Hi ya'll....

Need a little assistance... I'm done playing the reman. gearbox game. The fact that those companys should have a class action against them for failing to truly rebuild/reman. the primary component that allows control over a vehicle...but that's a different "rant" thread....

I'm looking to see who has experience with the following for our XJs.

A. Red Head

B. Crown

I've heard the reputation about the Red Head boxes being pretty well rebuilt... however I also came across a box that appears to be brand new, not a reman/rebuild. from Crown on Quadratec for roughly the same cost. Has anyone had any experience with them? I mean I put Crown rear leaf springs on her this past April when I did my lift, and no complaints with how they've been working out...but springs are a far cry from a stearing gearbox. So Please let me know...Right now it's just started leaking out of one of the seals and really isn't affecting the fluid level in the pump yet, but I don't want that part to get screwed either so I'd like to get this done ASAP on her as one of the last major fixes she needs.
Here's the Quadratec link for the box I saw:
Crown gearbox from Quadratec

any help would be greatly appreciated

 

If you google the Crown part number there is a link on Amazon which
sells it and had one reviewer. He said his lasted only six months and
his wording implies the Crown is a reman.

 

That's an interesting statement... hadn't heard that one...because on Quadratec it is stated as it being a new box, not reman.... that being said; however, it could be new, but just a weak made box. As that would explain the price being lower than any other box claiming to be a new not reman. for our XJ's.
Or I wonder if that one review was by someone that was running larger tires...because I think it stated it was good up to running 31s...but no larger. And I'm only running 30s on my XJ.
But this is why I posted this question...because I'm done with the stearing gearbox flipping drama once and for all. Hopefully some others will chime in...but at this point may be leaning towards the Red Head box.

 

Dont quote me on this but I believe you can send in your current box to PSC and they will rebuild it/upgrade it to their specs for about the same price as a Red Head box. If not, I would go the Red Head route over any other box or spend the crazy money on a PSC box and know its going to last.

 

I put a Red Head on about 4 months ago, it's been good so far. Not enough time to say definitively, and not enough miles, and I am only running 29" tires. The steering does feel a lot tighter than in did before the swap.

 

I was kind of leaning that way because of everything I've read up on Red Head reviews. The fact that they are true rebuilds including new parts like bearings, etc, confirming that all others are in spec or replace what needs to be. And in some cases using internal replacement parts that are better than OEM.
So even though they are on the pricey side.... they are truely rebuilt...not that crap reman stuff. I'm sooo over this reman drama...I just need one that works and call it a day.
our old jeeps have enough problems on their own...don't need to constantly be screwing with the stearing every 6 months.

 

I guess it's better to set a few bills on fire now..than to keep screwing with it... I've had enough of this noise. This will be the 3rd box in a year and a half...so I want it to be one that will last.

 

I did the steering gear on my TJ and I can say, I do NOT envy anyone dealing with a steering gear replacement. I put an Autozone special on it and it was OK for the 1.5 or so years I daily drove the TJ. It still has it and I haven't heard anything from the buddy I sold the Jeep to.

I haven't used the Redhead, but looking into them, I was really impressed with the details and description of their operation. Many folks will say to find a reputable local rebuilder, but how easy is that? I couldn't tell you where the nearest rebuilder is - reputable or not - for steering gears.
The fact that Redhead specializes in gears, is U.S. based, and seems to take a good deal of pride in putting out a quality product is sufficient for me to consider them the first option if I ever have to replace a steering gear again.

Considering the horror stories that are routinely reported around here, plus the uncertainty of junkyard parts and the reported uncertainty in rebuilders, I'm of the same mind that I'd rather pay a bit more up front and not have to re-do the job or tweak the adjustment screw.

My current steering gear is nice - it's tight and responsive - but there's a coating of PS fluid from the gear down to the pitman arm, so it's just a matter of time until that seal gives out. I routinely check the PS level and haven't had to add any, but we'll see.

 

Pat... I would say count yourself fortunate if you've gotten 1.5 yrs out of one of those pos's... I dug into it when I started having to replace them...and come to find out there is I believe 2 parent companies that do the distribution of "remans" for the vast majority of vehicles sold in the US. And here's the kicker.. I found out that if a worn box comes in to their facility... if it's not visibly leaking....then they just clean it, shoot it with a new coat of paint, shove it in a box and ship it out WITHOUT doing ANY work to it seals or otherwise. To me this is a gross neglection of duty. This is one of the primary components for maintaining control of a (an average) 4,000 lb vehicle... yet this shows they have ZERO regard for human life. Who knows how many accidents have been attributed over the years to their complete lack of ethics for safety. To be honest, it's not a rant... I fully believe that there should be a class action against them for this complete disregard. The execs at that company must be tucked in by Satan himself at night...because I don't know how anyone could do what they do with a clear conscience.

 

and mine is just starting to leak out of the seal from the steering column. It's not to the point of losing fluid from the PS pump res. yet...but I'm not going to let it get that far. After doing research, I've literally heard nothing but good things from Red Head. Yes they are US based, that is their only business. And with the fact that they truly rebuild their boxes machining when necessary, and new parts (bearing etc) in many cases better quality than OEM... I think it's worth the extra cost to not have to screw with it again and have a quality unit.

 

Definitely agree. Bear in mind the Autozone special gear was like 7 years ago, so things may have been a little better back then. Certainly the specific part number steering gear used in XJ's and TJ's was a little more "mainstream" at that time.

Considering the horror show of "steering gears", and mine is nice and tight - I'm not touching it until it's absolutely necessary. While my XJ is currently seeing DD usage, I do have another vehicle that I can use if the XJ needs repairs if it reaches that point. If/when that happens, it'll get a Redhead gear and new pump (with reservoir) and hoses. I remember trying to remove the rusted hoses on that TJ and - f that -.. f that hard. Possibly a new steering shaft too while I'm in there.

 

Shoulda bought one of my good used ZJ boxes and been done with it.......

 

The execs at that company must be tucked in by Satan himself at night...because I don't know how anyone could do what they do with a clear conscience.


Can't blame it on something that does not exist. The blame comes down to they dont care about you or anyone else as long as those fools make that money to live big and fat. Employees dont care either they are probably making minimum wage and just trying to get by to the next check. Execs do it because yhey can get away with it. Something happens there insurance takes care of it amd rich guy goes about his day not a care in the world. I say go for the class action suit

 

I would have...but without knowing the amount of wear...etc. I didn't want to put myself back in the same boat again putting yet another one in...especially as I do not have my own garage right now so doing the swap myself was out of the question. Don't want the landlord PO'd at me.

 

LOL Pat... on that last part... hey man... don't hold back... tell us how you really feel.. :P

....I know certain things on our Jeeps can be a real PITA....especially when all you have is hand tools and it's in the wrong place to get good access to it.