FRX, I got my tie rod end from these guys, no complaints on anything.

MI Bearings

 

Peter aka Duck Fan did a great job with my steering. I bought all new ball joints, tie rods & ends, and drag link from XRF Ford Truck Front End Kits | Front End Kits available from American Undercar

Also installed a brand spankin' new steering box and why not since we're at it a brand spankin' new steering wheel, the truck drives like the day I bought it 19 years ago.

 

Who's steering box Andy? Like to get rid on my slop as well. The rest is XRF parts to.

 

Already replaced my ball joints, and all tie rods/ends.

Tightened up the steering box about 1/2 turn.

Figure I'll be replacing the steering box by end of the year.
The wander drives me nuts.

 

Tormz,
Replaced my steering box with a Red Head several years ago (after a Ford reman did not do the trick) and have never looked back. However some have had issues with them lately but I have not seen any details on this.

 

Was hoping not to go Red Head, just seems like a lot of money. Been there don e that. We'll see.

 

I had a steering gear blowout about 1.5 years ago. I had no choice but to replace the OEM with an AutoZone version. That AutoZone gear leaked very slowly and I replaced it under the lifetime warranty 6 months after installing it.

This time I had the opportunity to purchase a RedHead, but due to the gear cost, shipping cost to GA and the core return not being provided because I would be sending in a remanned gear, I decided to go with the free replacement from AutoZone.

I imagine it is not as responsive as the RedHead and may not last as long, but it certainly gets the job done and feels just fine when turning for a fraction of the cost. Perhaps I will regret the choice to get the warranty replacement, but for now I am happy with my choice.

If I do need to replace the gear again, I plan to go with a remanned MotorCraft. RedHead has had some quality control issues lately and I can get the full core charge back with a MotorCraft gear.

Just my .02

 

This forum frequently hosts a group buy, where Red Head significantly reduces the price - depending on the number of people in the group buy. I think it's been a long time since the last one took place, so you might be able to instigate one that grows quickly.

I bought a Red Head during a group buy almost three years ago, and here is the result...

The drive to the shop to have the steering box replaced:





Later that day, after the Red Head box install.

 

I've installed several rebuilt boxes from Autozone, Oreilly's, etc. and haven't gotten a sloppy one.

Make sure your bushings are all good. Track bar bushings can really make for some sloppy stuff. If it has the rubber donut in the steering shaft check that, often overlooked and can cause a really sloppy steering. Also make sure the pitman arm nut is tight and the box mounting bolts are tight, I've found a few that were loose causing significant slop.

 

 

Tormz, where are you located?

 

 

If I remember correctly that is near Sac? If so the shop I use may be a stretch for you in Redding. They do excellent work but they are not a cheap date.