Robert Rausch

Has anyone installed a Redhead steering box? I have some questions. My original steering box started leaking in June of 2015. I had 355,000 miles on it I was away from home and had a So. Cal. garage install a rebuilt steering box from whatever local auto parts store that was available. It wasn't a NAPA box, I know that. The replacement box had a 12 month warranty. 14 months and 15,000 miles later that box started leaking badly, and I am out in So. Cal again. The same shop said if I bought another box they would install it for free but since the warranty is over they can't return the box for replacement. This seems fair to me, even if I'm ****** at the rebuilders for building a junk box.

If I drive for more than 1/2 hour, the box is dry and I have to pull over and add more fluid. So I ordered a Redhead steering box. Paid $345 for it plus shipping. The directions say dire things will happen if the exact directions as to filling the reservoir, turning the steering wheel lock to lock many times with the engine off, etc. are not followed.

So, has anyone here installed a Redhead steering box before? Any tips or hints?

oliver foster

I installed a Redhead steering box on my '85 crew cab this spring.
Just follow there directions, as that is the best way to bleed the air out of the system.
They sent me a whole page of tips and hints, which sound like the same paperwork you are reading.
If you wanted me to just say, fill it up, close the hood and go for a drive, I can say that would not be smart.

Robert Rausch

Thanks Oliver. The reason I ask is I'm a little concerned the shop that did it the first time might screw it up, and I REALLY don't want this expensive box ruined because of a sloppy installation.

Will I have to get the front end aligned after it's swapped out?

oliver foster

I had my daughter help me bleed it.
She sat in the truck and cranked the wheel lock to lock with the engine off while I made sure to keep it topped off.
Then after quite a while off turning the steering wheel, I had her fire it up and turn it lock to lock.
We repeated this till no bubbles came through the system.
This was all done with the front wheels off the ground and the rear tires chocked.

It should not need an alignment when it is done.

Most shops might not bleed the steering system that way as it does take a bit of time.
It is easier to just fill it up, start it up and top it off when you hear the pump staining.
Easier, yes... Better NO.

Redhead's directions for bleeding the system where great.

johnh

why not reseal the leaking one??

Robert Rausch

I don't trust it.

Danderson

Redhead claims they make internal modifications to prolong the life of the unit.

Robert Rausch

They say they machine it to accept dual seals and make other modifications.

Danderson

Needle bearings also.
I've got play in my stocker after a relatively tame 77K.
I don't know if I'll go Redhead or Mopar big box with the bigger pump.

Robert Rausch

Man oh man, I just picked up my truck after the RedHead went in. The steering is SO SMOOTH. And it's a lot easier. I am very pleasantly surprised.

oliver foster

That is great to hear, I am loving my Redhead box as well.

Mexstan

I installed a Redhead box in my truck a couple of years ago and there has been zero issues. That was steering box #4, so hopefully I will never again need to touch the steering pump.

Box #1 got stiff and would not center. Changed under warranty.
Box #2 leaked badly. Out of warranty so installed one from O'Reilly's.
Box #3 also started to leak badly. No O'Reilly's around, so bit the bullet and installed the Redhead. Yes, the bleeding procedure takes time, but really is no problem.

Robert Rausch

I asked at O'Reiily's and for $170 or so they would sell me a "lifetime" steering gear. Having fallen prey to that "lifetime" line of O'Reilly's before, with starters, I politely declined. (I went through 2 O'Reilly's Lifetime starters in 4 years.) A starter is hard enough to change out, but changing out a steering gear is just plain torture.