Red Head Steering Box
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Red Head Steering Box
Hey Guys (and Gals)
I have had bad to teriable steering for the entire timme I have owned both of my Broncos. They have both had wonder. I always figured it was because I run such big tires. On my current truck, I have had two advanced auto rebuilt steering gear boxes. The second one wasnt too bad, but I wanted the best I could get. So I bought a AGR rebuilt. It cost twice what Advance did and it was worse for play. I basicly decided to live with it.
On this forum, B4HNTN kept singing the praise about the Red Head rebuilt gearboxes. I finally decided to try again. I ordered it last week and got it yesterday. I installed it today and took it for test drive.
WOW! I am impressed. This is the best it has ever driven. I took it on uneven roads and up to 70 mph. I'm mad I didnt try it sooner. I even have some other issues (a loose pax side ball joint and a loose lift bracket) but they are obviouslly not causing much of the wonder.
Thank you B4HNTN!! If you ever get down this way, I wil buy you a drink or six.
I have had bad to teriable steering for the entire timme I have owned both of my Broncos. They have both had wonder. I always figured it was because I run such big tires. On my current truck, I have had two advanced auto rebuilt steering gear boxes. The second one wasnt too bad, but I wanted the best I could get. So I bought a AGR rebuilt. It cost twice what Advance did and it was worse for play. I basicly decided to live with it.
On this forum, B4HNTN kept singing the praise about the Red Head rebuilt gearboxes. I finally decided to try again. I ordered it last week and got it yesterday. I installed it today and took it for test drive.
WOW! I am impressed. This is the best it has ever driven. I took it on uneven roads and up to 70 mph. I'm mad I didnt try it sooner. I even have some other issues (a loose pax side ball joint and a loose lift bracket) but they are obviouslly not causing much of the wonder.
Thank you B4HNTN!! If you ever get down this way, I wil buy you a drink or six.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Longview, TX
helirich...thanks for the kudos. My Red Head was stiff and harder to turn than I liked at first but I resisted my temptation to adjust the screw. Now, I am glad I did not touch it as it is easy to turn now and keeps getting better as it breaks in. They make returning the core easy also don't they?
Dean Martin liked joke and order "Tea more martunis, please"
Dean Martin liked joke and order "Tea more martunis, please"
Last edited by b4hntn; Dec 17, 2009 at 09:48 PM. Reason: thought
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It was about 300 plus a 100 core plus 60 for shipping both ways. It came with a sticker to return the core in the same box. I replaced the ball joint yesterday and welded the lift bracket. I'm very happy. About the only complant was I had to recenter the steering wheel. (when the pitman arm is straight to the front my steering wheel was turned about 90 degrees) The only way to fix this is to decrease one tierod end and increase the other the same amount. It was quick and easy.
I did not replace my steering shaft or u-joint. The u-joint is good. The slip joint has a little slop. They dont sell the plastic insert in there that wares. At least I havent found a supplier.
I did not replace my steering shaft or u-joint. The u-joint is good. The slip joint has a little slop. They dont sell the plastic insert in there that wares. At least I havent found a supplier.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Longview, TX
helirich got me thinking with "About the only complant was I had to recenter the steering wheel. (when the pitman arm is straight to the front my steering wheel was turned about 90 degrees) The only way to fix this is to decrease one tierod end and increase the other the same amount. It was quick and easy." My steering wheel is about two inches off since the swap. Replacing the clockspring is the next project and I planned to replace the wheel a notch over then, guessing that is possible. Now I know to be sure the pitman arm is straight before I do that.
Merry Christmas everyone.
Merry Christmas everyone.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
I just finished putting a new saginaw pump (mine was shot, leaking & squealing) and a new redhead steering gearbox in my Bronco and WOW what a difference it made. There was a lot of play in the wheel, now there is none. No more power steering whine and no more sloppy steering! It drives like new.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2006
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B4hntn,
I dont believe you can move the wheel "a notch". At the box there is a flat spot in the splines. At the wheel I think its the same. Even if the wheel has splines all around, it would make your turn singals switch off early or late if you know what I mean.
I dont believe you can move the wheel "a notch". At the box there is a flat spot in the splines. At the wheel I think its the same. Even if the wheel has splines all around, it would make your turn singals switch off early or late if you know what I mean.
)
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 14,285
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From: Bend,OR
AndyM, your upgrades are exactly what i want to perform on mine also. that is awsome.
as for the steering wheel center issue. I would not change the position of the steering wheel at the steering wheel. you should really perform this adjustment with the tie rods and pitman arm. thats how an alignment shop would do it and feel this would be the proper way.
as for the steering wheel center issue. I would not change the position of the steering wheel at the steering wheel. you should really perform this adjustment with the tie rods and pitman arm. thats how an alignment shop would do it and feel this would be the proper way.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: Longview, TX
Kem, in case you missed it, my Red Head (we are not talking about my red head wife here) was, shall I say, difficult to turn but, I did not loosen the preload screw. It is fantastic now after many months of diving only several times per month. I drive it about 6K per year. Harvey will fix you up.