Quote:
Originally Posted by Annie O
Even when I haven't been active lately, y'all respond right away- I love this forum!
(Add: Found mention of the Redhead brand on Ford Truck Enthusiasts, with good results.)
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You're a good egg, have a great reputation here and given this forum in general is usually quick to respond to any call for help its not surprising help can be found here.
So anyway AnnieO a few years ago I looked into Redhead steering boxes, they said at the time they didn't have a rebuildable core in stock, I'd have to supply one for them to use. My contact there did offer to send a list of compatible vehicles from which I could pull one, seems the appropriate box was used on some years of the F-Series too. Well worth a call to them for a quick discussion---they don't always list what they have or can do with Ford boxes.
I will share back in 2013 my work-only E250 EB 2wd needed a new box @ 177 K miles---the original had developed a very small leak at the bottom, I opted for the costly Ford reman'd unit, a full $100 more than NAPA
et al offerings. All was well for about 86K miles when the replaced box blew a seal quite unexpectedly, not a single drop or leak until it erupted a fountain of PS fluid in a fellow glassman's parking lot.
I replaced that box with one of NAPA's parts, wasn't going to spend more money a second time if Ford's reman's parts are no better than my experience. Cost about $180 out-the-door.
FWIW Redhead has a stellar reputation and if the 4WD suspension is tough on steering gear I'd go with them as I'm sure their quality control is part of their success. I'm not sure if a brand new box is available through Ford or any other parts network, nearly all I've encountered were all reman'd. If I'm mistaken there someone please correct me, perhaps a link too?
The
only downside dealing with Redhead is all the back and forth shipping----these boxes aren't light weight pieces.
Let us know your progress and choice---best of luck with this!