ARG steering box.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 0
From: Longview, TX
Thanks guys. There is a new one on EBay currently at $162.50 closing in twenty five minutes. I think I will pass on it.
So the next obvious question for a rebuilt box. Which is better, Cardone or Atsco?
So the next obvious question for a rebuilt box. Which is better, Cardone or Atsco?
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, Alberta
Hey fellas, I realize this is an old post but I just replaced my box last summer.
My truck is for the bush so she sees alot of junkyard scavenged parts.I knew my box was the culprit cause the other stuff was in decent shape.Anyways I researched to see if there was an upgrade but ford used these boxes for like 16 yrs 1980-96 on all there trucks.So I got to thinking if I can't upgrade then I am going to look for a box on a lighter vehicle that may not have to work as hard to steer.Low and behold an early 90's 2wd explorer uses the same box.Maybe I just got lucky and vehicle weight has nothing to do with it but my steering is the best its been since I started wheeling 4yrs ago.
Anyway thought that might be useful for others who cruise the junkyards.It was the best $30.00 I've spent on my truck.
My truck is for the bush so she sees alot of junkyard scavenged parts.I knew my box was the culprit cause the other stuff was in decent shape.Anyways I researched to see if there was an upgrade but ford used these boxes for like 16 yrs 1980-96 on all there trucks.So I got to thinking if I can't upgrade then I am going to look for a box on a lighter vehicle that may not have to work as hard to steer.Low and behold an early 90's 2wd explorer uses the same box.Maybe I just got lucky and vehicle weight has nothing to do with it but my steering is the best its been since I started wheeling 4yrs ago.
Anyway thought that might be useful for others who cruise the junkyards.It was the best $30.00 I've spent on my truck.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 0
From: Longview, TX
Red-Head Steering Gear.
I checked the local Ford dealer for a new steering box. When I asked if it is truly new the reply was "Reman to Ford specs." so I passed. I called and ordered one from Red-Head Steering Gear per some recommendations on this forum. http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/ It may be a few weekends before I install it but will let you know how it works. The phone conversation was impressive....
Next question, where to buy the plastic shims that slip in the telescoping part of the steering column? Ford only sells the whole assy. The play is minor there but may as well fix it now.
Next question, where to buy the plastic shims that slip in the telescoping part of the steering column? Ford only sells the whole assy. The play is minor there but may as well fix it now.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 1
I slid aluminum in there and took some play out. But I dont know if it might wedge if I was in an accedent. I think thats a poor design.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 0
From: Longview, TX
helirich, Thanks, I have been thinking when I replace the box that I will try to find something to shove in the slip shaft. However, grease it good and leave some clearance to keep the wheel away from my backbone in an accident. Three parts houses here have no suggestions on getting the OEM.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 0
From: Longview, TX
Steering slack is gone
The steering gear was replaced today and what a difference!!!
Not being able to find a 1 5/16 wrench without buying a set a 33mm worked fine on the pitman arm nut.
I started on it a week ago and removing the pitman arm was squeezed into a four hour project. I ground the 'zones fork out wider to fit the shaft, then ground Harbor Freight puller out wider, then heat and a big hammer finally removed the pittman arm.
The pump and hoses were flushed with store brand power steering fluid then to synthetic blend.
Then with my fatique, the hoses would not connect. After resting a week I realized the factory connected the power steering hoses to the gear box first and bent the return line to the frame making my reconnection impossible.
After releasing the return line from the frame I finally reconnected the hoses
today.
The Red-Head steering gear is better than advertised. I am very pleased. See http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/ They even included a UPS return lable for the core which was very convenient.
It drives and sounds great.
Not being able to find a 1 5/16 wrench without buying a set a 33mm worked fine on the pitman arm nut.
I started on it a week ago and removing the pitman arm was squeezed into a four hour project. I ground the 'zones fork out wider to fit the shaft, then ground Harbor Freight puller out wider, then heat and a big hammer finally removed the pittman arm.
The pump and hoses were flushed with store brand power steering fluid then to synthetic blend.
Then with my fatique, the hoses would not connect. After resting a week I realized the factory connected the power steering hoses to the gear box first and bent the return line to the frame making my reconnection impossible.
After releasing the return line from the frame I finally reconnected the hoses
today.
The Red-Head steering gear is better than advertised. I am very pleased. See http://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/ They even included a UPS return lable for the core which was very convenient.
It drives and sounds great.
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