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SKU #: RH-2879 MPN #: 2879

Red-Head Steering Gear Box 03-08 Dodge Ram 5.9L/6.7L Cummins

$486.00
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Red-Head Steering Gear Box for 03-08 Dodge Ram 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins
Red-Head Steering Gear Box for 03-08 Dodge Ram 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins
Description Overview
We are proud to offer Red-Head replacement steering gear boxes for the third generation heavy-duty Dodge Rams! No, this is not just another rebuilt box like what you'll get at your local auto parts store! These steering boxes are built in Washington state and offer unmatched steering control and longevity. We have personally run several brands and have had the best results to date with the Red-Head.This gearbox allows you to retain the factory steering shaft, as well as the stock pitman arm. This is a major advantage especially those with lifted trucks with dropped pitman arms, as you will not have to change your pitman arm. IMPORTANT NOTE: To ensure proper fitment, check the steering box top cover of the box you are replacing. This product is designed to replace 4 bolt-top cover boxes. Some vehicles can have an upgraded 6-bolt top cover steering box. If you are replacing a 6-bolt top cover steering box with a 4-bolt top cover box, you will need a factory pitman arm and tie rod end, or you can purchase the RH-2879U for a direct replacement. Cores with broken shafts or cases will receive partial or no core refund. EVIDENCE: If you'd like additional third-party evidence as to what goes into a Red-Head gearbox and how much of an impact it will make in your driving experience, check out a detailed review by acclaimed Turbo Diesel Register editor, Doug Leno.
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CORE CHARGE
What is a core deposit?
Product Price
$486.00
Refundable Core Deposit
+ $350.00
Price with Core Deposit
$836.00
  1. Pay Core Deposit with your order
  2. Return Old Part within 30 days
  3. Get Deposit Back once approved

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A heavy duty replacement steering gear box built in Washington state to restore steering control by retaining the factory steering shaft and stock pitman arm.

Fits
2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 4x4
Brand
Red-Head Steering Gears Inc.
Best for
Restoring steering control and eliminating play in heavy-duty trucks
Key features
  • Built in the USA
  • Housings machined out and replaced with needle bearings
  • Shafts flame sprayed or replaced as needed
  • New control valves installed on some applications
  • Worm and piston assembly custom fit with oversized ball bearings
  • Sector shafts installed on a lathe to confirm straightness
  • Sealing surface polished to avoid leaks
Important
Designed to replace 4-bolt top cover boxes; replacing a 6-bolt top cover box requires a factory pitman arm and tie rod end, or the RH-2879U for direct replacement. Requires factory style bolts; cores returned with smaller diameter bolts will not be eligible for a full core refund.

Summarized by AI from this product’s description and specs. Confirm fitment for your year, make and engine before ordering.

We are proud to offer Red-Head replacement steering gear boxes for the third generation heavy-duty Dodge Rams! No, this is not just another rebuilt box like what you'll get at your local auto parts store! These steering boxes are built in Washington state and offer unmatched steering control and longevity. We have personally run several brands and have had the best results to date with the Red-Head.This gearbox allows you to retain the factory steering shaft, as well as the stock pitman arm. This is a major advantage especially those with lifted trucks with dropped pitman arms, as you will not have to change your pitman arm.

IMPORTANT NOTE: To ensure proper fitment, check the steering box top cover of the box you are replacing. This product is designed to replace 4 bolt-top cover boxes. Some vehicles can have an upgraded 6-bolt top cover steering box. If you are replacing a 6-bolt top cover steering box with a 4-bolt top cover box, you will need a factory pitman arm and tie rod end, or you can purchase the RH-2879U for a direct replacement.

Cores with broken shafts or cases will receive partial or no core refund.

EVIDENCE: If you'd like additional third-party evidence as to what goes into a Red-Head gearbox and how much of an impact it will make in your driving experience, check out a detailed review by acclaimed Turbo Diesel Register editor, Doug Leno.

Manuals and Guides
Vehicle Fitment
2003-2008 Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 4x4
WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm - P65Warnings.ca.gov
FEATURES & BENEFITS:
  • 12 Month Warranty
  • Built in the USA
  • Housings are machined out and replaced with needle bearings
  • Shafts are flame sprayed or replaced as needed
  • New control valves installed on some applications
  • Worm and piston assembly are custom fit with special ordered, precise oversized ball bearings
  • Sector shafts are installed on a lathe to confirm they are straight and true
  • Sealing surface is polished to avoid any leaks
IMPORTANT NOTE:
  • If you have installed an aftermarket gear box from a local auto parts store, chances are that the steering box you installed came with new, smaller diameter bolts that connect the box to the frame rails. If you purchase this Red Head steering box, it will require you to use factory style bolts. We have included an option to add factory style bolts that will be shipped with the new steering gear. In the instance you return a gear box utilizing the smaller diameter bolts, you will not be eligible for a full core refund as the core is not as usable as the original gear box. If your core was deferred you will be charged the difference.
About Red-Head Steering Gears Inc.
Browse Red Head Steering Gears Online by Make, Model, and Year. One of the most prevalent issues with heavy duty, diesel powered trucks, especially as they accrue some miles, is sloppy steering. And its no wonder, most of us install larger tires, haul a considerable amount of weight, periodically use them offroad, and even put snowplows on the front. All of these put considerable stress on your steering components. All of those stresses coupled with the fact that the OEM steering gears, or basically anything you find at your local parts store, could be considered absolute garbage means that the majority of us are driving around with loose, wandering steering that must be constantly corrected in order to keep the truck in your lane. That is, unless youve upgraded your Cummins, Powerstroke, or Duramax with a Redhead!

Red-Head Steering Gears was founded in 1981 by Seattle area automotive entrepreneur, Warren Foster, who also founded Foster's Service in Georgetown, WA (now Foster's Frame & Axle) and T 'n' W Pumps in Georgetown, WA (now Foster & Snyder in Pingree, ND).

The business was purchased by Tom Foster and then Harvey Foster, both nephews of Warren. Tom is now retired in Arizona. Harvey moved to Seattle in 1979 to go to work for Warren in his frame and axle business. This knowledge of front ends has been very helpful in diagnosing steering problems.

Harvey worked at the frame and axle shop for 6 1/2 years before joining Tom at Red-Head. Harvey has built and tested between 43,000 and 47,000 steering gears in the past 21 years. This business has had and continues to have a number of other great employees, all family members.

Why we carry Red Head Steering Gears.....
As anybody that deals with us on a regular basis knows already...we want the best for our customers. As most people with a Dodge truck realize, the stock steering gear box leaves a lot to be desired. It was no different on our 2005 Dodge (3 gearboxes in the first 25,000 miles) or our 2007 Dodge (3 gearboxes in 75,000 miles). We have been searching for the answer to the gearbox dilemma and after testing a few other aftermarket boxes have settled on Red Head as being the best. Steering is smooth, effortless AND they are built to last. But it doesn't stop with upgraded Dodge boxes, they build upgraded boxes for nearly every application and we've had nothing but positive feedback on every unit. Red Head gets our Seal of Approval!

EVIDENCE:
If you'd like additional third party evidence as to what goes into a Red-Head gear box or why this is the best gear box for your truck, and how much of an impact it will really make in your driving experience, check out a detailed review by acclaimed Turbo Diesel Register editor, Doug Leno.
Video
Product Overview: Red-Head Steering Gear Box
While making great power and torque, diesel pick-up trucks are not usually known for their stellar handling. You can make it fast, and pull lots of weight, but if you can’t properly pilot your truck, it does you no good. Red Head Steering Gears set the bar for the industry and continues to be a leader. Give your white knuckles a rest and make the right choice when it comes time to replace your worn steering box.
Video
Boost It | Red-Head Steering Gear Box
Upgrade your rig with a Red-Head replacement steering gear box! Unlike typical rebuilt boxes, Red-Head offers unmatched steering control and longevity, handcrafted in Washington state. Retain your factory steering shaft and pitman arm—especially beneficial for lifted trucks. Opt for hydraulic steering assist ports for future upgrades. We offer a convenient pre-paid return label option for core returns within the lower 48 states.
Video
Diesel Talk | Red-Head Steering Gear Boxes
Tired of sloppy steering? Red-Head Steering Boxes are precision-built for tighter steering, better control, and a smoother ride. Whether youre daily driving, towing, or hitting the trails, these boxes deliver unmatched durability and performance.
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Overall rating: 4.748428 / 5 from 318 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

The Red-Head Steering Gear Box for 03-08 Dodge Ram 5.9L/6.7L Cummins offers improved steering control and longevity. Customers appreciate the ease of installation, enhanced steering feel, and the product's high quality. The service and shipping are also praised for being prompt and reliable.

Summary topics

  • Steering Improvement (6%): It was noted by customers that the product made a huge difference in steering on their vehicles.
  • Customer Service (7%): Customers expressed appreciation for the great service provided by DPP, which was mentioned multiple times in the reviews.
  • Shipping Speed (7%): It was highlighted by customers that shipping was fast and prompt, with no negative reviews mentioned.
  • Enhanced Steering Feel (20%): Many customers pointed out that the steering in their trucks feels better than it did when they purchased the truck.
  • Product Quality (6%): Customers keep praising the great quality of the product, with multiple reviews emphasizing its good quality and easy installation.

Review topics: ["service","difference","quality","shipping","replacement","improvement","fit","arrived","instructions","value","looks","price","design","size","support","issues","staff","performance","threads","box","steering","buy","truck","install","play","upgrade","feels","drives","unit","works"].

Review highlights

  • "Service was great and my parts arrived fast and arganized and core return was simple" — Dean P.
  • "The new box arrived quickly." — Kennedy K.
  • "The Redhead steering gear arrived earlier than expected and was well packaged." — Angelina L.

Reviews

Easy to order ease of access

"Easy to order ease of access shipping was on time, customer service was excellent and wonderful. The redhead unit was easy to install just a couple bolts. \n Oh I like how the unit came with a upgraded drop down Pitman arm. I would definitely order again. Thank you diesel power products."

— Lyle V. (5/5)

Red Head sucks

"The gear box is just like a stock oem box, not bad but not great. The part that makes me give a 1 star is you'll never see your "core deposit" again. They are extremely picky and will nickel and dime every scratch and dent. So add $350 and assume your not getting it back...now its not worth it for an emo quality box."

— Logan (1/5)

Best ever upgrade with redhead steering gearbox

"I upgraded my 04 5.9 Cummins 3500 pick up with the redhead steering gearbox it was the best upgrade ever Excellent product"

— Jodavid S. (5/5)

Thank you!

"Highly recommend, this is my second steering box purchase (separate trucks) Customerservice is world class I mean like Apple or Costco. Truck drives out beautifully."

— William S. (5/5)

Seems to still have some

"Seems to still have some play in it causing wander."

— Adam G. (4/5)

RedHead steering gearbox

"bought a roughly a year ago. I have a 08 2500 ram, bought to fix slop. Hasn't fixed slopped even with the following. A box brace, new tie rods, sway bar bushings and track bar bushings. still a ton of play. went to check fluid after about 30k-40k miles and i see metal shavings in the power steering reservoir"

— Aaron (3/5)

No more John Deere

"Final piece of the puzzle. After a "Y" to "T" style tie rod/linkage swap to fix the slop. And the hammer in bushings to address the rag joint there was still play. Enough were it felt unsafe above 75mph. Did the Red Head and it's a whole new truck. One handed now and no more over correcting. There core exchange program (by pre-paid) made the return a cake walk."

— Matt B. (5/5)

Happy

"The on line orders were easy and shipped fast even with the holiday's I was very impressed"

— Rickey N. (5/5)

But from different vendor

"I have had good luck with the steering box so far but would buy from a different vendor. Diesel power products does not stand behind their product, has a very poor return policy and bad customer service."

— Samuel R. (1/5)

Great product

"Well built steering box. Made a huge difference in the steering on my 2006 Dodge 3500. Couldn't be happier."

— James C. (5/5)

Q&A

How is the warranty
Redhead offers a 1 year warranty, and handle directly with the manufacturer.
I bought a 04 dodge one ton and the steering gear box went out. Thinking about buying a red head. But my truck as after market steering box brace i will need a nut that is extended to fit the steering box brace.
I do have these kits, it would have all the replacement parts and options. https://dieselpowerproducts.com/products/p-bd-1302000-steering-box-stabilizer-service-kit-94-18-dodge-ram-cummins?variant=52077336691053&algolia_query_id=ac337aa70573246404978eb162732e22
Who pays for the return label for the core ?
The Redhead steering boxes have an option prepaid core return label.
Is this steering box have 40 splines for the pitman arm?
Hello Garret, this box is going to have 36 splines for the OEM pitman arm.
What size is the shaft? 7/8" or 1 1/4"?
The input shaft is ¾” diameter and the output is a 36 spline with a thread pitch of 7/8x14 for the nut. -Mark
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