Near the end of last year I rebuilt the front end on my truck - all new steering gear and ball joints - along with a new steering box from Redhead Steering Gears. My truck is not a daily driver, so probably around around 1500 miles driven in a year.
Within 10 miles the new steering box became loose, with probably 1.5 inches of play on center measured on the steering wheel. I contacted the company and they shipped a replacement. The second new box now has the same play on center after less than 200 miles. The truck , a 1994 K1500 RCSB, is dead stock with 265/70/16 tires, and every piece of the steering is brand new, torqued to spec. I've rechecked for slack in every other part of the steering gear and the problem is entirely the steering box.
I'm sure they would send me another replacement, but I'm losing confidence at this point. I also hate the prospect of R&R for another time. I'm also tempted to adjust the box, though this would void the warranty.
Has anyone else had this issue with Redhead?
Within 10 miles the new steering box became loose, with probably 1.5 inches of play on center measured on the steering wheel. I contacted the company and they shipped a replacement. The second new box now has the same play on center after less than 200 miles. The truck , a 1994 K1500 RCSB, is dead stock with 265/70/16 tires, and every piece of the steering is brand new, torqued to spec. I've rechecked for slack in every other part of the steering gear and the problem is entirely the steering box.
I'm sure they would send me another replacement, but I'm losing confidence at this point. I also hate the prospect of R&R for another time. I'm also tempted to adjust the box, though this would void the warranty.
Has anyone else had this issue with Redhead?