[270win]

I just completely rebuilt the front end on my truck, once I did that I found out just how bad my steering box was...with 300K what should I expect? So I replaced it with a rebuilt Cardone unit. It's better but the truck still wonders, it's like the center is too sensitive. It's not bad around town, but on the highway and especially pulling our 33' travel trailer this thing is all over the place...a constant struggle to hold it in the right lane.

So, can the box be adjusted? I've heard horror stories from people messing with the adjustments and never getting them right again. OR is there a higher quality box that I can buy for it? I'm planning to keep this truck forever so I don't mind forking out some cash on it.

 

[gdp]

Good question, I've replaced mine twice with 116k miles on it now. I bought the NAPA box and had a lifetime warranty so the second time didn't cost me anything. I'm not sure if the first replacement went bad because of the way it was built or a really small adjustment I made but the second has been fine and it's not some super high end version. Mayabe you just got a bad box...it does happen now and then. I'd say try making a very small adjustment and worse case you get another that should be normal.

 

[270win]

Good question, I've replaced mine twice with 116k miles on it now. I bought the NAPA box and had a lifetime warranty so the second time didn't cost me anything. I'm not sure if the first replacement went bad because of the way it was built or a really small adjustment I made but the second has been fine and it's not some super high end version. Mayabe you just got a bad box...it does happen now and then. I'd say try making a very small adjustment and worse case you get another that should be normal.

I do have a warranty on it still. Maybe I'll try a slight adjustment and if that doesn't fix it I'll exchange it for another one.

 

[jposes]

I have heard good things about Red Head Steering. When I changed mine out I was in a bind time wise and it was not an option so I dont have any first hand experience with them but have heard good things about them. Here is a link to their website
Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears Inventory

 

[worldwide73]

Cardone's quality has went down hill very quickly that last few years. I would say you have a bad box as long as the rest your front end is tight. I'll be getting readhead when my goes as well.

 

[270win]

Cardone's quality has went down hill very quickly that last few years. I would say you have a bad box as long as the rest your front end is tight. I'll be getting readhead when my goes as well.

Every single component of my front end is new and tight. You're right, Cardone is junk. I replaced the gear box in my 68 GTO and the first one I got was bad, second was good. I replaced the gear box in my wife's Tahoe, the first one would only have power assist to the right but not the left, turns out the newly rebuilt unit from Cardone was partially clogged. I put in another one and her Tahoe still isn't quite right. Maybe just biting the bullet for factory new is the way to go.

What is different about Redhead?

 

[270win]

Brand new from Ford, $203.00. Sounds like the way to go. My first one went almost 300K...of course it was worn out by then, but you know the new one will make the truck drive right!

 

[worldwide73]

not a bad price. red head upgrades the box and hand builds each one to exacting standards, better than a factory box really. I'm luckly I got a cardone box for mine and its working fine so far. Kept my factory box for a core when the time comes again.

 

[270win]

I was just looking and I paid almost that much for this lousy Cardone! Not to mention the core money they would owe me as well...and buying new from Ford there is no core. I'm getting a new one. I'm sure the RedHead is a great unit too.

 

[270win]

Update,
Apparently all of the units from Ford are overhauled by an outside source. They would not tell me who. My local dealer told me that there are no longer new boxes from Ford available.

So it looks like I'll be going the Redhead route after all. I find it interesting that Ford has stopped making parts for a truck that's only 12 years old.

 

[FMTRVT]

Only 12 years old?

Ford and the other manufacturers generally stop buying new parts from their suppliers after the part is no longer in production unless it is a high turnover part. They do warehouse pallets of parts at the production end, but not 12 years worth. Even while the platform is still in production the Motorcraft aftermarket rebuilds start coming into the pipeline.

No manufacturer still rebuilds their parts. It's all outsourced.

Edit: Oh, those "little" steering box adjustments? Unless you are following the service manual procedure you just trashed a box.

 

[270win]

Yeah, only 12 years old...for what these trucks cost new and what the new ones cost today Ford should support them for a reasonable amount if time. They tout these trucks as 500,000 mile vehicles...but they won't make a surplus of parts to see that they'll get there? That makes no sense. Funny, I can still go to Mercedes and get a brand new steering box for my wife's 99 E320 wagon.

 

[mtnmole]

I just put a Redhead box in my truck the other night. HUGE improvement. No more wandering and rut chasing. I should have made the change a year or so ago. About $350 including shipping + my core. I'm happy.

 

[270win]

I just put a Redhead box in my truck the other night. HUGE improvement. No more wandering and rut chasing. I should have made the change a year or so ago. About $350 including shipping + my core. I'm happy.

I'm going to have to go through Redhead for one as well, I added a steering stabilizer and it improved, but it's still not right.

 

[NeilAnderson1]

has anyone ever relpalced their steering box with one from autozone? Are they good quality?

 

[270win]

has anyone ever relpalced their steering box with one from autozone? Are they good quality?

Yes, in my wifes tahoe, it was cardone and it was garbage, I've replaced it already and the second one was bad too...I'm putting off replacing it cause I'm tired of the hassle.