New Jeep - AUSJEEPOFFROAD.COM Jeep News Australia and New Zealand

shanehill · #1 05-04-2018

Hey There,

I've been lurking around on and off ajor for quite a few years now, (I think my UN was Tweety) and have been without a Jeep for a while. That changed when I stumbled across a sad looking ZJ that after a slight negotiation, the owner dropped off to my house last night for a total of $600.

The body and paint are actually not bad. Working A/C, tinted windows and a clean albeit Laredo interior.

A rocker cover leak (duh), the usual worn bushings and shocking steering are the bad points.

The first item I want to address is the steering. I do have some play in the track rod and a tie tod end, but I have a lot of lateral movement in the sector shaft of the steering box. Has anyone on here had success in rebuilding the steering box?

The reco ones are fairly expensive, but I am yet to begin looking around for a good used one. The seal kits are cheap, I have found one bearing part number (the worn sector shaft item) so am contemplating giving it a go.. Thoughts?

Thanks,

Shane

JeanLuke · #2 05-04-2018

Does the ZJ have an adjustment nut on top? It might be as simple as an adjustment.

I have overhauled steering boxes myself, but only old non-power ones. Never done a Jeep one but I'd imagine it's not all that difficult.

shanehill · #3 06-04-2018

They do have an adjustment nut, but if I can see lateral movement under the pitman arm, there has to be a bearing gone. Or worse the shaft itself..

JeanLuke · #4 06-04-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by shanehill

They do have an adjustment nut, but if I can see lateral movement under the pitman arm, there has to be a bearing gone. Or worse the shaft itself..

Ah! Overhaul time!

shanehill · #5 08-04-2018

I think so.
Anyone got any leads for a rebuild kit with bearings?
Seemingly difficult to find...

bodgie · #6 09-04-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by shanehill

I think so.
Anyone got any leads for a rebuild kit with bearings?
Seemingly difficult to find...

I found a good steering box in a WJ being parted out for $200. I just had a look, and rock auto have rebuild kits, but they don't seem to contain bearings. Not sure if they are any different for RHD and LHD boxes though.

Jason

Classic Boy · #7 09-04-2018

I thought the steering box was changed at the WJ/G model? Which if correct is a bummer because the WG box was pretty good but the model prior was known to be problematic.