Red Head Steering Gears
Sales
sales@redheadsteeringgears.com
(206)364-3333 ext 102
#30
11-08-2018, 02:54 PM
I installed a new Redhead box just over a year ago (summer 2017). It is night and day over my worn out OEM box that had been replaced twice. I've got about 5000 miles with it on now and it is still tight. I did initially buy the 36 spline unit, but it was the wrong one - my EX has the 32 spline gear. RedHead did a return/exchange without a problem.
I'm curious if I might have the HD unit mentioned in the posts above - when I bought it Tyler did say that it was their new/better unit with larger bearings (????) - don't quote me but I think that is what he mentioned via telephone. The invoice does not say anything is different.
I'm curious if I might have the HD unit mentioned in the posts above - when I bought it Tyler did say that it was their new/better unit with larger bearings (????) - don't quote me but I think that is what he mentioned via telephone. The invoice does not say anything is different.
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