UPDATE: REDHEAD BOX DIED. I installed it pretty much exactly 3 months before its internals completely failed. It just suddenly happened with no warning, and now it has more slack than the original box I removed. The Jeep pulls really hard to either side and is pretty difficult to keep straight. I don't do any offroading, it's a stock truck on stock wheels and I do stock things, and one day the Redhead box just decided to fail. Very disappointing. I had only heard good things about them, but doing a little more digging I found a frighteningly large number of people have redhead boxes that fail in 3 - 6 months, for no reason whatsoever. I wish I would've known that BEFORE I put the damn thing in my Jeep. So it does have a warranty and I have replaced it, but still I'm very disappointed that a $370 brand new part failed easier than a $45 junkyard part. So I called and described the issue: The box has obvious play in the center, doesn't return to center and wanders/ pulls terribly to either side, which are the exact same symptoms I had with all previous boxes. These problems immediately went away upon installing the brand new Redhead box, and EVERYTHING else in the ENTIRE steering system is new and has no play. Redhead told me that I was wrong; "there is no way it's the box - it has to be something else" which I am sick of hearing from everyone, everywhere. I know it's the box. I can see, feel and otherwise observe that twisting the intermediate shaft results in no movement in the pitman arm, and I don't understand why or how that could possibly be caused by "a bad ball joint" as they claim. So after having a mechanic both align the vehicle and confirm the box is bad, I called them AGAIN and they finally conceded. They sent a new box with a $150 core charge to be refunded upon receiving their old box that died. I installed their warranty box and the steering went right back to being tight and predictable (unlike my ex) and it now returns to center and the wheel is lighter/ easier to turn. That right there confirms 100% that the Redhead box was the culprit. Interestingly, the steering wheel is off to one side again though. I don't know why that would happen by putting in an identical box, but it might have something to do with the internals of the old one being all screwed up. So I'll need to align the steering wheel but other than that, I hope this replacement doesn't explode in 3 months from now: 3/4/22

Even when I'm not doing a project I still watch you. These videos are truly better than what Chrysler mechanics got when the cars first hit the dealerships. Bless you my friend

I just did a ton of research and ended up ordering a blue top gear. Replacing my pump, lines, and gear. Came back to your video for reference. I hope the replacement redhead sent is more durable.

Hands down the best jeep fix video ive seen.... Precise. Stable camera. Steps are clear. Cheers Young Man! Winner winner ! Chicken dinner!

I was lucky to find a dude that does nothing but rebuild on Durango boxes and he makes them for heavy duty service. Where in the past I had replaced two boxes doing what I thought was to upgraded versions which wasn't the case. This last box I purchased and installed had a 3.5 inch piston which I believe was designed for a snowplow application. I wasn't aware you could even get one that big,simple bolt in just st like the stock ones from before. I run 35's on my everyday driver which also doubles as my weekend trail rig! Getting ready to add hydraulic assist since I installed my front Ox e-locker for added ease of turning on the trail when locker is engaged

I did see someone recommending swapping in the power steering pump from a WJ. There’s one line that needs adapting but is bolt on fit. It also has cooling fan of its own. Not sure I need this as I’m mostly daily driver, but it might make difference for people running bigger tires and lift

Your editing and jokes are getting more refined. Great content and info on the Durango “upgrade”

Man, been enjoying your videos for a while now, they’re really helpful for me since I’m still fixing my MJ, and I’ve gotten a few good tips out of them, hopefully we can see you more in the future, and whichever state you end up in i wish you the best of luck, cheers!

Fantastic videos. I don't need a new box but I enjoy your presentations. Great job.

Excellent video, from Hermosillo Sonora, México 👍👍

Great video, very helpful. I have a broken bracket and going to replace the steering box with the redhead . Thank you!

Best mechanic video I've ever seen ! Thanks !

Thank you for being honest before I watched the entire video

Nice job! Good narration, as well as useful insight into the psychic life of ps line retainer nuts. Great to hear that your new box seems to be an improvement over your ex!

WOW! Great Vid. And thank God your engine light is ON. I was worried for awhile that it might be OFF but you're fine now that you engine light is ON!!! LOL

Good video on the steering box. That's my next project. I made the mistake of "upgrading" my power steering pump and after one of the pumps I had in overheated my steering box started leaking. I flushed the system but it's only a matter of time before it needs to be done. Won't be putting in an "upgraded" steering box that's for sure. I have that iron man offroad brace as well. Think I will be getting adjustable control arms from that guy.

Slight correction: XJ with driver's side airbag (1995-2001) should have the steering wheel locked from accidentally turning it due to the possibility of damaging the clock spring.

I used the Dodge Dakota pick up truck 4 x 4 steering box worked out great steering is awesome. Best to get one for a 4 x 4.

i bout choked on my drink watching you shake the steering wheel in rythym with katy perry

Great video, job and infos!!

Very helpful and well made!

WOOOO excited to get my info here.

1:22 helicopter light is on OBDII that mess off there.

Nicely Done! Thanks for the information on the Durango box. I did that swap and now I need to replace the box again. Thanks for the follow up on the Redhead rebuilt box. I've pretty much decided that buying rebuilt boxes is a waste of time and money. Either rebuild them yourself or buy New. Could we get another follow up on the Redhead replacement after 6 months, 1 year, and so on?

I have the stock steering on my Jeep. 2000 XJ. It pops when I turn left and back to center. Steering is reasonable. I had a mechanic replace and check all bearings and joints. Castor angle is good. I’m wondering if it’s coming from my steering. Almost seems like when I hit a bump the steering goes toward a certain direction.

My new favorite youtube guy!

1:17 is gold 🙃

Where the video with the 7/16s bolt?

I've been debating what to do with my steering box. I did the WJ V8 power steering pump "upgrade" in my xj and it failed spectacularly. Went through 4 of them before I went back to an oem pump but all the failed pumps blew a seal in the box and now it gets stuck when it's cold out and doesn't free up until warm. Watching this I think I will just put in this proper quality oem box instead of the Durango box. Thanks

Waiting is important 😂

i replaced mine but it feels kinda stiff and tight is that normal?

Awesome video, really enjoying all your videos. I have a 2000 xj, wheel is super sloppy but when turning, seems like it takes a lot of effort compared to other vehicles that have had a steering box. Will the new box help. Mine has 221k miles. Thanks!

Hate Slack in the "Dignity" 🤣 My WJ steers Nice !!

The Durango box is physically bigger I know. I think that's why a lot of people claim they're better but I haven't tried myself or seen proof one way or the other. They are hard to find in the junkyard there was about 12 Durangos only 2 we're the right motor both had been stripped down before I got there. Compared to an xj Theyre probably a lot less likely to have been beat on or forced to turn 35s

Never mind steering! How’d you get the clock to light up?

I put in a reman durango box to replace my leaky xj box. Now it pulls to the right. Dont get it.

I am of the opinion that your music is making the xj wander. Poor xj:(

I read you issues about it giving out. Ya I was told the box from a Durango was a upgrade. It wasn't. What did you end up doing

So since the red head busted what box do you recommend

How much does the angle of the box matter? The bolts being slightly smaller then the frame spacers one could tighten it with a few degrees of adjustment. Or am I overthinking it

Dignity 😳💀💀

The durango Box has bearings, I dont know from where you have the Information about bushings.

Haha hell ya dude

So how's the replacement?? Is it worth getting the redhead???

👍😊

Would the box be suspect in an xj that steers too easily?

Death wobble-- the long tie rod, the thin weak one should be replaced with IRO thick solid steel one. Uses stock tie rod ends.

I think someone got a discount for trying to sell redhead

I have heard way too many bad things about Redhead. No thanks!

You haven't cut anything because your jeep is stock as hell lmao

I like your videos and your sense of humor ,you know what you're talking about ,one question how much did you make from KZfaq making this video?.

Was that pitman arm bolt right hand thread??? Looks like it was spinning righty-tighty?