Question for those using a redhead steering box.

[Paul Y]

Not a huge fan of power steering box's and cant justify the cost of going to a R & P set up so have been looking at splashing out and purchasing a RedHead steering box for Woody.

Question is... How many, if any, of you have one and how do you like it?

Is the steering 'heavy' at parking speed - I intend to use a full size wheel - and what is the feedback like when driving in a 'spirited fashion'?

Would appreciate any comments and advice or even recommendations.

Thanks!

P.

[bigmoe]

Paul I'm also considering a Redhead. While there may be some improvement in feel I doubt you'd be able to tell any huge difference between a Redhead and a new or rebuilt stock box. I'm told Redhead does a better quality high end rebuild though. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.

Something I'm wondering though. I see the stock ratio is 15:1 but there is an optional 18:1 and I'm wondering if there is any advantage to going 18:1 or if that's more of an option for road track racing or similar?

[AcampoDave]

I have a stock box rebuilt by Redhead. It doesn't add any special handling characteristics apart from being incredibly smooth and having zero play. It's the zero play and the fact that it's been rebuilt with pride right here in the good old USA that makes it a good choice for me.

[cwcarpenter98]

I have one in my 63. Like what AcampoDave said above, no special handling improvements above stock. The first improvement that I noticed was that I have way less fatigue after driving the truck. On a 2 and a half hour drive from Woodstock to Milledgeville or the other way, I would just want to take a nap after all the fighting to stay on the road. After replacing the box, no more nap time for me. The gear was the last component that I replaced on my steering system.

I did have a small leak show up after a couple months on the first box I ordered, but I gave them a call and they sent me a new one that day. Didn't charge me any shipping either. No leaks with the second box

[Paul Y]

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the input.

Additional steering characteristics would be nice but it is the zero play and rebuilt that is of more importance to me I think, Woody's current box is very worn.

Now just need to find a core as shipping mine from the UK is not practical or cost effective.

Thanks again.

P.

[cwcarpenter98]

I returned my core in the same box as what the new one came in. I would suggest giving them a call to ask about shipping to you and the return trip

[VictoriaHardware]

I've been running a RedHead for 5 years now. About 1,000 miles with zero issues. It is RedHead p/n 2854 which is the Variable Ratio GM Saginaw 800 Series box. At the same time I switched from the original 17" diameter steering wheel to a 15". With the 17" wheel the "feel" is too light when combined with power assist.

I have a good core- see http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=799140&page=2 , post #36. RedHead is not particular about cores, other than they need to be rebuildable. You don't have to send them EXACTLY what you are ordering. As long as it is something they can use to rebuild and re-sell. By the time you buy a core and pay for shipping it to Auburn, Washington you might as well just pay the core charge. It weighs about 30 lbs.

Of all the fixes and upgrades to my '66, the power steering was the most bang-for-the-buck.

[The Rocknrod]

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

I returned my core in the same box as what the new one came in. I would suggest giving them a call to ask about shipping to you and the return trip

Thats what I did also.

[AcampoDave]

Paul, I forgot to add that my manual steering is not particularly "heavy" at parking speeds. But i do run stockish sized radial tires (225/75/15). I do find keeping them "aired up" to be helpful tho' because when they start getting low it gets harder.

It's funny sometimes when you just don't keep up with the air pressure, then one day decide to do it and have to add around 10 or more PSI to them and.....Wow....l feel like I got power steering.

[LostMy65]

I like how tight it is. Also, not sure why, but my 73-87 redhead has a better turning radius than the 73-87 power steering box I had before.

[Asshat]

Why Redhead? Are these super-good steer boxes?

Should I consider one when installing my 74 Cross member?

[Paul Y]

Gentlemen,

Thank you again for your feedback.

Christian, Mr. Rod - shipping cost from the UK for the box would be... prohibitive. So if I cant find a cost effective solution to the core issue then will just pay the charge.

Dave, Good to hear that the steering is not too heavy - still deciding on my front tyres but looking for something similar in width to what you are running so that is encouraging.

Mr Hat, My steering box is shot so for the cost it makes more sense to get a 'new' one and the Red Head ones have had good reviews.

Appreciate you taking the time to share your experiences.

Thanks.

P.

[SCOTI]

I have a RedHead box on my modified dually. Very nice part. I liked the fact these are rebuilt by a small group vs. mass rebuild generic parts store stuff.

Instructions & O-rings were included as well. Shipping & the return were easy w/their included return label. I'll likely use one for the G-body project based on the results from my dually.

[duallyjams]

I have installed redhead steering gear on 4 different trucks. 2 manual and 2 power steering. 3 two wheel drive and one 4x4. I would recommend them 100%.

[TJ's Chevy]

I don't have a readhead box on my old trucks but I have one on my 98 Dodge diesel 4x4 and it's been great.
I believe redhead upgrades the boxes with Bearings instead of bushings or upgrades the bearings. It's one or both.