97 F350 steering box

[greenwhite1]

I have a 1997 F350 with 253,000 the front axle has all new components. I'm experiencing a random shimmy/shake it happens on the express way around 65 to 75mph. There is no rhyme or reason when or why it starts shaking it does it on both smooth and bumpy roads. Its not a bad shake but enough that it bothers me and it did not do it last summer. If it is shaking and I make a slight turn where it put side pressure on the tire it stops. So last night I jacked up the truck and started looking to see if something came loose and I noticed I can move my drivers front tire slightly left and right. When I do that I see the steering shaft from the firewall to the box twists too. I figure the steering box gear is worn out. Sound right?


First off does it sound like I have a bad steering box?
Second I thought I had read a post on here and someone had replaced theirs with an upgraded unit but could not find when searching. Anyone remember reading a post like that?
Thanks

[OnTheBio]

Red-Head Steering Gears, Seattle WA - Red-Head Steering Gears FAQ

[greenwhite1]

Thanks. I had found them after had I posted the question and gave them a call. Talked to Neil and they sound like they offer a quality part. He also said it does sound like my gearbox is worn out causing my shimy.

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[OnTheBio]

Yes, mine is too. If you do the swap, take plenty of pics, too! I'll be following your footsteps. haha.

[greenwhite1]

I will take plenty of pics and post them up but I won't be able to start this repair for several weeks. So do you actually run bio or WVO in your truck? I have over 20,000 bio miles on this truck and run several other vehicles on it too. I feel my system is right on but always enjoy talking to others on how to improve.

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[Fordman247365]

How much??

[greenwhite1]

There are two styles for my 97, a two bolt or four bolt cap. The two bolt was 256.00 and the the four was in the 280's. There is a 75.00 refundable core once they receive the old unit. That is very comparable to a Ford reman unit, my local Ford dear sells them for 244.77 with a 150.00 core. Red Head says they do not have a size fits all rebuild kit for all gearboxs. This is the route I'm going with.

[Fordman247365]

So in a nutshell, you modify a little to make thier box work and I assume it fits our pitman arm, and its alot better quality than the crap they put in thier originally

[greenwhite1]

Yes it will fit in with no modifications. It sounds like a reman Ford unit can come with slope in it and Red Head also upgrades some parts.

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[OnTheBio]

I've dabbled here and there with WVO. Nothing serious yet but I'm working on it. Will have it all up and running in a couple months. Until then it's 4$+ a gallon.

I've also spent time reading about this Redhead product. I would like to hear a personal review from someone on here that has it. I have 2-2.5" of play and I can't stand it. Makes it quite difficult to drive. <<