Red Head Quick Ratio Steerng Box

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by bMr

Crazy how hold thread come back to life. If anyone is still reading and considering a product from Red Head, I have a 72 with factory power steering; a replacement steering box from them was hands down the best thing I've done to the truck. Same ratio, same effort, immensely better feel. The wheel turns and the truck turns, amazing!

bMr do you have a part #.. Im going to try a Red Head for my 69 build ....I just ordered this CLP-CP50014
Power Steering Box, 500 Series, Front Steer Style, 14:1 Ratio, Cast Iron, Black, Chevy, GMC, Each
(Mfr. #: CP50014) from Summit..... for my 72 thats leaking from everywhere

[zicc1835]

installed the red head today in my Cheyenne love it .....would recomend to any one Wes @ Classic Heart Beat ....great doing business there. I did by one from summit CPP QR 14:1 won’t be able to comment on that one either till my 69 build is complete or I convert My Stepside

[67ChevyRedneck]

Which did you go with, the stock replacement or the quick ratio?

[zicc1835]

Quick Ratio, I like it

[special-K]

No one is giving part#s. I wonder what the original poster's problem ended up being.

[zicc1835]

Originally Posted by special-K

No one is giving part#s. I wonder what the original poster's problem ended up being.

I dont know how that problem resolved itself.... must of by now
here is what I purchased....... great product & customer service clear instuctions etc......

69-72 Remanufactured Power Steering Gear - 2X4 Quick Ratio
"Classic Heartbeat Exclusive"

This is a "Red-Head" brand remanufactured steering gear. We feel they are among the best remanufactured steering gears in the industry. They are a high quality original, power steering gear, remanufactured in the U.S.A. (There is an additional $150.00 core charge added to the cost of this steering gear. The core charge will be refunded if we receive a rebuildable core within 30 days of the purchase date.) (3 1/2 turns lock to lock) $349.95

[lux]

I don't see a part number but here is the link;

http://www.classicheartbeat.com/cata...ck%20Ratio.htm

I installed this one a year ago and love it.

[Richard2112]

This thread is critical info for me presently. I have only recently began to drive my truck on the roads and am finding various things that need attention. The steering was a bit sloppy but I thought that was due to having a large diameter steering wheel and manual box.

Though I knew there was some play, it didn't really seem to affect things much, that is: not until I had to drive in a 50 mph cross wind.
Now I am considering a new steering gear box asap.

Having never installed one, I'll admit I am lost as to what to do and what to look for while doing the change. This may be easy as I really like my manual steering feel and have no intention of going with power/hydraulic. All I want to do is change my box to new. Seems easy but I have thought that about other things that have turned into a task I wasn't prepared for.

Are there any unseen considerations to take into account before proceeding? I have recently rebuilt my steering column and my rag joint seemed ok. The front end is presently aligned well and the truck drives and handles ok for a 70 one ton dually. Can I just swap the box and consider it done?

[HO455]

Originally Posted by zicc1835

They are a high quality original, power steering gear, remanufactured in the U.S.A. (There is an additional $150.00 core charge added to the cost of this steering gear. The core charge will be refunded if we receive a rebuildable core within 30 days of the purchase date.) (3 1/2 turns lock to lock) $349.95

I am I correct in my understanding that my 4 1/2 turn box will not be an acceptable core?

[Richard2112]

Originally Posted by HO455

I am I correct in my understanding that my 4 1/2 turn box will not be an acceptable core?

There's a good question that hadn't occurred to me. What IS an acceptable core? Can't really justify 500 for a new box.

[HO455]

I can do a lot of trips to the junkyard looking for a newer low mileage truck with a good box for $500.

[Richard2112]

Originally Posted by HO455

I can do a lot of trips to the junkyard looking for a newer low mileage truck with a good box for $500.

That's my thought too. For 500, they need to guarantee that it will handle like a sport car. My problem is time. Since my truck is my daily driver now, I can't have it down for more than a day or two at most. Gotta get a box, the right box and do an immediate swap with no surprises.

[HO455]

That's my dream with every part I change! I usually screw myself by starting the sentence with " I just...". The dreaded J word.

[leddzepp]

I bought a reman stock unit from autozone years ago. $120 with core exchange. It isn’t fancy or magical though . But it works great, no leaks, and I can turn my steering wheel with my pinky

[HO455]

Did you use a newer model box?

[Richard2112]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I bought a reman stock unit from autozone years ago. $120 with core exchange. It isn’t fancy or magical though . But it works great, no leaks, and I can turn my steering wheel with my pinky

This is probably what I'm going to do. I'm sure the redheads are great quality but right now I just need something that works better than the one I've got.

From Autozones web site:

We're sorry, but there are no results in this parts category for 1970 Chevrolet Truck C30 1 ton P/U 2WD. Please select another vehicle or click on the Parts tab at the top of the page to see the available parts for this vehicle.

[ryans69chevy]

I bought mine directly from red head. Never had an issue with a core. I don't remember hearing it had to be an acceptable core.

[saxart]

Originally Posted by HO455

I am I correct in my understanding that my 4 1/2 turn box will not be an acceptable core?

Originally Posted by Richard2112

There's a good question that hadn't occurred to me. What IS an acceptable core? Can't really justify 500 for a new box.

When I got the RedHead that's installed in my '70, I wondered the same thing. They said they would take it but it had to be clean, so I scrubbed the outside of the steering box in a pan of mineral spirits, dried it off, and packed it in the box they had just sent the close ratio in. About a week later there was a credit on my card for $150. To me, that's really good customer service.

I wish all vendors were the same. When I got the rebuilt quadrajet from National Carb, I emailed them asking if my freshly rebuild Rochester 2-barrel would be acceptable for a partial core. They said YES, so I boxed it up. Cost just over $20 to send it to them. That was 18 months ago and I still haven't gotten anything from them for the core. Both times I called they said, "I'll look around and give you a call back later today", but of course they never called back. (Grrr...) Sorry for venting.

[Richard2112]

Originally Posted by saxart

When I got the RedHead that's installed in my '70, I wondered the same thing. They said they would take it but it had to be clean, so I scrubbed the outside of the steering box in a pan of mineral spirits, dried it off, and packed it in the box they had just sent the close ratio in. About a week later there was a credit on my card for $150. To me, that's really good customer service.

I wish all vendors were the same. When I got the rebuilt quadrajet from National Carb, I emailed them asking if my freshly rebuild Rochester 2-barrel would be acceptable for a partial core. They said YES, so I boxed it up. Cost just over $20 to send it to them. That was 18 months ago and I still haven't gotten anything from them for the core. Both times I called they said, "I'll look around and give you a call back later today", but of course they never called back. (Grrr...) Sorry for venting.

If "clean" is their biggest concern, I have lots of experience at that. Wont be a problem!

[bMr]

I went through two "remanufactured" steering boxes from a chain parts store and each had more slack than the original I turned in as a core. I believe remanufactured to them meant new seals and a fresh coat of paint but nothing to actually address wear inside the steering box. Call me picky but if I turn the steering wheel--even an inch-- I expect a corresponding reaction in the direction of the truck.

[saxart]

Originally Posted by bMr

I went through two "remanufactured" steering boxes from a chain parts store and each had more slack than the original I turned in as a core. I believe remanufactured to them meant new seals and a fresh coat of paint but nothing to actually address wear inside the steering box. Call me picky but if I turn the steering wheel--even an inch-- I expect a corresponding reaction in the direction of the truck.

This is EXACTLY why I went for the Red Head. Too many stories about crap like this. Yes, it costs more, but in the end it’s better because it’s “right”. Food for thought...
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[Spf79]

Originally Posted by HO455

I am I correct in my understanding that my 4 1/2 turn box will not be an acceptable core?

I sent them my original box and it was exchanged no problem. It does not matter if it is a quick ratio or standard. I will look on my receipt tonight and post the two diff part numbers.

[Robznob11]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Try the adjustment first. A google search for "gm power steering gearbox adjustment" will give you few hits. Also make sure all air is out by following the instructions on purging the gearbox. Use it for a few days to see if it's just needing to "break" in.

If none of that helps, you'll just have to give them a call. Red-Head is supposed to be one of the better companies for these gearboxes and I'm sure they will want to do what's best for the customer. They're highly recommended on most automotive sites on the net so they won't want their reputation sullied.

Do not adjust it unless you want to void the warranty!!!. As stated earlier. More road feel is usually desired. Also it will break in and soften up some. Mine was just as you describe and I love it.

[Spf79]

Originally Posted by Spf79

I sent them my original box and it was exchanged no problem. It does not matter if it is a quick ratio or standard. I will look on my receipt tonight and post the two diff part numbers.

The part number on my invoice is 2851.
If you have questions about the quick ratio box give them a shout. Quick ratio is the same part number, with either a Q or T after it... I can't remember.
After speaking with Redhead I decided to go with the stock ratio box they offer. I am currently not driving, so I cannot comment about the quality of the steering box .. sorry.