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1987 - 1996 F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks 1987 - 1996 Ford F-150, F-250, F-350 and larger pickups - including the 1997 heavy-duty F250/F350+ trucks

Steering box replacement

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Old May 20, 2025 | 02:21 PM
  #1  
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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
 
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Old May 20, 2025 | 03:29 PM
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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.
 
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Old May 20, 2025 | 04:04 PM
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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.
 
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Old May 20, 2025 | 05:36 PM
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The AC/Delco I bought from RockAuto a few years ago is still working well.
 
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Old May 20, 2025 | 09:35 PM
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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.
 
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Old May 20, 2025 | 09:57 PM
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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.
 
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Old May 21, 2025 | 05:56 AM
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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.
 
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Old May 21, 2025 | 07:33 AM
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The difference between Red/Blue boxes & everything else are roller bearings, something stock rebuilds never had.

Your "stock" rebuild could be as little as new seals & a twist of the adjustment screw + black paint.
 
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