Steering box swap

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Mar 18, 2021 | 01:34 PM

Christian Tomlin

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4wd Low

Joined: Mar 2021

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Steering box swap

I am looking to swap out my 2000 F350 steering box to the 2005-2007 unit. Redhead now sells a 6 bolt hd unit that looks to be a huge improvement over the stock box. From what I can tell, I will need larger mounting bolts, the box to hydro boost line and most likely a modified pitman arm or tie rod. Has anyone done this conversion, keeping the leaf spring axle and what did you do in the pitman arm/tie rod situation? Thanks.

Mar 18, 2021 | 05:24 PM

speedfreak78

Cargo Master

Joined: Nov 2007

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I'm all for making durability upgrades, but the boxes in the early SDs is a pretty stout unit to begin with. Why not just get a bolt in replacement from Redhead, if you want more beef?

Mar 18, 2021 | 06:14 PM

Christian Tomlin

Thread Starter

4wd Low

Joined: Mar 2021

Posts: 11

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Quote:

Originally Posted by speedfreak78

I'm all for making durability upgrades, but the boxes in the early SDs is a pretty stout unit to begin with. Why not just get a bolt in replacement from Redhead, if you want more beef?

I have been in contact with Redhead. In fact, they indicated that the 6 bolt box would be a great swap. I realize that a reman Redhead or Bluetop would be an improvement over stock. I have worked on a lot of these trucks, the factory box is usually loose, if not toast by 100k. My truck currently has a 120k and it has a 1/4 of up and down play in the pitman shaft. It's junk. The box I am looking at has a bigger bore and would be a much cleaner install than the ram assist options. It's what should have been on the truck from day one. Gearboxes, ball joints and wheel bearings are the weak links in this trucks. Just looking to see if others have done it. I guarantee someone has done it.

Mar 19, 2021 | 01:10 PM

AK4x4

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 409

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From: Wasilla

I would look at this; https://redheadsteeringgears.com/pro...spline-sector/
If you are looking for reduced steering effort then this:https://www.pscmotorsports.com/vehic...psc-sk752.html
but the hydraulic assist isn't necessary unless you have big tires then its great. Good luck, Russ

Mar 19, 2021 | 10:31 PM

Colorado350

Postmaster

Joined: Nov 2015

Posts: 4,807

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From: Colorado Springs

Welcome to the Forum.

Another option is having yours rebuilt and ported by West Texas off road. Once it’s ported you can run hydro assist which will be a huge improvement over any option!

https://www.westtexasoffroad.com/

Mar 20, 2021 | 08:21 AM

SuperDutyScaler

Lead Driver

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 8,450

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From: South Jersey

99 to 04 box SUCKS period! Everyone single owner of these trucks will have their box go bad. Crazy steering wonder and no power to turn the tires while sitting still EVEN with stock 265 pizza tires.
the 05 up box is a huge improvement, at one time guys were doing the swap and posting on her but that was years ago and what four generations of the super duty ago? Not many of us still have the original trucks, but I'd personally love to upgrade the steering box, even though my napa box is great so far I'd love to put a stronger/tougher box in my truck