Can anyone speak to the quality of the Far From Stock (FFS) Steering Box? ( https://farfromstockstore.com/collec...ng-box-rebuild ). They have one with a reduced lock to lock of 3 1/3 turns (from the stock 4 1/4 turns)-- would be nice for all the parallel parking I do. Pricey. How does this rebuild compare to the beloved RedHead model? ( https://redheadsteeringgears.com/pro...dodge-pickups/ )

While I'm here - What do folks typically replace the original steering Pump with?

Thanks for your help!

 

I can't comment on the Far From Stock unit.
I can advise to stay away from the chain store remans, especially the cardone lorrain Chinese ones.
I got one from Napa and it lasted a couple of years before it was dangerous to drive.
I replaced it with a Red Head, and was impressed with the improvement.
At twice or 3 times the price it's totally worth it because you only have to do it once.

 

I wouldn't even waste my time installing a Napa / Cardone pump or gear, if someone gave it to me.

I got the steering box BRACE from FSS and it was a great piece. I have no experience with thier boxes though. I am pretty sure they have some company make them for them.

I have used several of Red Head's boxes on my 1st and 2nd Gen Dodges with good results.

 

Further question: When parallel parking with all the back and forth wheel turning the steering gets bogged down and runs out of power assist (It's on 32" tires btw) . Is this more a problem of a failing Pump or is the stock pump just not up to the task of turning the wider rubber contact spots? Is there a better steering pump option for these trucks?
I see the Redhead gear can be ordered with two extra ports for hydraulic assist - Is this complication needed for these slightly wider tires?

 

A stock system in good shape should be able to handle '32 inch tires no problem.

hydro assist stuff is rock crawler and monster mud truck stuff. No even legal DOT in many states. You don't need that.

 

It is always a good idea to be moving slightly as you crank the wheel to help with tire resistance. Sitting at a dead stop with low RPM, just cranking the wheel, left and right, with a 1200# motor over the front tires is asking a lot.

 

I will be going to a redhead box as for my reverse steer setup as soon as my "truck fund" recoups. I got 2 years out of a box from napa before it developed slop. To be fair, my kingpins were worn, my bearings were worn, and my alignment was out when I put the box in, so it probably got a raw deal. In hindsight I would do it all at once with rod ends.

I think redhead advises against the improved ratio, probably for a good reason.

 

My thoughts exactly.
A faster ratio box, I can only assume, moves the steering arm faster with less turning from the steering wheel [read more leverage] with the same pressure and flow from the same pump. I can only picture that making the O.P. issue worse...

 

get a red head

 

We all realize these are just the same Saginaw steering box used on 20+ years worth of GM, Dodge, and Jeep products right?

Get a lightly used steering box from a D150. Throw a cheap seal kit at it if its leaking. Best value going.

If you do want a GOOD jobber reman at value prices, be prepared to screen 3-4 of of them personally at the parts-store counter. Helps if you bring the old sloppy box too... or the clerk may decide he's had enough of your hard-to-please butt.

 

Hey!...I've been thrown out of higher class joints than this......Ben

 

I've read on these boxes and yes- they are similar to many on the Fords/GM products. If I were to go $$, I think it was Lee's in Los Angles area which does custom rebuilds. Redhat seems to have not gotten as good of reviews lately. I think one of his ex-employees started bluehat rebuilds. You'd be better to re-seal yours and buy a fully loaded bearing for the bottom.

Lee's can change the steering feel by utilizing different shafts (it's the torsional twist which determines how light/heavy the steering feel). I think most of this older american stuff had to much assist and he's got the 16:1 or variable steering ratio of 13-16:1 available.


Michael

 

As touched on already, the quicker ratios means less mechanical advantage. All things being equal, more input effort required. Ram assist is one way to give the steering gear an easier life.

There is a range of different saginaw pumps with respect to volume and pressure. Units for hydroboost tend to be higher output. Specs are difficult to find though. With a cummins engine, there's all kinds of MDT steering pumps available also. (Eaton, Vickers, ZF, etc.)

 

I put on a Red Head and the brace, my troubles were over.

 

My red head is 7 years old now and still smooth as butter. They replace the worn out bushings with ball bearings.