03-08 steering box upgrade

[Bob4x4]

We now have a very promising new gear box for the

03-08 2500 4x4's. 68170214aa huge gear section

40mm splines. Uses original lines,intermediate shaft.

Comes with pitman arm and will work with either style

Steering linkage. Very smooth,good center feel

 

[Regcabguy]

Bob,will this upgrade work with existing steering gear braces?

 

[seafish]

GREAT news. I'll bet that there is a run on them at various parts counters.

 

[TSPowell]

Wow, they sure want a pretty penny for this thing. This part# comes as a kit with a pitman arm and drag link for $675. I think I'll still go with RedHead when I need a new box.

Is there a part# for the box only??

 

[Bob4x4]

Wow, they sure want a pretty penny for this thing. This part# comes as a kit with a pitman arm and drag link for $675. I think I'll still go with RedHead when I need a new box.

Is there a part# for the box only??

There is no comparison lol

Seen too many redheads fail... ...



The sector shaft is much bigger so a new sized

Bearing and nut will be required for a brace

 

[Prairie Dog]

Bob, are you saying the Red heads break? I only ask because I've never heard of one actually breaking and my mechanic friend installs a number of them every year. He says they occasionally leak but, RH is quick to take care of the problem.

 

[Bob4x4]

Yup broken sector

 

[DDT]

I have over 60K on my redhead, still great

 

[Shadrach]

I've already done the 08 linkage upgrade. How will this work with it? Shad

 

[steved]

Considering they are nothing more than a rebuilt box... if they suffer broken sector shafts, then the factory box would too.

I installed my RedHead probably 60k miles ago, its been fine...

 

[Prairie Dog]

Having a SBS should keep anything from happening to the sector shaft too.

 

[brillmtb]

I am going with the RH this weekend after reading as much as I coud find. Should I change the PS fluid to Amsoil ATF and how much fluid does this system hold if I attempt to flush out the old fluid. I am concerned that ATF may have too much detergent that hits the seals too hard?

 

[JBallou]

The PS fluid for the system is specified as atf. So no harm. Just have a couple of quarts of ATF on hand when refilling. That should cover it.

 

[Bob4x4]

Considering they are nothing more than a rebuilt box... if they suffer broken sector shafts, then the factory box would too.



I installed my RedHead probably 60k miles ago, its been fine...

:-laf The new sector shaft is MUCH larger so no it is not the same.

Since there are no new boxes being made of the old design the number of good cores is declining. Rebuilders will use what they have available. I know of the 3 cores I have none would be my first choice to be on my truck :-laf

 

[steved]

:-laf The new sector shaft is MUCH larger so no it is not the same.

Since there are no new boxes being made of the old design the number of good cores is declining. Rebuilders will use what they have available. I know of the 3 cores I have none would be my first choice to be on my truck :-laf

I was referring to the rebuilt Redhead box versus the OE in the early trucks... so :-laf at yourself. If they are breaking, the OE would suffer the same as it utilizes the same components. I was not referring to the newer steering gear box...



You should read, AND COMPREHEND what you've read, before taking a cheap shot at someone...

 

[Bob4x4]

I was referring to the rebuilt Redhead box versus the OE in the early trucks... so :-laf at yourself. If they are breaking, the OE would suffer the same as it utilizes the same components. I was not referring to the newer steering gear box...



You should read, AND COMPREHEND what you've read, before taking a cheap shot at someone...

Relax man relax... ... ... .....

 

[ENafziger]

Thanks Bob for the info. I suppose not many people here use their trucks like you have, and I have.

Should I change the PS fluid to Amsoil ATF and how much fluid does this system hold if I attempt to flush out the old fluid. I am concerned that ATF may have too much detergent that hits the seals too hard?<!-- google_ad_section_end --> <!-- / message --><!-- BEGIN TEMPLATE: vbseo_likeshare --><!-- END TEMPLATE: vbseo_likeshare --><!-- sig -->

The best fluid seems to be Red Line Power Steering fluid. And I think 2 qts would get pretty close to doing a full flush.

--Eric

 

[brillmtb]

So from trying to follow this post is the RH not a good replacement?

 

[Bob4x4]

Itis one of the better rebuilds but it is not as good as a new box

 

[seafish]

So from trying to follow this post is the RH not a good replacement?

Redhead rebuilds used to be the best avaialble fix for upgrading the steering box on our trucks. They did quality work and had good customer service. LAtely, I have read more about RH box failures then in the past.

This is likely due to the scarcity of decent cores that Bob4x4 was talking about.



I WAS going to use a Redhead myself based on the quality of their reputation, and clearly they are still head and shoulders above the other steering box rebuild that you might get at Autozone or wherever.



That being said, with the availablity of an upgraded steering box using larger and more robust parts then our oems that was designed for our trucks, it seems to me the only logical choice, if you can afford it (or if you can get it done under warranty Oo. )



Just my . 02