Tighten Steering

[SCUD001]

I've used the search function and for some reason can't find the write up on it. Can anyone point me in the right direction on how to tighten up my steering box?

Link would be nice. Thanks in advance.

[jetjock15]

on an 03 you just attack the steering box from the top, you can see a nut with a bolt tyep deal in the middle.... its been awhile sorry for poor desription..... you will see when you look... the outter nut just tightens the thing down to hold the center.. the inner bolt controls the tightness, just use a wrench on the outter, loosen it, then hold it from moving, then rotate that inner bolt clockwise half a turn and then hold it in place and tighten the outter nut..... most guys preach to adjust in 1/8 turns..... so it does not take much.... i think about half turn did the trick.... after that jack both front wheels off the ground and spin the wheel back and forth, if there is any resistance or noises, you got it to tight, back it off some.....

[armyguy209]

I dont know what problem you are having but I just purchased a REDHEAD steering box. I have some serious wandering issues with my steering and it is getting a little old.

This new built up steering box is supposed to fix the problem..I have read several other posts that praise these boxes.

[Mike Hickman]

Price tag on the new box . Mine is getting sloppy to for some reason!

[armyguy209]

Originally Posted by Mike Hickman

Price tag on the new box . Mine is getting sloppy to for some reason!

Well you have two options...

1. you can get a used rebuilt/built up steering box for like 100 bucks cheaper

or

2. you can get a brand new OEM built up steering box...

I chose option #2 and it ran me 725.00 shipped. Once you ship back the old steering box you get a 250.00 core back. The 725.00 also included shipping back to them. So 475.00 shipped for a brand new built up steering box..lol

The stock steering boxes just cant handle these big ol tires very well..whatever REDHEAD does to build them up prevents the boxes from wearing so damn easy.

I havent put it on yet because I have just had alot going on with loosing my job and all...plus I need to go rent a few tools. I will put up a fresh posting once I get it on and let you know how it worked out.

[TxFireman1972]

Are there any adjustments possible on 05+ trucks? Mine has gotten a little sloppy too, been thinking about trying one of the redheads models. If I can adjust it in the meantime that would be great.

[Evil Eye]

Just the adjustment technique that JetJock describes above. Loosen the jam nut on the top of the factory steerbox with a 9/16" wrench. While holding the jam nut with the wrench, take a 4.5mm allen wrench and tighten the adjustment screw in 1/8 increments, so looking at a clock, go from 12o'clock to 2o'clock and then tighten down the jam nut. Take it for a drive (just around the block) and it should have reduced some of the slop. Keep adjusting it until the slop is gone or you have difficulty or binding in the steerbox. If it gets to that point, you will need to replace the steerbox.

[TxFireman1972]

Awesome, thanks. I'm gonna give it a try.

[Evil Eye]

No problem. Those might be the wrong wrench sizes, since I was trying to go by memory. Oh and you'll need to pull your air filter out since it is just under the air box and you'll need to push your lower radiator hose out of the way. It's not a difficult procedure, though.

[hopeitlasts]

I have 35 " tires on my 04 F250 and only got about 60k on my stock steering box before it was done. Was told this is pretty common with big tires. I replaced the stock box with a redhead steering box which seems to be tighter than the stock one was. I have only had it on for about 15k miles so I can't say how the longevity will be compared to stock.