Steering box replacement

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May 20, 2025 | 02:21 PM

boybowser

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Mountain Pass

Joined: May 2012

Posts: 135

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Steering box replacement

Been thumbing through the threads and there seems to be no consensus as to weather I should install a red head, blue head or cardone replacement box. Would like to hear what everyone is recommending before I order a replacement

May 20, 2025 | 03:29 PM

JJF20

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Joined: Nov 2017

Posts: 17,446

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From: Northern Ontario

I like Blue Top. I’ve used a few, and will again in the future. No issues.

second choice would be Readhead.

I would not use a Cardone.

May 20, 2025 | 04:04 PM

My4Fordtrucks

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Joined: Jun 2015

Posts: 12,768

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Quote:

Originally Posted by JJF20

I like Blue Top. I’ve used a few, and will again in the future. No issues.

second choice would be Readhead.

I would not use a Cardone.

I have no experience with the first two. I would also stay away from Cardone. I have been happy with the reman Lares steering gear I put on the Bronco II.

May 20, 2025 | 05:36 PM

seschenburg

Tuned

Joined: Jan 2015

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The AC/Delco I bought from RockAuto a few years ago is still working well.

May 20, 2025 | 09:35 PM

FORDF250HDXLT

Fleet Owner

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 20,322

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From: Mi'kma'ki

One of the best upgrades I did to my F250 was the readhead steering box. Tight steering! After many years and miles (installed 13 years ago in 2012, approx 90k miles) it's stayed that way too. If someone remans a better steering box, I sure don't understand how they did it.

I put a reman Cardone in the F450 since I don't use that truck as much and though it's loads better than the factory worn out box, it's a far cry from a redhead.

May 20, 2025 | 09:57 PM

Prototypemech

Logistics Pro

Joined: Nov 2013

Posts: 3,921

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From: Mojave, Ca

I installed a blue head in my f350. I didn't really notice an improvement in my steering. But maybe my stock box wasn't as worn out as I thought.

May 21, 2025 | 05:56 AM

yeet

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Joined: Feb 2023

Posts: 278

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I just did the red head box a few weeks ago. Very happy with the outcome. I did the Lares steering shaft at the same time. My steering was wandering all over the road before, is very tight now and holds the lane much better, I also had it aligned after the install. The red head box is not a cheap date though. There is a $175 refundable core charge so you have to send the old box back to them. That shipping charge back is on you. They offer a prepaid return shipping label for $35 that I would highly recommend. I cheaped out and thought I could send it back for less. I was very wrong on that as UPS charged $80 due to the size and weight of the return box. They did credit me back the core charge promptly after they received it.