Steering Box. Replace or Rebuild?
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
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From: Boise, Idaho
Steering Box. Replace or Rebuild?
Hi everyone,
The steering box on my Bronco is just about shot and the steering as absolute mush. I can turn the steering wheel 90* or more without it affecting the tires, and it can be difficult to keep it going straight at times.
After price checking, a new steering box is around $150 - $200 and a rebuild kit is around $50 - $70.
Is it recommended to just replace the steering box? Or is rebuilding them generally a better option? Does rebuilding them require special tools, presses, alignment, etc? Or is it a generally simple procedure?
Also, if I simply replace the steering box, are there any upgrades while I'm in there, or is the stock box good enough?
Thanks for any info.
The steering box on my Bronco is just about shot and the steering as absolute mush. I can turn the steering wheel 90* or more without it affecting the tires, and it can be difficult to keep it going straight at times.
After price checking, a new steering box is around $150 - $200 and a rebuild kit is around $50 - $70.
Is it recommended to just replace the steering box? Or is rebuilding them generally a better option? Does rebuilding them require special tools, presses, alignment, etc? Or is it a generally simple procedure?
Also, if I simply replace the steering box, are there any upgrades while I'm in there, or is the stock box good enough?
Thanks for any info.
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 0
From: Longview, TX
Red-Head Steering Gears
Of course other front end parts may be loose also. I have had my Red Head for a year or two and it is better than new.
Of course other front end parts may be loose also. I have had my Red Head for a year or two and it is better than new.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 19,402
Likes: 38
From: Bonita Springs FL
Go to redheadsteering.com and order one from there. I've replaced two steering gearboxes in the last couple years. One from Napa that's was sloppy when it was new and one from redhead. The redhead box is much tighter and my Bronco's steering is nice and tight now. I didn't think this truck could ever steer this good.
If I were you I'd also replace the steering pump and both hoses. This is a good time to do the saginaw conversion too, it's a bolt-in replacement and a much better pump.
If I were you I'd also replace the steering pump and both hoses. This is a good time to do the saginaw conversion too, it's a bolt-in replacement and a much better pump.
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Moderator
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 7,987
Likes: 104
From: Boise, Idaho
Yup, I plan on doing the Saginaw at the same time, along with new hoses.
I'll check out the Redhead steering box, thanks for the link!
All the other steering components are less than a couple years old, so this should really tighten up my steering.
I'll check out the Redhead steering box, thanks for the link!
All the other steering components are less than a couple years old, so this should really tighten up my steering.
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