New steering gear stiff?

[Brian VT]

I had a lower seal leaking so I bit the bullet and bought a Red Head box to replace the original. It's all good except it takes a bit more effort to steer. Not so much that it's annoying, but it's noticeable. Is there normally a break in period after which things will move easier or is my pump not up to the task of driving the new gear or maybe something else from the install?
It's totally fine. I'm just curious why it feels different.

 

[Rdnck84_03]

bought a Red Head

I have read numerous issues with the red head gears as of recent. I have heard that "Blue top" is the current go to. Supposedly there was a corporate disagreement and the partnership split up into "red head" and "blue top". From what I'm hearing "blue top" must have gotten all the talent.

James

 

[IDIBRONCO]

From just glancing at their site, I may have to buy one from them here soon.

 

[Lumberjackchuck]

Does the red head gear box have the adjustment like the OEM ones did? Can you just loosen the screw a hair on top of the gearbox to loosen it up?

 

[Brian VT]

I dunno. I never even took it out of the box.
By the weight of the box I decided that I wasn't man enough to install it so I had a local shop do it.
They did say that it had Ford markings on it so I assume it hasn't been changed. I'll take a look at it in the daylight tomorrow.

 

[Brian VT]

I have read numerous issues with the red head gears as of recent. I have heard that "Blue top" is the current go to. Supposedly there was a corporate disagreement and the partnership split up into "red head" and "blue top". From what I'm hearing "blue top" must have gotten all the talent.

James

I didn't get that memo. :-(

 

[Rdnck84_03]

I didn't get that memo. :-(

I have no personal experience on this, just what I have read.

James

 

[Lumberjackchuck]

I dunno. I never even took it out of the box.
By the weight of the box I decided that I wasn't man enough to install it so I had a local shop do it.
They did say that it had Ford markings on it so I assume it hasn't been changed. I'll take a look at it in the daylight tomorrow.

You’re not missing out. Gear box install is a **** on this truck. Getting it mounted isn’t a problem, but getting the power steering lines on are a PITA

 

[IDIoit]

a blue top /redhead is just a factory style gear box, rebuilt by these companies. different internals, and you can get them to port the box.

by far the hardest part on these are pulling the pitman arm.

i dont know why everyones so intimidated with em.

 

[Nero]

Well if we took our truck apart that far I'd imagine it'd be easy too

 

[Lumberjackchuck]

a blue top /redhead is just a factory style gear box, rebuilt by these companies. different internals, and you can get them to port the box.

by far the hardest part on these are pulling the pitman arm.

i dont know why everyones so intimidated with em.

Pitman arm pulling isn’t so bad if you have a good one. I tried using a pitman arm puller I got from Hebrew Freight on it, and that was a no go. It just bent the heck out of it. You really need a decent hardened pitman arm puller for this.

Removing and installing the power steering lines is a pain in the ass from what I recall. It’s a tough spot to get to if you don’t have a crows foot wrench. Alternatively you could remove the wheel well liner to make it easier

 

[IDIoit]

Well if we took our truck apart that far I'd imagine it'd be easy too

well, this isnt exactly a factory truck.
but ive done it in factory style trucks, and it really aint that bad. IMO
i did my stock van steering box in 45 minutes

 

[Brian VT]

The 2 guys at the shop, working with my truck on a lift, said it wasn't fun. 5 hrs. labor listed on my bill + $6 for fluid.
Seems like my $350 was well spent vs trying to do it myself on my garage floor in 24 degree temps.

 

[Cubey]

I got a good one from AutoZone in 2021. No slop, no leaks, installed it right in the AutoZone parking lot, refilled the fluid, and drove away. But ... it's easier on Econolines.

 

[Nero]

I changed the one in my crew cab back when I originally built it. I can't remember how long it took to change, but I also don't remember it being hard to do.