Awesome product. My steering feels
"Awesome product. My steering feels tight again!"
Cummins
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Expert Pick
SKU #: RH-2880
MPN #: 2880
Red-Head Steering Gear Box 09-12 Dodge Ram 2500 / 3500 RH2880
Description
These steering boxes are built in Washington state and offer unmatched steering control and longevity. We have personally run several "other" 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 NOTES: You have the option for us to include a pre-paid return label with the shipment for ease of returning your core. With this option, you will merely need to drop the re-packaged core with an accompanying shipping label at a FedEx drop-off. Otherwise, it will be your responsibility to supply your means of returning the core. Pre-paid return label option is only applicable to the lower 48 contiguous United States. Please contact us if you have any questions. Cores with broken shafts or cases will receive partial or no core refund.
This particular model features a 4-bolt top cover. If your current gearbox features a six-bolt cover, you will need part number 2881.
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 in the product documents.
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About WrenchConnected
WrenchConnected is an independent installation marketplace operating in partnership with Diesel Power Products.
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After checkout, we route your vehicle info and part SKU to verified installation shops near you. Local installers review the job and submit competitive bids; you pick the shop you want based on price, reviews, and availability. Your name and email stay private until you select an installer.
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During bidding, shops see only your service ZIP code, vehicle year/make/model, and the part SKU — not your name, email, or address. Only the shop you select receives your contact details after payment. We never sell your personal information.
More detail at wrenchconnected.com.
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
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.
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
Deferred Core Program Explanation
Ben explains the benefits of our deferred core program and how to return your core when necessary. Not sure what that is or need to send your core back? Give this video a watch for information and answers to many FAQ's.
If you’d like more information on our core return policy or need to start the core return process just give us a call at 1-888-993-4373.
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: 4.634146 / 5 from 41 reviews.
AI Generated Review Summary
The Red-Head Steering Gear Box for 09-12 Dodge Ram 2500/3500 is praised for its toughness and unmatched steering control. It allows retaining the factory steering shaft and stock pitman arm, which is beneficial for lifted trucks. Customers have mixed views on steering tightness. A pre-paid return label option is available for the contiguous United States.
Summary topics
- Gear Box Toughness: 18%
- Steering Tightness: 24%
Review topics: ["service","install","issues","shipping","buy","steering","box","truck","fan","taken","fix","website","care","solution"].
Review highlights
- "This product is amazing , just installed my new gearbox." —
- "steering is nice and tight with the red head." —
- "Steering is much tighter and feels great!" —
Reviews
Like having a New Truck
"Like having a New Truck again but better"
It’s really tight and needs
"It’s really tight and needs adjusting but you cannot adjusted it because you void the warranty Plus I didn’t hear anything about the refund for the core"
Great gearbox
"Bought to fix slop in steering. Worked great . now drives without wandering around"
Great tough gear box. Easy
"Great tough gear box. Easy install!"
09-12 Dodge ram steering box.
"09-12 Dodge ram steering box. So far so good. The Red head has way tighter tolerance than factory. My truck is a 2010 2500 Diesel 148k miles. I had front end issues and was replacing items to correct sloppy steering. This gear box most definitely helped. I would recommend. Diesel power products has been great, one of the best customer service folks I have dealt with."
Excellent product exactly what my
"Excellent product exactly what my truck needed if you have tracked your steering issues down to the box you can not go wrong with this one"
Seems to be great hopefully
"Seems to be great hopefully it will wear good"
Great product glad i went
"Great product glad i went with this one vs Mopar for twice as much"
Red head
"Great install no problems at all bang on and works deadly exactly what I ordered. Would recommend to anyone looking for a upgrade!"
Q&A
- I am planning on installing a hydraulic winch on my truck, would the hydraulic assist ports work for this?
- I'm afraid not. -MC
- Will this fit a 2012 5500 Cummins flatbed tow truck
- Most likely no it would not. Most the 4500/5500 trucks use a larger TRW box and not the standard Mopar box. We would need a photo of yours to determine.-Sands
- If i have a steering box stabilizer, will this box work with that as well?
- Yes, this will work with steering stabilizers braces. -TL
- Why is this for 2009-2012 when the body style is the same from 2006-2009? I have a 2009 but did the steering setup change from 08-09?
- Steering box changed in 2009. All the 03-08 trucks were the same and all the 2009-12 truck were the same as far as steering box.-TL
- so the difference between the 2880 and the 2880n is the n is new correct? i saw under the warranty says you'll warranty your boxes and if you buy oem the manufacturer is who warranties them just want to be sure the new one is still a redhead box.
- Red-Head warranties both. The new box has the same modifications as the reman. Red-Head just starts with a new box instead of rebuilding a used one. SA