Go to for Steering Box? (3 Viewers)

[Broski]

@CharlieS - No one here on mud truly rebuilds their steering gear box. All I’ve ever seen done by mud members is a reseal procedure. Those little recirculating balls inside the steering box play a huge roll in the amount of slop it has and how smoothly it operates.

This is where RedHead comes in. They spec new recirculating balls for the correct size and whatever other hard parts are not within spec. I had mine rebuilt and tapped for hydro assist by redhead something like three years ago maybe four. I’ve had zero leaks and it’s smooth as butter. You also get a warranty.

Based on your thread activity, I assume you plan to keep your cruiser a long while so it only makes sense to go this route or buy brand new from Toyota because the steering gear box can make or break your driving enjoyment.

Sounds like a sales pitch from redhead and they have had a few bad boxes sent out of resent.
Just my 2 cents

Another option is West Texas off road I had them do mine about 5 years ago and I have had zero issues.
Another member recently had them rebuild his and port it for hydro and it came back perfect.

I believe that @Outsane could port and reseal it for you as well. Keep it in the family.

 

[COYS]

Is that steering box with the 105 sector shaft and I see it is for the 100 series does it work with the 80?

The box comes with the 105 sector shaft fresh from the Toyota oven. All you need is the pitman arm as the og one won't fit since more teeth.

I just bought another one to stash. $1,235.58 delivered to CA. I will mark it up 3x 10x in 10 years when it's unobtanium. lol

 

[baldilocks]

Sounds like a sales pitch from redhead and they have had a few bad boxes sent out of resent.
Just my 2 cents

Another option is West Texas off road I had them do mine about 5 years ago and I have had zero issues.
Another member recently had them rebuild his and port it for hydro and it came back perfect.

I believe that @Outsane could port and reseal it for you as well. Keep it in the family.

I’ll say it again, no one truly rebuilds their steering gear box in their garage as a weekend project.

 

[Squeegee]

I’ll say it again, no one truly rebuilds their steering gear box in their garage as a weekend project.

Except me apparently

 

[CharlieS]

I’ll say it again, no one truly rebuilds their steering gear box in their garage as a weekend project.

I believe you, but I read about and see videos of people doing what they call a rebuild. Are you saying this is properly called a reseal, not a rebuild? And what is the nuance? The balls or is there more to it? Genuinely trying to educate myself. I'd rather buy the parts and do the work to save hundreds, but not if it is just a waste of money.

I filled out the quote form at Redhead, and am waiting to hear back. I'll look up West Texas Offroad. Redhead don't show any in stock, so it is probably a rebuild of my box. New is an option, but I'd rather not spend that much if it is avoidable.

 

[Broski]

I’ll say it again, no one truly rebuilds their steering gear box in their garage as a weekend project.

I just not buy that there changing out the ball bearings if they think there worn.
And I have seen where the panted right over the rubber seal with there red paint on the top of the box causing a leak
That’s just shotty work.
JMHO

I’m glade that you got a good box form them

 

[POPO AGIE]

I had a state safety inspection today and the mechanic (not some scammer, he's a guy that I trust a lot) said my steering box is leaking badly. He knows that I do all of my own work, so he doesn't stand to gain anything from this. Time to fix or replace...

I've read a bunch of posts that are swaying me away from a rebuild and although I like their marketing Redhead seems to have a hit or miss rap.

Who is the go to for steering boxes?

Does anyone offer a new box with the 105 shaft/arm upgrade?

If I want to go hydroboost at some point, is this the time to get additional ports installed?

And who sells the weld on frame reinforcement plates. I might as well beef that area up while I have the pump out.

I got mine from George to put in my FJ40. It has the 105 sector shaft.

 

[jonheld]

Another option is West Texas off road

I'm going to say a hard no to WTOR. They sent me a rusted hulk that they threw some black paint on and one of the ports was damaged because it got dropped at some point. It was unuseable.

 

[baldilocks]

Except me apparently

Which hard parts did you replace?

 

[baldilocks]

I believe you, but I read about and see videos of people doing what they call a rebuild. Are you saying this is properly called a reseal, not a rebuild? And what is the nuance? The balls or is there more to it? Genuinely trying to educate myself. I'd rather buy the parts and do the work to save hundreds, but not if it is just a waste of money.

I filled out the quote form at Redhead, and am waiting to hear back. I'll look up West Texas Offroad. Redhead don't show any in stock, so it is probably a rebuild of my box. New is an option, but I'd rather not spend that much if it is avoidable.

I have never read, and I’ve read many threads on this, where some one, at home replaced internal hard parts. In my opinion certain things need to be left to those who have done it day in and day out for years. West Texas oof road is not a steering gear only type of shop. Calling the vendor will garner greater and more detailed info. Remember phone calls, Voice communication that is?

By what procedure would you determine internal clearness in order to spec recirculating balls and other hard parts?

 

[baldilocks]

I just not buy that there changing out the ball bearings if they think there worn.
And I have seen where the panted right over the rubber seal with there red paint on the top of the box causing a leak
That’s just shotty work.
JMHO

I’m glade that you got a good box form them

They don’t remain in business because of poor workmanship. What you describe as paint causing a leak seems unlikely because the seal is made where an aerosol mist of paint won’t penetrate. If anyone can provide a link to a thread on Mud where a member actually rebuilt their steering gear box please post it.

 

[CharlieS]

I found this while googling. He doesn't replace ball bearings or internal parts. I guess this would just be a "reseal", not a "rebuild". It seems doable.

 

[Squeegee]

Which hard parts did you replace?

the input shaft was leaking so I just replace the seals that looked/ felt bad and the tephlon wiper for the power piston

 

[OffRoadScott]

The box comes with the 105 sector shaft fresh from the Toyota oven. All you need is the pitman arm as the og one won't fit since more teeth.

View attachment 3663810

I just bought another one to stash. $1,235.58 delivered to CA. I will mark it up 3x 10x in 10 years when it's unobtanium. lol

Awesome thank you.

 

[baldilocks]

the input shaft was leaking so I just replace the seals that looked/ felt bad and the tephlon wiper for the power piston

Not a rebuild but a reseal. Nice try though CJ.

 

[Squeegee]

Not a rebuild but a reseal. Nice try though CJ.

ok a reseal the nuance. Do these ever need rebuilds? All of the bearings in mine were fine and I have 250k on the 80… and I ran the pump dry… a lot

 

[CharlieS]

Lots of great information here. Thank you all.

I am at 305k and the steering is tight. I am losing fluid.

My next step is to clean and degrease everything to verify the source of the leak. I want to see the source myself. In retrospect, this should have been my first step.

As it happens, I have a new pump and gear on the shelf, as well as a new reservoir and high/low pressure hoses. If by some miracle it is a different part leaking, then I may be lucky.

Looks like I have a couple of options for shops, and parts are available if I dare to try a reseal.

Thanks, all.

 

[Kabanstva]

Lots of great information here. Thank you all.

I am at 305k and the steering is tight. I am losing fluid.

My next step is to clean and degrease everything to verify the source of the leak. I want to see the source myself. In retrospect, this should have been my first step.

As it happens, I have a new pump and gear on the shelf, as well as a new reservoir and high/low pressure hoses. If by some miracle it is a different part leaking, then I may be lucky.

Looks like I have a couple of options for shops, and parts are available if I dare to try a reseal.

Thanks, all.

I bought a Redhead steering box last year or possibly 2022. They had a few pre built 80 steering boxes already upgraded with 105 parts. Very good quality and very professional shop. No BS, all questions answered in the emails I sent. Everything done promptly. I sent in a core shortly after and was compensated for that in a timely manner. Highly recommend.

 

[baldilocks]

ok a reseal the nuance. Do these ever need rebuilds? All of the bearings in mine were fine and I have 250k on the 80… and I ran the pump dry… a lot

We all know anyone can tell lie’s. What redhead told me was that their steering box would most likely be better than factory due to rapid assembly process and lower standards. They obviously take pride in their specialty. Those recirculating balls dictate how precise the adjustment can be.

 

[Broski]

They don’t remain in business because of poor workmanship. What you describe as paint causing a leak seems unlikely because the seal is made where an aerosol mist of paint won’t penetrate. If anyone can provide a link to a thread on Mud where a member actually rebuilt their steering gear box please post it.

We can agree to disagree
It really easy to say in business these days even with poor workmanship as there's more customers then there’s shops to do the work

So you’re saying that it’s perfectly fine to spray paint over rubber O-rings ?

Because I don’t think so, it affects the sealing surface and it’s poor workmanship!

In closing I will say the Redhead steering box I installed for @Road Apple was perfect.
Other have not had the same experience