[CamoGirl]

New Redhead Gearbox- Tight/Straight At Highway Speed...

I have an 02 F350 7.3 that I ordered new from the factory...It has been impeccably maintained...after my last camping trip hauling my 5000 lb travel trailer I thought I noticed some slop in the steering...it just didn't seem as tight and responsive as It once had been...It just turned 120,000...

www.powerstroke.org

Hey everyone! I am posting this feedback in hopes that it will save someone some trouble. I had some slop in my steering on my 02 F350 7.3 4x4...I bought it new in 02 and with 120,000 and change on it I have been rebuilding and upgrading things- so with everything that I heard and read I decided to go with the Redhead Gearbox because that's the best, right?? After replacing all my steering components, I had my mechanic install my redhead gearbox and aligned it(I buy all my own parts)... ..I was expecting tight steering....and what I got back was a truck that floated all over the road....the box clearly had play...WTF?? I called Redhead and told them the issue....they were suggesting that my pitman arm was loose and a number of other things....my mechanic spent 20 years as Lead mechanic at the Ford Dealership before opening his own shop which specializes in suspension and alignments....so I was sure he checked everything....they did warranty the box and sent me a new one....I had the second box installed(and paid a second install fee)....and although the second Redhead box was slightly better than the first, it still was wandering all over the road- certainly NOT better than the original OEM box that I was replacing....by this time I was upset...my mechanic and I discussed things and he still felt it was the box(AGAIN)....I took it to a second suspension place to have them assess things to see what they thought....they drove it- put it up on the lift and had someone move the steering wheel while filming it on video....you could clearly see that the steering wheel( brand new borgeson steering shaft) and input shaft was moving before the output shaft on the gearbox started to move.... play in the box...now I was completely disgusted....I sent the video to Redhead with an explanation of what the problem was as diagnosed by the 2nd suspension shop who also is a Reseller and installer for Redhead( so they know what they are talking about)....and I called Redhead shortly after....they were not very sympathetic to my position...they had the whole company watching the video and claimed that they were not seeing any problem in spite of the fact that I was wandering all over the road....they didn't want to deal with me anymore and said they were unwilling to do a second replacement, they wanted to refund my money since it was well within the year warranty...they were not rude,,,,but pissy and annoyed and unwilling to admit there was a problem with this second box even though I had it assessed by 2 independent suspension places- AND had video proof....so this is not a company I want to deal with-

After the circus calmed down I spoke with my mechanic and he wanted me to know that I was not the only one that had experienced this issue with Redhead....in the 4 months leading up to my first Redhead install my mechanic had to warranty 7 different Redhead gearboxes due to either slop or leaking issues....he had to fight with them over the phone to get them to warranty the boxes....seems that since Redhead had gotten so popular their workmanship and final inspection has slipped....I wish I had done more intense investigation....asked more questions before deciding on a Redhead Gearbox....most of the posts on forums claiming that Redhead boxes are great are very old posts....there is very little newer info on the Redhead reviews.....I am sure that if you are one of the lucky ones, you can still get a good box from Redhead....but it's a crap shoot....and after 2 sperate $250. Redhead installs, I finally bought a Bluetop- they installed it...aligned it and it drives beautifully....nice and tight. So I just wanted to share my experience- hopefully it will help someone make their choice for which gearbox they choose!

 

[Igotadiesel]

New Redhead Gearbox- Tight/Straight At Highway Speed...

I have an 02 F350 7.3 that I ordered new from the factory...It has been impeccably maintained...after my last camping trip hauling my 5000 lb travel trailer I thought I noticed some slop in the steering...it just didn't seem as tight and responsive as It once had been...It just turned 120,000...

www.powerstroke.org

Hey everyone! I am posting this feedback in hopes that it will save someone some trouble. I had some slop in my steering on my 02 F350 7.3 4x4...I bought it new in 02 and with 120,000 and change on it I have been rebuilding and upgrading things- so with everything that I heard and read I decided to go with the Redhead Gearbox because that's the best, right?? After replacing all my steering components, I had my mechanic install my redhead gearbox and aligned it(I buy all my own parts)... ..I was expecting tight steering....and what I got back was a truck that floated all over the road....the box clearly had play...WTF?? I called Redhead and told them the issue....they were suggesting that my pitman arm was loose and a number of other things....my mechanic spent 20 years as Lead mechanic at the Ford Dealership before opening his own shop which specializes in suspension and alignments....so I was sure he checked everything....they did warranty the box and sent me a new one....I had the second box installed(and paid a second install fee)....and although the second Redhead box was slightly better than the first, it still was wandering all over the road- certainly NOT better than the original OEM box that I was replacing....by this time I was upset...my mechanic and I discussed things and he still felt it was the box(AGAIN)....I took it to a second suspension place to have them assess things to see what they thought....they drove it- put it up on the lift and had someone move the steering wheel while filming it on video....you could clearly see that the steering wheel( brand new borgeson steering shaft) and input shaft was moving before the output shaft on the gearbox started to move.... play in the box...now I was completely disgusted....I sent the video to Redhead with an explanation of what the problem was as diagnosed by the 2nd suspension shop who also is a Reseller and installer for Redhead( so they know what they are talking about)....and I called Redhead shortly after....they were not very sympathetic to my position...they had the whole company watching the video and claimed that they were not seeing any problem in spite of the fact that I was wandering all over the road....they didn't want to deal with me anymore and said they were unwilling to do a second replacement, they wanted to refund my money since it was well within the year warranty...they were not rude,,,,but pissy and annoyed and unwilling to admit there was a problem with this second box even though I had it assessed by 2 independent suspension places- AND had video proof....so this is not a company I want to deal with-

After the circus calmed down I spoke with my mechanic and he wanted me to know that I was not the only one that had experienced this issue with Redhead....in the 4 months leading up to my first Redhead install my mechanic had to warranty 7 different Redhead gearboxes due to either slop or leaking issues....he had to fight with them over the phone to get them to warranty the boxes....seems that since Redhead had gotten so popular their workmanship and final inspection has slipped....I wish I had done more intense investigation....asked more questions before deciding on a Redhead Gearbox....most of the posts on forums claiming that Redhead boxes are great are very old posts....there is very little newer info on the Redhead reviews.....I am sure that if you are one of the lucky ones, you can still get a good box from Redhead....but it's a crap shoot....and after 2 sperate $250. Redhead installs, I finally bought a Bluetop- they installed it...aligned it and it drives beautifully....nice and tight. So I just wanted to share my experience- hopefully it will help someone make their choice for which gearbox they choose!

Interesting! I have a 2-3 yr old Redhead that was on my truck when I purchased it, and it does this very same exact thing (input shaft was moves before the output shaft on the gearbox started to move) I always figured it was because the box was well used, but now I wonder if this is the way it always was..

 

[CamoGirl]

Interesting! I have a 2-3 yr old Redhead that was on my truck when I purchased it, and it does this very same exact thing (input shaft was moves before the output shaft on the gearbox started to move) I always figured it was because the box was well used, but now I wonder if this is the way it always was.. I also thought the same thing, how could Redhead

My experience was such a disappointment! To have 2 different Redheads installed and to end up getting more slop and wander than the original OEM box....UGH!! But I sure have learned alot! After replacing everything "Steering related"....and the goat rope experience of loose boxes, now that I have the Bluetop in there everything is nice and tight....one big lesson was replacing my track bar.....if you've ever noticed any bump steer...that's the culprit!! Big lesson for me....you're issue with the Redhead could have been that way since it was first installed....many people don't know any better....so they just figure since it's "New" then that must just be the way it is....I am very sensitive to how my truck looks...and how it drives...if something "Aint Right"....I can feel it!!

 

[ZMANN]

thanks for the update, I linked to this thread in your original gear box thread New Redhead Gearbox- Tight/Straight At Highway Speed...

 

[CamoGirl]

thanks for the update, I linked to this thread in your original gear box thread New Redhead Gearbox- Tight/Straight At Highway Speed...

Hopefully this will help someone...I think it is important that we work together!! Thanks!!

 

[John in OkieLand]

thanks for the Info on Redhead...
2 bad ones in a row, no 3 strikes and out for me.

 

[CamoGirl]

thanks for the Info on Redhead...
2 bad ones in a row, no 3 strikes and out for me.

Yea....it really stinks....what a goatrope....but thank God the Bluetop seems to have worked out!

 

[TooManyToys]

This has been going on for years ......

 

[Heavy_GD]

This has been going on for years ......

Agreed, I think the blue one is the new go to.

 

[6LiterTeter]

Yea....it really stinks....what a goatrope....but thank God the Bluetop seems to have worked out!

Props for using “goatrope”… just so we are all clear, did your axle u joints check out? Can you post the video you took (post on Rumble or YouTube and link it).

haven’t had much better luck with steering boxes from Ford. Another warranty replacement last year on the 04. The one on our 03 is leaking after 2.5 years. Gonna try Blue next.

 

[CamoGirl]

Props for using “goatrope”… just so we are all clear, did your axle u joints check out? Can you post the video you took (post on Rumble or YouTube and link it).

haven’t had much better luck with steering boxes from Ford. Another warranty replacement last year on the 04. The one on our 03 is leaking after 2.5 years. Gonna try Blue next.

As mentioned I replaced EVERYTHING on the front end....and I then saw that video on YT which I am sure that everyone has seen where the mechanic talks about "Mystery Wander" being related to the front axle U joints...even though mine were still good....I replaced them with Spicers anyway...I wanted to be sure that I left no stone unturned in this steering box debacle....wanted to make sure the Bluetop was going to work before I posted feedback....it's been in there about 3 months...and during that time I got rid of the video....sorry....I do understand that everyone seems to have a hard time with steering boxes....especially remans....and I know a new Ford Box is mega bucks....and to still be having issues....wow....that's awful....

 

[6LiterTeter]

As mentioned I replaced EVERYTHING on the front end....and I then saw that video on YT which I am sure that everyone has seen where the mechanic talks about "Mystery Wander" being related to the front axle U joints...even though mine were still good....I replaced them with Spicers anyway...I wanted to be sure that I left no stone unturned in this steering box debacle....wanted to make sure the Bluetop was going to work before I posted feedback....it's been in there about 3 months...and during that time I got rid of the video....sorry....I do understand that everyone seems to have a hard time with steering boxes....especially remans....and I know a new Ford Box is mega bucks....and to still be having issues....wow....that's awful....

It’s a discussion I’ve been having with multiple mechanics/friends lately. Finding quality parts for these older trucks is becoming more and more of a challenge. It’s almost as if “they” don’t want us to have older, pre-emissions diesel vehicles anymore. Hm.

 

[Heavy_GD]

It’s a discussion I’ve been having with multiple mechanics/friends lately. Finding quality parts for these older trucks is becoming more and more of a challenge. It’s almost as if “they” don’t want us to have older, pre-emissions diesel vehicles anymore. Hm.

 

[6LiterTeter]

I love you.



lol

 

[CamoGirl]

It’s a discussion I’ve been having with multiple mechanics/friends lately. Finding quality parts for these older trucks is becoming more and more of a challenge. It’s almost as if “they” don’t want us to have older, pre-emissions diesel vehicles anymore. Hm.

Pre emissions,,,,and these vehicles have no type of wireless internet(to be tracked)....humf....yup....makes you wonder....

 

[TooManyToys]

1965. The only engine control electronics you have to worry about is spark, and you are the ABS.

 

[ZMANN]

I am not even a Ford guy but wow thats Nice

 

[MtnTallPaul]

Thanks @CamoGirl for the extensive writeup!

 

[jrsavoie]

New Redhead Gearbox- Tight/Straight At Highway Speed...

I have an 02 F350 7.3 that I ordered new from the factory...It has been impeccably maintained...after my last camping trip hauling my 5000 lb travel trailer I thought I noticed some slop in the steering...it just didn't seem as tight and responsive as It once had been...It just turned 120,000...

www.powerstroke.org

Hey everyone! I am posting this feedback in hopes that it will save someone some trouble. I had some slop in my steering on my 02 F350 7.3 4x4...I bought it new in 02 and with 120,000 and change on it I have been rebuilding and upgrading things- so with everything that I heard and read I decided to go with the Redhead Gearbox because that's the best, right?? After replacing all my steering components, I had my mechanic install my redhead gearbox and aligned it(I buy all my own parts)... ..I was expecting tight steering....and what I got back was a truck that floated all over the road....the box clearly had play...WTF?? I called Redhead and told them the issue....they were suggesting that my pitman arm was loose and a number of other things....my mechanic spent 20 years as Lead mechanic at the Ford Dealership before opening his own shop which specializes in suspension and alignments....so I was sure he checked everything....they did warranty the box and sent me a new one....I had the second box installed(and paid a second install fee)....and although the second Redhead box was slightly better than the first, it still was wandering all over the road- certainly NOT better than the original OEM box that I was replacing....by this time I was upset...my mechanic and I discussed things and he still felt it was the box(AGAIN)....I took it to a second suspension place to have them assess things to see what they thought....they drove it- put it up on the lift and had someone move the steering wheel while filming it on video....you could clearly see that the steering wheel( brand new borgeson steering shaft) and input shaft was moving before the output shaft on the gearbox started to move.... play in the box...now I was completely disgusted....I sent the video to Redhead with an explanation of what the problem was as diagnosed by the 2nd suspension shop who also is a Reseller and installer for Redhead( so they know what they are talking about)....and I called Redhead shortly after....they were not very sympathetic to my position...they had the whole company watching the video and claimed that they were not seeing any problem in spite of the fact that I was wandering all over the road....they didn't want to deal with me anymore and said they were unwilling to do a second replacement, they wanted to refund my money since it was well within the year warranty...they were not rude,,,,but pissy and annoyed and unwilling to admit there was a problem with this second box even though I had it assessed by 2 independent suspension places- AND had video proof....so this is not a company I want to deal with-

After the circus calmed down I spoke with my mechanic and he wanted me to know that I was not the only one that had experienced this issue with Redhead....in the 4 months leading up to my first Redhead install my mechanic had to warranty 7 different Redhead gearboxes due to either slop or leaking issues....he had to fight with them over the phone to get them to warranty the boxes....seems that since Redhead had gotten so popular their workmanship and final inspection has slipped....I wish I had done more intense investigation....asked more questions before deciding on a Redhead Gearbox....most of the posts on forums claiming that Redhead boxes are great are very old posts....there is very little newer info on the Redhead reviews.....I am sure that if you are one of the lucky ones, you can still get a good box from Redhead....but it's a crap shoot....and after 2 sperate $250. Redhead installs, I finally bought a Bluetop- they installed it...aligned it and it drives beautifully....nice and tight. So I just wanted to share my experience- hopefully it will help someone make their choice for which gearbox they choose!

Not the first time I heard this story.
At least very similar stories

 

[The Evil Twin]

Ugh. That blows. Thanks for keeping us informed @CamoGirl