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Steering Box probably shot...

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jhedman2

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
All,

First, I want to tell you that I tried to take everyone's advice and use the search tool on the site before I asked this question ...yeah... But here goes.

So I got under the ZJ tonight to take a look at my Tranny mount (which I just bought a replacement for) and found a nice array of fluid splatter everywhere. Began tracing it and found puddles on my front diff, and radiator skid plate. Of course, the small drips hanging from my pitman tell the story. I checked all hoses and lines and everything looks good there. Look further with a flash light and find that the fluid is definitely coming from around the steering shaft in the gearbox. Not good. Anyone have this issue before and able to tell me what might be shot? Knowing my luck, the box has to be replaced.

Further more, if it needs to be replaced, what should I replace it with. I obviously don't have the kind of budget it seems like a lot of people here have, but I don't want to buy crap that I will have to replace again soon. I am lifted with larger tires so strength is good. Unfortunately, I have the speed sensitive thing. :spank:

Please, if anyone has any ideas or some help for me, please respond. Especially if you have some suggestions on what to buy and where to get it. ;)

Thanks in advance and can't wait till next season...
jhedman2

P.S. It is so hard not to go further in debt and get the hemi powered '05... :spank:
 
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Discussion starter · #4 ·
Will any of those listed for the ZJ's drop in? Or are they going to require a ton of extra work? Plus, do these opperate okay if the vehicle originally had the speed prop. steering stuff. I will check you're write up and truly thanks for replying. Seems like it's getting tough to get simple answers around here.
 
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#5 ·
the 621MR is a dirrect bolt into the ZJ. If you wanted the 4th mounting bolt (just like the j20 swap), then that is there but it will mount to the 3 existing bolt homes (just like stock). You have a ZJ right? ZJ's either have a fixed ratio or progressive ratio and PSC has both in stock. ZJs never cam with (unless I am wrong) TRUE speed sensative steering.
 
Discussion starter · #6 ·
Okay, I am sure you know more about it than I do, but I had been told it had some sort of Speed proportional steering. So that may be the progressive steering you mentioned. I would definitely like to take advantage of the 4th bolt, but I don't have a welder so I am not sure if it would be worth it. Your post described teh use of drilling the holes, reinforcing it with roundbar and then welding plate to the framerail. It makes since, but I don't really have the stuff to do that, nor can I really afford it.

I am going to try to get my warranty company to replace the box, but I am sure they will say hell no with the tires and lift.

And yes, its a 1998 5.2l limited V8. Thanks for the great write up, had a lot of good info, just wish I had the $$$$, time, and shop like that to do all that work. I have done all my work in my little garage... Thanks again, and if the warranty company doesn't replace it, I will go with the PSC box. Although I have a feeling with all that extra umph, something else will break.
 
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#7 ·
I just did that swap to the 621MR like the write up. It was a simple install from what it looked like. I video'd the whole thing. And the 4 bolt is just to strengthen it all up and not really required but would help.

Realistically it would be a straight swap and 3 bolts and a healthy new steering box. I like it allot.

I am all for make it better when it breaks.
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Thanks, mine is leaking like a spigate. I can't decide if I should try and let the dealership replace it under warranty (if they will), or just go ahead and blow the $340 on the new one.

Does it come with the Grade8 bolts or do you have to buy those seperate?
 
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#18 ·
nate379 said:
Stock is probably 10.9, which is metric. Grade 8 is the SAE equivalent I believe.
Click to expand...
No

12.9 = SAE 8
10.9 = SAE 5

Don't run grade 8 hardware with a box. Grade 8 is stronger than the metal of the box.
 
#20 ·
I just put some bigger tires on my rig, as soon as I got home from the tire shop and parked, my steering box puked out a bunch of oil. It only happened once, and only when I had the wheel cranked all the way so I could cut my bumper.

I'm assuming the shaft and seal are worn. With the miles I have on it, I figure I might as well replace it (or rebuild). I'd like to get a heavier duty box. Are there any other options besides the PSC and Durango??

What is the difference between the PSC models?

Thanks.

*MoonDogg*
 
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*MoonDogg*
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