Redhead steering gear experiences?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 110
Likes: 29
Redhead steering gear experiences?
50 years of abuse, it’s time to replace the leaking, wandering steering box. I’ve read good and bad about the redhead boxes, but nothing specific to our trucks. I use it for work, and put a lot of miles on it, it’s gotta be tough. 78 scab f250 4x4.
Experiences? Thoughts? Recommendations?
Thanks gents.
Experiences? Thoughts? Recommendations?
Thanks gents.
Last edited by Screwtinized; Mar 3, 2026 at 11:36 AM.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,796
Likes: 2,598
From: The Shenandoah Valley
Mine has had one, '77 F150 4wd PS, since about 2012 or 2013, no complaints. Bunch better than the OEM one was, but then it was worn too. They are advertised as having bearing in place of just a machined bushing or bored housing at output shaft, and new ***** in machined new races.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 310
Likes: 170
I still have one on my to do list; also a 78 scab 4x4, with Dana 60 PS.
The only reason I haven’t yet is it’s so expensive, and mines not terrible yet.
I looked at the Blue Top boxes too, but their additional costs added up fast, and RedHead is just up the road from me.
The only reason I haven’t yet is it’s so expensive, and mines not terrible yet.
I looked at the Blue Top boxes too, but their additional costs added up fast, and RedHead is just up the road from me.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,796
Likes: 2,598
From: The Shenandoah Valley
I ordered one on a Monday, it was in my driveway Wednesday, Core went back as quick and I soon had my deposit credited back. They is in Seattle, I'm not in Seattle.
Some here should try to put together another "group buy", it sure saved me some "jingle".
Some here should try to put together another "group buy", it sure saved me some "jingle".
Last edited by tbear853; Mar 3, 2026 at 11:53 PM.
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 138
From: Northern California
I retrofitted a late 70’s 1/2 4x4 steering gear into my 75 which originally had manual/power assist. It’s nice being able to turn the wheel while parked engine idling w/ 33” tires with one pinky finger. There was virtually no bleeding required. Yeah lots of credit to Redhead.
I’ve been on this forum for about a decade. Maybe longer. Don’t think I’ve ever heard a complaint about Redhead.
Note: if you’ve got an old steering gear laying around or you find one at pick n pull during a 1/2 off sale, Redhead may give you a healthy store credit for it. Never hurts to ask.
I’ve been on this forum for about a decade. Maybe longer. Don’t think I’ve ever heard a complaint about Redhead.
Note: if you’ve got an old steering gear laying around or you find one at pick n pull during a 1/2 off sale, Redhead may give you a healthy store credit for it. Never hurts to ask.
Moderator & parts slinger
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50,170
Likes: 5,789
From: S/W Missouri, Polk county
X2 Redhead has a great reputation, yes they are fairly expensive and the up front core charge can sting a bit. So when you get the old one off, SEND it back in the same box and get the core charge back. FYI there is a time limit also. Yes Blue Top also has a solid reputation. Both places do upgrade machining to the boxes.
Also a great time to upgrade the bottom of the steering column.
https://drbfab.com/products/all-meta...-76-79-broncos
And since I am making $ spending suggestions, how about a Borgeson steering shaft upgrade. https://www.borgeson.com/70-79-Full-...ord-Truck.html
Also a great time to upgrade the bottom of the steering column.
https://drbfab.com/products/all-meta...-76-79-broncos
And since I am making $ spending suggestions, how about a Borgeson steering shaft upgrade. https://www.borgeson.com/70-79-Full-...ord-Truck.html
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 484
Likes: 51
From: Lincoln, Nebraska
I did the 78-79 f250/f350 4x4 conversion on the '72 and used the Redhead box. It always works, and still has no slack and good sensitivity. I daily drive mine, have driven it all over, to colorado for trails, etc. and it holds up well. Recommended upgrade, worth the cost to have the upgrade of needle bearings and professionally worked over internals.
50 years of abuse, it’s time to replace the leaking, wandering steering box. I’ve read good and bad about the redhead boxes, but nothing specific to our trucks. I use it for work, and put a lot of miles on it, it’s gotta be tough. 78 scab f250 4x4.
Experiences? Thoughts? Recommendations?
Thanks gents.
Experiences? Thoughts? Recommendations?
Thanks gents.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 380
From: Near Los Angeles
They are the best. But if you want tight steering, you need tight king pins, steering linkage, tie rods and steering column.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,625
Likes: 342
From: Albuquerque
I did Rehead in my 77 1/2, it's great. I did get the quicker steering, in combination with my wide tires and small steering wheel it's a little tight. (also lowered). Not much freeplay in the steering wheel.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 7,182
Likes: 380
From: Near Los Angeles
I forgot to mention: While the box is out, get a good light and check both sides of your frame where the box bolts in. You may find a crack or two. That is common with these trucks, and you may need a plate welded in place.
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