What did you pay for the red head gearbox?

Budman

 

I should have my redhead box tomorrow...and be on within the next week when i get time. I will definitely post my results. As most...i have replaced worn stuff and nothing helped. I have new tie rods, new upper and lower ball joints, new lift suspension, etc. All needed some tlc anyhow...but nothing helped the steering play and wander. Talked with the guy at Redhead and very nice guy and he explained why ford units over time get so much play, and said it will just keep getting worse. Said 75% of new ford units have as much play as olds ones worn out. So i look forward to the results. As most....even if it helped 50% it would be worth it. You have to know if you have a 32 0r 36 spine shaft...but that is easy to see and count without taking anything apart. And pricing is same if not cheaper then a stock unit.

 

Paid $305 for the box, plus shipping both ways (for the core) and core charge ($100) total came to $476. This was for a 36 spline box. 32 spline was less.

Like SilverBullet said you need to know 32 or 36 spline (seems to apply mainly to 1999 and 2000 MY) but it's easy to tell. Follow the link to my write-up and I'll tell you how.

 

If you come up this way let me know as well as I only live 45 minutes from Chase and I'd like to have mine set as I have about an inch of wonder. I'd like it to be as tight as possible. I'll be doing some maintenance this weekend and I'll take a look at a few things but none the less. You come up this way let us both know and we'll all get together

 

Mine is a 36 spline on my 2000. I imagine shipping is different depending on where you live and I couldn't be much farther away from them than I am. I was charged $150 for the core and $35 each way for shipping. I think they charged me slightly more for the box than $305 too, they wouldn't budge on the price.

 

Where is this link you are referring to?

I'm interested in getting one of these buggers. I don't have a serious wondering problem, but it's starting to get loose. I'd like my truck to have seriously tight steering. When i say tight steering I mean sensitive to steering wheel movements and no play.
All in good time and thanks everyone for the information. This has been a great post and extremely informative.

 

Here is the link: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/8...installed.html

 

Shipping was $35 each way as well. I asked them to knock the core back to $100. Considering I prepaid the shipping they agreed to do so. The other $1 was a disposal fee.

 

More on steering wondering, I have years of experience turning wrenches, and knowing how things work, Since buying this truck last Oct. I to have noticed the steering problem, did the new tires, alignment, checked all the joints,,, have dont pretty much everything you have all done, just didnt take out my billfold and start throwing money at it, but I have watched and observed and played with it alot, I normally take 500 to 1000 miles trips so I have alot of seat time to listen, feel and watch. Enough back ground, This is what I have learned.
IT IS THE STEERING GEAR BOX, DONT REPLACE IT WITH ANOTHER FORD GEAR BOX, Was back under the truck again today changing out wheel bearings, and I was playing some more, and found that I have absolutely no play what so ever in any joint or pivot point, with the steering wheel locked, I can grab the front tire off the ground of course, and move it side to side and watch everything move in unison, except nothing should be moving with the steering wheel locked,,, if you watch it, you will see everything moving all the way to the gear box, meaning slop in the gear box,,, please do this test at home, jack the front of your truck up, and move your wheels side to side with the steering wheel locked,,, you will find that everything is moving like it is supposed to all the way to the gear box, but from the gear box to the steering column nothing moves........
It is time to get a new gear box,,, and going to go with the red head gear box,,, will post again and let you all know the out come..

thanks
woody

 

syahj04, thanks for the info and your update.
I officially now have the redhead gear box on my todo list. Ford should have done a better job on their gear boxes and PS pumps!

 

You are welcome, but please jack up your truck and check for yourself what I have found. I know you will find the same thing, but dont want anyone spending money without first checking out there own rig to make sure that this is the solution to there problem, i am sure their are some people out there with some ball joints needing replaced, and would hate for them to spend money on a new gear box and that not be there problem..
So bye all means please jack up your truck and verify the problem. I do hope this helps some people out there verify the problem that haunts all of us...

Thanks again
woody

 

I made a seperate post, but figured alot of guys are sunscribed to this thread and may see it sooner. Finally got the red head steering box in a few days ago. And all i have to say it is one of the best mods i have done yet to this truck!!! For all those putting it off...DON'T! I have 35s Mud Terrains and no dual stabilizer yet and my steering is 95% better. All that slop and chasing the steering wheel back and forth wandering is gone. I mean there will always be a small amount since we are still on a steering box....but trust me...a million times better. Just figured i add to the list of satisfied and loving their truck again owners

 

I too have the wander problem. To me it looks like the Ford engineers screwed up and they need to own up to it. If enough of us complain to the TSB, maybe we can get a recall on this. Just a thought.

I've checked everything and all is tight and it still wanders as it did from the day I drove it off the dealer's lot. It's clearly a design problem and Ford needs to fix it!!!

 

Well link it up, I'd love to have a free Red Head power steering unit

 

I'll sign it! Something else to watch for, as I will be replacing mine in the next couple of days, is the spring eye bushings. Mine are all cracked and I can see an air gap of about1/16" on the front-rear. I have had Energy Suspensions replacements for about a month and a half, just been lazy. I'll be replacing my tracbar bushings at the same time. I'm sure the slop in there contributes to the wander a little.