2003 F250 Steering gear box replacement

Here i show you how to replace the steering gear box. I replaced mine with a redhead box because its proven to be tighter and better built than the original. It was fairly easy.
I used my seat belt and went threw the steering wheel to hold it in place. i pulled it snug
Remove your air intake
Place you a drip pan underneath the truck so the PS fluid will not make too big of a mess
remove the two lines that go to the box with a 16mm wrench
use a 13mm socket to remove the bolt completely from the steering shaft and slid it back
use a jack and jack stand and remove the driver front wheel to access the box bolts to the frame. I used an impact to remove those but dont do it yet
then you want to remove the steering arm that connects to the pitman arm. I use needle nose pliers to pull my cotter pin out then an adjustable to remove the nut. All of my joints was new so everything came off fairly easy. so if yours is rusted i would use PB blaster let everything soak for a while then use the correct wrenches (not adjustables)
Then use a "pickle fork" they call it and separate the joint from the pitman arm and let it drop down out of the way
now your ready to remove the gear box. Its about 30lbs so have help or use common sense
i removed all but 1 bolt from the box. Then i put one hand holding the box and the other hand removing the last bolt. once i slide the bolt out i balanced the box on the frame until i was able to use both hands to let the box down to the ground.
now you will need to either replace the pitman or just pull your old one off and reinstall on your new box
First remove the nut with an impact and a 33mm socket. Then you will have to pull the pitman arm off using a special tool
i removed mine but had to go to a shop that had a pitman arm removale tool that was big enough. So i paid a guy $10 to use his tool. The parts store didnt have one that was big enough to slide over the pitman arm itself
now that you got your arm on your new box you are ready to reinstall everything.
once you got it all back together make sure you follow directions on bleeding the air out which usually comes with the box
if not you can google that part or ask in the comments and ill get to you asap

[@jimmyclark4257]

Hey thanks for keeping it short man keeping it simple. FYI holding the steering wheel in place to keep it aligned is one thing. The more costly mistake is twisting up the clock spring if you don't secure the steering wheel. Peace.

[@nickparker7073]

I now own this truck! I've had it a year now and was just looking around online i stumbled across your videos. Too cool

[@justinncherish]

Really?? I would like more info and how is she doing?

[@nickparker7073]

@@justinncherish she is doing great. Just rebuilt the front axle, changed the u joints and support bearing. I put some of the new king ranch wheels on it. New drivers seat cushion and leather. Added some color matched mirrors with turn signals.

[@justinncherish]

Nick Parker awesome! Send me a Facebook with pictures. I have some videos and probably more pictures laying around. Look me up Justin Powell from greenville SC

[@nickparker7073]

@@justinncherish believe it or not there are several Justin Powells in greenville. Look me up im Nick Parker from anderson sc my profile pic is me sitting on the side of a plane

[@Texcajun06]

Just replaced the original steering box on my recently acquired 1999 F350 with the Redhead box. It ain't rack and pinion, but it's dang sure better than it was. I used an electric impact wrench with a 33mm socket to remove the Pitman arm nut, and the same impact wrench and a Pitman arm puller from the local parts store to pull the arm. For being on for 20+ years, it came off easier than I expected. I also replaced both ends of the drag link. Having all the right tools on hand helps. I know there are fellas out there that could have done this job faster than me (took me all day), but if I can get it done, anyone can. Before I replaced it, I couldn't drive it straight down the freeway with one hand on the wheel and my elbow resting on the window sill and maintain a track. Now I can.

[@justinncherish]

110% correct! It’s not a bad job to do as long as it’s not rusted to death by salt. My truck felt like I was driving on ice until I rebuilt the whole front end with this red head box. Thanks fir commenting! Enjoy

[@jeremystewart2180]

Did you have any problems bleeding the system? Changed mine out today-now I don’t have power steering/brakes

[@theodorecarbajal2975]

Hey man quick question how did the red head steering box turn out?? Did you have super tight steering?

[@justinncherish]

theodore carbajal yes a huge difference! I love it

[@A1bert00]

Whats the brand you used??.. i want to replace it before winter hits..

[@basilabedallah5797]

alberto linares Its red head gear boxes Write that on Google and then you'll find it

[@NEWYORKBOZ]

About how many hour job would you say this is? My father in law is having a shop do it for him and they said it's taken like 3 days to change the gear box, a tie rod and a wheel bearing. Just doesn't sound right to me.

[@justinncherish]

NEWYORKBOZ just the gear box took a couple hours and I did it by myself. The tie rod is easy but the bearing may take a few hours give or take. Sometimes they are a pain to take off on these trucks

[@BigD863]

What symptoms were you having before you replaced it? Like why was the reason you replaced it, I have a really loose steering wheel and the tires pretty much wonder on the road and I have to continuously move the wheel back and forth to keep it straight

[@justinncherish]

Dalton Neal exactly the same problem I was having. Witch I replace all the joints at the same time too. So it was one or the other. But now it's tight and drives great!