Anyone had steering box issues? What did you do to fix it
Hey folks.
I've got a dead spot in my steering - the wheels wander a bit going straight ahead or on slight curves. Anyway with the help of my mechanic we've narrowed it down to the steering box. I need probably a new one. I've read a bit on other forums that have said certain models can be rebuilt, certain others can't, mine fits in the category of ones that can't.
Anyway, buying a new one from Jeep is outa the question. They want 3300 bucks or so for the replacement box. No way.
Second option is there's a wrecker nearby that has one, its off a wreck that had 87000k's on it (which is more than what my JK has >.< ) and they want 600 and something. Its reasonably priced I suppose but my JK's only got 57000k's on it (I've had the problem since about the 50,000 mark) and whats to say the OEM replacement isn't just going to shit it after another 50,000. or less in the case of a used part?
Third (and my favourite) option I've been looking at is a "big bore" steering box from the likes of Quadratec or Northridge4x4. I've played with the idea of getting a hydro assist ram steering setup, but its pretty expensive and I'm only running 33's, I don't see it as worth it. My question though, with the steering boxes from US parts dealers, since all the places I've seen that sell bigger steering boxes are US based do they actually fit properly on right hand drive cars? Are the boxes similar on US sold and Aus sold Jeeps? Or is there an Australian Jeep parts place that will sell bigger bore steering boxes?
Has anyone had any experience with the big bore steering boxes? Are they easy to fit? Do you need a bigger power steering pump? I'm by no means an expert but my understanding of how hydraulics work is the bigger cylinder in the box would mean the power steering pump would have to flow faster to get the same steering feel - I haven't got the cash right now for a replacement steering box AND a bigger power steering pump.
EDIT: With 3" suspension lift, is it worthwhile getting a different pitman arm? Northridge4x4 sell pitman arms with a 'drop' in them that suits various suspension lift sizes, wondering if having the standard pitman arm is going to contribute to the new steering box packing it or if I'm ordering parts from USA is it worth just grabbing one of those anyway.
Last edited by Petehehe; 13-10-2017 at 04:01 PM.
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