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Need New Steering Box - Which Brand Would You Recommend?

PWagon

PWagon

1/2 ton status
Joined
Mar 6, 2009
Posts
516
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Location
Dallas
My '86 K5 factory steering box has play in the center, and I cannot seem to adjust it out. I've tightened the adjustment to the point that I'm afraid to go any further. It also leaks at the seals, so I guess it's time to be thinking of a replacement. I've read through a lot of existing articles on this site, and I've seen a lot of horrible reviews on the AC-Delco rebuilds and several bad reviews in the AGP boxes. I don't mind spending extra for a really good box. Can anyone suggest a high quality steering box?
 
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Heard good things on https://www.redheadsteeringgears.com/ Never used them but might be short after I get all parts installed and see how drives then. I have done some adjusting to my old box (original) and installed brace from ORD but box still seems to have little play it.
 
I've replaced literally everything (XJ steering shaft swap, tie rod ends, ball joints, steering column bearing, column coupler, ORD steering brace, new pump & hoses), but the only original part is the box. I'll take a look at redhead and find some reviews.
 
The front end shop I worked at used a lot of Red Head boxes. Always had great luck with them.
 
I'm not much help, as I would recommend Bench in Phoenix, or Raven in Denver.
I have boxes from both of them and both great!
 
I called Red-Head on Friday and placed an order for a new steering box (part #2858). The part was $276 plus a $150 core charge. I placed the order late Friday afternoon, and the new gear box arrived on my front porch steps Monday afternoon. That was some fast shipping (Auburn, WA to Dallas, TX). I hope to get the new one installed this weekend. I'll get pictures posted as soon as I can. Thanks @brans87 for the reference!
 
That is awesome. I read this post and was going to recommend them as well. I talked to them a week ago for the same reason and when the guy talked me through their procedure for rebuild I was sold. I live right down the road so going to go grab one from them over the next couple weeks.
 
I have been thinking about this option also what benefits dose their gears have over a stock replacement?
 
I got an almost new red-head from a buddy. He swapped boxes when we put crossover on his k5 and the other one sat in his garage until my stock box shit it's seals out.

It's a great piece, has a really positive feel to it. I'd rather pay more for a good one like this than almost as much for an autozone "rebuild" that is sloppier than the one it replaced.
 
@Massacre-77 I believe the main difference Red-Head offers is a closer attention to detail and tolerances. I've read a lot of bad reviews on AC-Delco rebuilds and several bad reviews in the AGP boxes. I've read nothing but great reviews on Red-Head. I ordered a Red-Head last Friday, and it arrived on Monday. I have to admit that shipping, boxing, padding, and the gear box overall appearance has all been way above my expectations. I'll install it this weekend and pray that it lives up to the reviews I've been reading. I'll take pictures and report back here next week after I get a chance to drive it with the new gear box.
 
I look forward to your review, my steering box is on the way out... Also I didn't realize they were that close, I might have to make a trip over there.
 
I finally got the time this last weekend to remove my old original factory steering gear box and install the new one. I'll admit, I was kinda dreading this work. Regardless, the old box and the rebuilt one I got from Red-Head were identical matches. The install went smooth too, so I can't complain. The instructions Red-Head sent made it very clear to take extra time to purge out any air bubbles that might find there way into my system, so every 4 to 8 hours I'd work the steering back and forth (engine off/truck on jack stands) to move all the gears around. I gave it all day Saturday, Saturday night, all day Sunday, and Sunday night to sit. I was finally able to drive it this morning (Monday), and I'm very happy with it. I didn't realize how worn out my old box was. I can now just point my truck in the direction I want to go and it goes that direction. It's also really nice to not leak power steering fluid anymore. You could always tell where I've been parking by the dark wet spots in the parking lots. Not anymore!

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Great to hear it's helped your steering, congrats! I've had a Red Head in my 04' Yukon XL for a few years now. Still great and no issues at all. I'm thinking about the same thing for the K5, too.....
 
I'll go against the grain and say I'd just go with a Napa or Advance (carquest) steering gear box. Almost half the cost of this Red head brand. Also never heard of waiting days to get air out of any hydraulic system. Dump a pint of fluid in, fire it up, immediately crank the wheel both ways to pump that pint into the box, then go top off the reservoir in the pump.
 
rjfguitar said:
I'll go against the grain and say I'd just go with a Napa or Advance (carquest) steering gear box. Almost half the cost of this Red head brand. Also never heard of waiting days to get air out of any hydraulic system. Dump a pint of fluid in, fire it up, immediately crank the wheel both ways to pump that pint into the box, then go top off the reservoir in the pump.
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I haven't looked to see how much a Redhead box costs, but I will say that you obviously haven't had a nicely built box, judging from that statement.
I will stick with Raven or Benchworks myself. But a well built unit on an old trucks makes a huge difference!!
To me it's one of the places that I will definitely spend the money to have it right.
But my start-up procedure is slower that yours, but not days.
 
I can honestly say this is the one part of a vehicle I absolutely hated rebuilding. It was miserable from the minute the front lock retainer came off.
 
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