Steering box replacement (and more)

[Jim]

Hello Folks,

Some questions...

The jeep's steering is quite loose - always has been. Steering linkage (tie rod ends) look to be in good condition (not the cause of slop). Steering gearbox has been a question. Many years ago I replaced the steering column with a junkyard column (broken pot metal near the tilt component) - no change in slop (not expected to change with a column). Recently I replaced the bearing assembly at the bottom end of the column and I noticed the steering column slip joint is quite firm (does not slip - rusted) - so that is not a cause for steering slop. In the bearing replace, I damaged the input shaft seal for the gearbox. With slop a concern and input seal leakage an issue - I'm thinking - just replace the gearbox (or maybe rebuild it).

Rebuild - it's looking like a project I might just wish to shy away from and simply move into the replace world.

Replace - with what? Do I replace with a new box ($500 to $1100) or replace with a remanufactured box ($150 - $400)?

1) New or reman?

2) Brands... Any brands to shy away from or to be attracted to?

While the hoses have not been any issue, with the age of the jeep (and my believing the hoses are original) I'm looking to replace hoses. There is comment to flush the system to not give contamination issue to a nice new steering gear - do I check the box and replace the pump and reservoir as well???

Bottom line - that's the project I'm looking at. Input is desired.

Through it all I understand there is no guarantee the slop will be improved - after all, this is a bare leaf spring only suspension - no track or sway bars to add crispness.

Then there's the pitman arm - do I add it to the list - might there be any slop in the arm to steering box output? There shouldn't be (splined) but it is a high torque connection.

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Links

Steering Gear

https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/chassis---steering/steering/steering-gear-box/18bf567d23ea/v/a/2317/automotive-suv-1990-jeep-wrangler
https://www.quadratec.com/products/56112_03.htm
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PS_391032N
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,1990,wrangler,4.2l+258cid+l6,1184936,steering ,steering+gear,7416


Hoses & Filter

Supply
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NPS73362

Return
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NPS72399

Filter
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PS_351002
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PS_351004


Pump with reservoir

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PS_381082 (https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/PS_381082)
https://www.oreillyauto.com/search/v/a/2317/automotive-suv-1990-jeep-wrangler?q=power+steering+pump+with+reservoir
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jeep,1990,wrangler,4.2l+258cid+l6,1184936,steering ,power+steering+pump,7380

.

[FINOCJ]

Just my thoughts on the steering box....if you do decide to replace, I'd be leery of the standard new or rebuilt units from Napa/RA/O'Reilly etc - they are pretty much all the same and iffy quality in my opinion. You can go big on some names like redhead, bluetop etc - note redhead had a bad run of units a couple years ago and not sure if they have that taken care of. My rec is to look into Lares boxes - there is an upgraded YJ option that is basically the same box as used on Hummer. I am looking at that box for my CJ. Given your front locker and 35s, if you decide to replace the box, upgrade it a bit.
Here's the Lares site - pricier than Napa/RA etc, but I think worth it and equivalent to the more expensive redhead/bluetop etc. Check out the 11430 unit (that's the HD rock crawler unit - it's the hummer box)....
https://www.larescorp.com/select/Jeep/Wrangler/1990/4.2L%20258CID%20L6/

All that being said, the oem saggy boxes are really durable, so make sure your issue is in the box. In addition to linkages, check the ball joints/kingpins etc. make sure the box mount is good - very common in the CJ world with oversized tires for the box mount to rip off the frame (look into a steering box brace from M.O.R.E.). If it is the box (steering gear), then replace as opposed to rebuild your existing unit - not the most straightforward process, although once you've done it a couple times, they are all the same.

[newracer]

Is the YJ the same as the TJ as in a Durango box can be installed fairly easy? They are supposedly much better.

[Jim]

I have seen the Durango box talked about for the YJ... I'll look at it.

I might push steering off until next season. I'll pull the existing box to replace the input seal and at the time will measure / document what box this is.

This season looks to be rear axle shafts and a new front driveshaft. Front DS does not need to be done - but it's the factory shaft that is pulled out due to the lift. It is way out of balance for speeds above 35/40MPH. I've only needed to drive home on the front shaft twice in ten years (so not big on my list) but I think this season is the time.

[Inkedrose]

Have you dry tested it? Have someone sit in the driver seat and rock the steering wheel back and forth? Just found loose ends on my track bar like that. Couldn't see it until I had some helped

[Jim]

No, I have not. I should. Thanks for the nudge.

I have lifted one wheel off of the ground and pushed/pulled to check for slop in the tie rod joints - last I checked (several years) things were tight. I should re-visit (on a warmer day).