This twin I beam suspension is a joke.
Has been since it's inception.
I've replaced everything except steering box. Alignment done.
Truck strays to the right, not severe but gradually. Shop could not correct it.
Terrible bump steer.
New Rancho shocks but front end still acts like it has springs for a f650. Very harsh steering wheel feel over bumps.
Springs feel like they have terrible oscillations when hitting bumps.
Any suggestions besides buying a different truck?

 

How much play is in the steering box? Have you tried rotating the tires to see if the pull follows a tire? Did you go with stock springs or did you lift it?

 

Lets see a Pic of the truck, the front end, and the tire wear

 

How much play is in the steering box? Have you tried rotating the tires to see if the pull follows a tire? Did you go with stock springs or did you lift it?

It has about an 1/8 of a turn left or right. I have adjusted the sector some

 

200,000 miles on a stock box and a few replacement parts over the years but nothing out of the norm and 37" it's whole life after the first 20 k
I don't see the joke?

I would see if you can find a local rebuilder that has street cred or contact PSC or Bluetop if they are still around

redtop I just see mixed reviews anymore and remans even from Ford are iffy

I do not know why these companies can't get it right but it has been that way for years and not just on Ford boxes

 

200,000 miles on a stock box and a few replacement parts over the years but nothing out of the norm and 37" it's whole life after the first 20 k
I don't see the joke?

I would see if you can find a local rebuilder that has street cred or contact PSC or Bluetop if they are still around

redtop I just see mixed reviews anymore and remans even from Ford are iffy

I do not know why these companies can't get it right but it has been that way for years and not just on Ford boxes

you are one of the very few lucky one's then. Ford steering is junk since 1920

 

I had to replace my stock gearbox at 80k because of play in the steering and it made a loud squeaking noise.

I have about 120k on my Redhead and it still feels as new as the day it was installed. I would suggest either factory or a Redhead. Boxes from Autozone, Advanced, etc normally have more issues than the box being replaced.

 

I have two Redhead steering boxes and they were a major upgrade from the factory worn out ones. One is on a 1986 F250 and the other on a 2002 F350. They had better reviews than the store built boxes. Another good option that I’ve read about is Blue top steering boxes.

 

Blue Tops are built by a guy that worked for the owner of Redhead gearbox’s who went out on his own. You probably won’t find much difference between the two.

 

your right I should have spent the money on a blue top.
now I have to find an oem box because they charge extra for a junk reman.

 

Probably best if you sold it then, wouldn't want you in an accident.

205k miles on the stock box. Adjusted by the book around 100k, just because.


The problem with the rebuilds from all sources is they are using the best of the cores coming in, and there is a reason they are coming in.

 

I've been running a redhead for a long time without issue. I have heard they are hit or miss anymore but don't know the truth in that. I have also heard the same about bluetop.

I don't think I noticed a lot when going to readhead over stock. At first play was gone but over time, they still get some.

many seem to be doing some sort of PSC setup. I think the full kit uses a dodge gearbox. also swapping out to a saginaw pump may be beneficial.

I think the stock system does what it was designed to do.

If/ when i do it again, i will be doing some sort of PSC system. I still get in some situations where it's not fun trying to turn 35's

 

What is psc system

 

Its a brand manufacturer and probably the most well known for any platform available. They have everything from a full kit, gearbox, etc. they have steering assist, full hydro steering...

Some people have used different pieces from different places making a DIY project out of it. People have upgraded to a saginaw pump, better hydroboost units...anything is possible.

I've installed a kit on a newer ford and dodge and seen plenty of them on youtube. I can't give you specifics but you can look into it. It's not a cheap hole to go down into though, but probably the best you can get IMO

there are also alternative versions out there.
I think PSC gearboxes will allow for a standard instal or ram assist off the same gearbox, so you can upgrade later without needing to change the gearbox again. that's the route I should have went. I don't know if this was available on the redhead gearbox or not

 

Is there a diy kit available?

 

I replaced the stock box on my 99 4yrs ago with a Red Head box right after I got the truck. I think the 37's that are on it did in the stock box. The Red Head really improved the steering quality. Since then I replaced the factory pump with a new not rebuilt pump. That completely eliminated the problem of not being able to turn the steering wheel at parking speed. Now the steering with the 37's is fantastic. I don't have any complaints about the Red Head box at all. I personally would recommend it over a parts store box or a factory box to anyone. It's a little more money but in my humble opinion it's worth it.