What Steering Box Should I Get ? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**CUSTOM/10** · 03-13-2014, 11:45 AM

I'm going to be buying a new steering box soon and wanted to get some imput from you guys ! My truck is a 4x4, but will see very litle off road if any. So I'm looking to improve the handling on the road & high way.
There's variable & quick ratio boxes. What have you guys used and how do you like them ?

Gary

**CUSTOM/10** · 03-14-2014, 07:00 AM

Anyone ?

jamesjones · 03-14-2014, 08:41 AM

I would get a 2wd box and do a crossover setup...

http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Dana44crossover.htm

You won't regret it.

I didn't use this particular setup but it's pretty similar.

**CUSTOM/10** · 03-14-2014, 09:32 AM

That's sweet, but is that needed for a truck with a 2" lift and 95% street driven ?

Gary

jamesjones · 03-14-2014, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CUSTOM/10

That's sweet, but is that needed for a truck with a 2" lift and 95% street driven ?

Gary

Needed? No, but if you're thinking about an upgrade it will give you the best "feeling" steering.

**CUSTOM/10** · 03-14-2014, 10:20 AM

Well that gives me something to think about !

lowrollin70gmc · 03-15-2014, 05:43 PM

I would just get a stock replacement steering box. Quick ratio doesn't seem like a great asset on a 4wd, it might even put extra stress on the pump and box when turning larger tires.

Crossover steering isn't needed on a rig like yours, and may not fit with only 2" of lift. I personally run crossover, but there were other reasons for my rig to switch. These trucks can drive great with a stock box and new tie rod ends, especially for the price of a crossover conversion.

ryanroo · 03-15-2014, 06:44 PM

i agree, cross over will not be reasonable for that amount of lift. the stock system works just fine. the clearance may be enough but there would be no benefit.

at some point in the 80s i think they stepped up the ratio in the boxes. so if you wanted a little quicker ratio, that maybe an option. the fittings are different but that is an easy hurdle.

swamp rat · 03-15-2014, 09:28 PM

These guys do it right, some of the vendors here carry them as well.

http://redheadsteeringgears.reachloc...563&kw=5007907

**CUSTOM/10** · 03-16-2014, 07:59 AM

Redhead is one I have been looking at. I may just have to call and speak with them.

jamesjones · 03-16-2014, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swamp rat

These guys do it right, some of the vendors here carry them as well.

http://redheadsteeringgears.reachloc...563&kw=5007907

I just put one of these in my CTD Dodge. I can't vouch for the durability yet but so far so good.

joeydurango · 03-16-2014, 09:15 PM

Just got a Redhead myself. Haven't been able to drive it yet, but I can sure vouch for their customer service. Very quick and professional on the phone, sent out what I needed along with a return shipping tag, just swapped the old one into the box and less than a week after I shipped it back the core charge refund was back in my account. I'm guessing I won't have any trouble with the box itself... these guys seem like they're on it.

**jeffahart** · 03-16-2014, 09:23 PM

I used a Redhead on my currently owned 70 K20. You buy then send your unit to them for the core charge. They are great to work with. No issues. If you buy a rebuild from Napa not sure what you will get.

**D.PASSMORE** · 03-18-2014, 04:05 PM

Readhead - 4x4 quick ratio steering box that is what I run on my blazer. I'm ordering another for 71 4x4 rebuild too.
Cross over steering, IMO is only needed if you go 4" and above. And that is based on what kind of tires you are running and how strong/tight your suspension is up front.

**CUSTOM/10** · 03-19-2014, 06:42 PM

David;

I take it you must like that box if your getting a 2nd one. How is it driving at high way speeds ? Is it touchy, twitchy or dart around ?

Gary

**D.PASSMORE** · 03-20-2014, 04:24 PM

Hey Gary, Yeah I gravitated over to Red Head a few years ago. Wes at Classic heartbeat recommended it. It’s the only type he uses on his 4x4's. So I bought on from him and he was right about that steering being tighter, less wobble on bouncy/uneven surfaces. Like I said, I'm using another on my 71 SWB 4x4 rebuild. I see that you are mounting a sway bar under the front end of your 4x4 build. Good add on...

**CUSTOM/10** · 03-21-2014, 12:58 PM

Yeah I'm trying to make the truck handle a bit better. The swaybar and a quick steer box from redhead are my plans at this point. I spoken to Wes about it and will most likely be ordering one very soon. Just need to find and old one to get the core charge back ! I'm sure I have one kicking around somewhere !

**CUSTOM/10** · 03-22-2014, 07:08 AM

Ordered my Redhead quick steering box from Wes yesterday. I think the 3-1/2 turns lock to lock and the addition of a front swaybar will help the on-road handling of this ole truck.

LooseyLucy71 · 12-27-2015, 02:08 PM

Hey Gary! Digging up and old thread here, but wondering how You like the 3.5 turn lock to lock box from redhead. It sounds like you were looking for similar handling improvements as I am.

03-13-2014, 11:45 AM	#1
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,801	What Steering Box Should I Get ? I'm going to be buying a new steering box soon and wanted to get some imput from you guys ! My truck is a 4x4, but will see very litle off road if any. So I'm looking to improve the handling on the road & high way. There's variable & quick ratio boxes. What have you guys used and how do you like them ? Gary __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

03-14-2014, 07:00 AM	#2
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,801	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? Anyone ? __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

03-14-2014, 08:41 AM	#3
jamesjones Freakin Awesome! Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 482	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? I would get a 2wd box and do a crossover setup... http://offroaddesign.com/catalog/Dana44crossover.htm You won't regret it. I didn't use this particular setup but it's pretty similar. __________________ 1972 K5 Blazer - LQ4/TH350/NP205 - Long Travel Suspension - Hooptee

03-14-2014, 09:32 AM	#4
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,801	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? That's sweet, but is that needed for a truck with a 2" lift and 95% street driven ? Gary __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

03-14-2014, 10:20 AM	#6
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,801	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? Well that gives me something to think about ! __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

03-15-2014, 05:43 PM	#7
lowrollin70gmc Too many projects Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Fargo, ND land of the flat hills Posts: 1,147	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? I would just get a stock replacement steering box. Quick ratio doesn't seem like a great asset on a 4wd, it might even put extra stress on the pump and box when turning larger tires. Crossover steering isn't needed on a rig like yours, and may not fit with only 2" of lift. I personally run crossover, but there were other reasons for my rig to switch. These trucks can drive great with a stock box and new tie rod ends, especially for the price of a crossover conversion. __________________ Andrew 84 GMC C1500 SWB 6.2 Diesel/700R4/3.42 "Grandpa's odd duck" 70 GMC C1500 LWB My first truck: shaved, bagged, and more: the lowrollin70gmc 68 K20 Suburban 12V Cummins/NV5600/NP205/D60/11.5AAM 3.73s "Dakota Cadillac" 63 Chevy II Nova Coupe 250 I6/T56/4.56s "Economy car" 53 Willys Wagon 350/NV4500/BW4401/HP D44/9inch “Winter Wagon” 30 Model A 16 Focus ST

03-15-2014, 06:44 PM	#8
ryanroo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: sw colorado Posts: 2,720	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? i agree, cross over will not be reasonable for that amount of lift. the stock system works just fine. the clearance may be enough but there would be no benefit. at some point in the 80s i think they stepped up the ratio in the boxes. so if you wanted a little quicker ratio, that maybe an option. the fittings are different but that is an easy hurdle. __________________ 72 K20 12v build 72 K20 "parts truck" A place for your diesel swap questions

03-15-2014, 09:28 PM	#9
swamp rat Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Spanaway Posts: 8,451	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? These guys do it right, some of the vendors here carry them as well. http://redheadsteeringgears.reachloc...563&kw=5007907 __________________ Mike. Swamp Rat build thread : http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=595019 72 3/4T 4X4 4" BDS Lift 33" BFG's

03-16-2014, 07:59 AM	#10
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,801	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? Redhead is one I have been looking at. I may just have to call and speak with them. __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

03-16-2014, 09:15 PM	#12
joeydurango Registered User Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Durango, CO Posts: 827	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? Just got a Redhead myself. Haven't been able to drive it yet, but I can sure vouch for their customer service. Very quick and professional on the phone, sent out what I needed along with a return shipping tag, just swapped the old one into the box and less than a week after I shipped it back the core charge refund was back in my account. I'm guessing I won't have any trouble with the box itself... these guys seem like they're on it. __________________ 1972 K10 Cheyenne Super \| LWB, fleetside \| 350/350/205 \| KEEPER 1971 K10 Cheyenne \| SWB, fleetside \| LS Swap 5.3/4L60 \| SOLD 1976 Trans Am \| 400/4-spd \| SOLD 1976 Trans Am \| 455/4-spd \| TOTALED

03-16-2014, 09:23 PM	#13
jeffahart Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 1,897	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? I used a Redhead on my currently owned 70 K20. You buy then send your unit to them for the core charge. They are great to work with. No issues. If you buy a rebuild from Napa not sure what you will get.

03-18-2014, 04:05 PM	#14
D.PASSMORE One of the First Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: St. Augustine,FL. Posts: 4,055	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? Readhead - 4x4 quick ratio steering box that is what I run on my blazer. I'm ordering another for 71 4x4 rebuild too. Cross over steering, IMO is only needed if you go 4" and above. And that is based on what kind of tires you are running and how strong/tight your suspension is up front. __________________ DAVID PASSMORE ST AUGUSTINE ,FL ZIP 32084 '71 SWB K/10 CUSTOM DELUXE (Chili) '72 BLAZER K/5 Muscle Truck (Mule) '72 LWB K/20 CHEYENNE (Blackie)

03-19-2014, 06:42 PM	#15
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,801	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? David; I take it you must like that box if your getting a 2nd one. How is it driving at high way speeds ? Is it touchy, twitchy or dart around ? Gary __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

03-20-2014, 04:24 PM	#16
D.PASSMORE One of the First Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: St. Augustine,FL. Posts: 4,055	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? Hey Gary, Yeah I gravitated over to Red Head a few years ago. Wes at Classic heartbeat recommended it. It’s the only type he uses on his 4x4's. So I bought on from him and he was right about that steering being tighter, less wobble on bouncy/uneven surfaces. Like I said, I'm using another on my 71 SWB 4x4 rebuild. I see that you are mounting a sway bar under the front end of your 4x4 build. Good add on...

03-21-2014, 12:58 PM	#17
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,801	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? Yeah I'm trying to make the truck handle a bit better. The swaybar and a quick steer box from redhead are my plans at this point. I spoken to Wes about it and will most likely be ordering one very soon. Just need to find and old one to get the core charge back ! I'm sure I have one kicking around somewhere ! __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859



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03-22-2014, 07:08 AM	#18
CUSTOM/10 Senior Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Sandown, NH Posts: 2,801	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? Ordered my Redhead quick steering box from Wes yesterday. I think the 3-1/2 turns lock to lock and the addition of a front swaybar will help the on-road handling of this ole truck. __________________ Gary 72 SWB 4x4 My 72 SWB Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=259859

12-27-2015, 02:08 PM	#19
LooseyLucy71 Registered User Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: Southern NH Posts: 36	Re: What Steering Box Should I Get ? Hey Gary! Digging up and old thread here, but wondering how You like the 3.5 turn lock to lock box from redhead. It sounds like you were looking for similar handling improvements as I am.

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