1972RedNeck

I am trying to prep myself to spend a good sized wad of cash on the steering system of the 'ole 1st Gen. Napa wants $135 for their top line drag link. Summit Racing wants $71 for their Moog drag link. I'm thinking the Moog will be the best.

Along with the drag link, the steering gear will also get replaced. Napa wants $153 for their reman. Summit racing has two in the $150 range and one for $565 . The Redhead steering gear comes in right at $316.

I'm assuming the Redhead is the best bang for the buck?

Between all the options, I see 3 different ratios: 12:1, 15:1, and 18:1. What are the advantages to the faster and slower ratios? Disadvantages?

oliver foster

I put a Redhead box on my '85 crew last summer and love it.
I will be buying more steering boxes from them as my trucks need them.

NJTman

Imo, no disadvantage to the faster ratio steering.

I love mine, as it gives the truck a world of difference regarding ease and feel. . You've heard nothing but good things about redhead gears on this site. Bad things about Napa. The point is moot.

Ask redhead if the internal stops are eliminated from their gears, or not. This allows the axle stops to be used as limiters for steering axis. Mine were removed. My gear was done by Chip from Powersteering.com, but he's since sold the biz and retired.

mknittle

Napa= Rebuilt by a guy that probably doesn't speak English and cares more about getting his quota done for the day than quality.
Or
Redhead= experts that take pride in their work and care about quality.

MrFusion

My cousin's shop uses Moog as much as possible because they have fewer problems and bring backs with Moog than other brands. However, he says that some Moog stuff ain't what it used to be. Of course you can almost buy 2 Moog parts for 1 NAPA Chicom part.

1STGENFARMBOY

I also have a redhead box and have no problems wih it.

for me on the other stuff it would be Moog.

Diesel_Dawg

I have put Redhead steering boxes on my last few trucks and they have all worked great!
Also, I would go with MOOG steering components over NAPA etc.

Hillbilly66

On my 92 I also have a Redhead box, on Moog parts. I am happy with them.

On the other hand, My boss has a 91.5 and 92, no way was I ever going to convince him it was worth the money to go Moog and Redhead, so they both have Napa reman box's and Napa rod ends. They have been going for a year or so since being done with no issues.

1972RedNeck

Just pulled the trigger on a RedHead box and a Moog drag link. I'll let you all know how it turns out.

bannerd

Just FYI.. when you get the steering gear it is super super tight steering and you may think something is wrong. All three of my gearboxes were like this but over time it loosens up and just feels so smooth.

Diesel_Dawg

Ditto...It feels better than OEM/factory new IMHO.

Shelby/Dakota

To slightly thread jack, what unit did you get for the truck. When I looked they didn't have any specifically listed for these trucks. Planning on going to the redhead whenever my current one finally dies.

u2slow

I won't pay for moog unless somebody can prove to me its built better. So much offshore stuff coming out of Moog boxes these days. If you're into that price range, it may be wise to get the adjustable link. I think its skyjacker than makes one.

I'll reman my own steering box. The kits are cheap, and I have a lot of used ones. From what I understand, its the 2ndgens that really need an upgraded box.

Diesel_Dawg

Here is the RH P/N for the box I installed on my 92 W250:
P/N: 2856SNI

1972RedNeck

They listed one on their site for '80 to '93 4X4 Dodge.