1984 CJ-7 Steering Box Assembly is dead and need a new one

[diddy2003]

I need a new one. The one on my jeep is leaking from everywhere and the gears inside of it are shot. It also is flexing, from the inside, pretty good with any steering input. This is making it pretty dead on center, like 2-3 inches of dead play before steering happens. Not good.

So, I called Quadratec and the guy I spoke to said that this would be my best option:

AGR 262357 - Superbox 2 for 80-86 Jeep CJ with 36 Splines - Quadratec

From the website:

" Are your oversized tires and locking differentials making it difficult to steer? These custom designed Power Steering Boxes are built with larger pistons to provide more brute turning power than originals. The Super Box 1 is set at 3 + turns ratio left to right, a + turn faster than stock CJ's giving more feel to the steering wheel and better control on any terrain. The Super Box 2 has variable turning ratios, 3 1/8 turns left to right, almost 1 full turn faster than stock CJ's. Custom firm sport valving is designed to give more stability at highway speeds & less oversteer off road. This means faster turning at slower speeds around trees and rocks or backing into a parking spaces then slower turning on fast, straight highways. Keeps oversized tires under control & gives more stable feel on the highway. All AGR Power Steering Components are Carefully Remanufactured using new internal parts. "

This is a power steering unit, which is what I want to stick with as the Jeep originally had power steering.

Are any of you guys running these? It is kind of a lot of money, but it is cheaper than the OEM style replacement, which is 500 bucks:
Original Replacement Parts 5363231R - Steering Box for 80-86 Jeep® CJ with Power Steering - Quadratec

So, what are my options? Is that superbox a good choice? Basically, I was not really expecting my steering box to the bed right now and money is not really there to fix ANOTHER jeep issue. Any help or recommendations would be good.

I was thinking of just finding a decent one used, but I just have a fear of buying something and then having the same issue shortly after the install . . .

 

[tarry99]

I need a new one. The one on my jeep is leaking from everywhere and the gears inside of it are shot. It also is flexing, from the inside, pretty good with any steering input. This is making it pretty dead on center, like 2-3 inches of dead play before steering happens. Not good.

So, I called Quadratec and the guy I spoke to said that this would be my best option:

AGR 262357 - Superbox 2 for 80-86 Jeep CJ with 36 Splines - Quadratec

From the website:

" Are your oversized tires and locking differentials making it difficult to steer? These custom designed Power Steering Boxes are built with larger pistons to provide more brute turning power than originals. The Super Box 1 is set at 3 + turns ratio left to right, a + turn faster than stock CJ's giving more feel to the steering wheel and better control on any terrain. The Super Box 2 has variable turning ratios, 3 1/8 turns left to right, almost 1 full turn faster than stock CJ's. Custom firm sport valving is designed to give more stability at highway speeds & less oversteer off road. This means faster turning at slower speeds around trees and rocks or backing into a parking spaces then slower turning on fast, straight highways. Keeps oversized tires under control & gives more stable feel on the highway. All AGR Power Steering Components are Carefully Remanufactured using new internal parts. "

This is a power steering unit, which is what I want to stick with as the Jeep originally had power steering.

Are any of you guys running these? It is kind of a lot of money, but it is cheaper than the OEM style replacement, which is 500 bucks:
Original Replacement Parts 5363231R - Steering Box for 80-86 Jeep® CJ with Power Steering - Quadratec

So, what are my options? Is that superbox a good choice? Basically, I was not really expecting my steering box to poopie the bed right now and money is not really there to fix ANOTHER jeep issue. Any help or recommendations would be good.

I was thinking of just finding a decent one used, but I just have a fear of buying something and then having the same issue shortly after the install . . .

Diddy,
First of all I applaud your choice to go "New" or rebuilt as opposed to picking one out of the local wrecking yard where you never know what you'll get.
What you have there looks to be the Saginaw 800 Power steering box. Although the 700 box looks similar...........
What you want is the Model 800 4 bolt # 76 casting gear box with the 13/16 x 36 spline input shaft. This is the HD version and is easy to find in fact AMC was using these on many CJ models throughout the 1980's & yours may already have one on it.
The Variable gear box is a good choice for the reasons noted above, Slow in the middle and faster out towards the edges.
Before you make the change I would suggest that you look at all the steering components from the steering wheel down via the steering shaft to the spindles to the wheel bearings. If Your steering gear is worn out it's a good chance there are other parts downstream that are also in need of repair.
Check your frame brackets where the gear mounts as that is a normal place where things have become loose and broken away. A good steering brace should be included in your thought process also............last but not least your existing P/S Pump will also need to be tuned up.
As far as cost, will you get what you pay for.
You may budget this a little at a time but look at these improvements as an investment in your CJ.
I have worked with a great steering rebuilder in So Cal named Tom Lee of Lee Power Steering ( 818-768-0371) well known around the Dirt , asphalt & Nascar racing community and he is a great guy to talk with and has more knowledge about steering than most anyone else on the planet.

 

[Torxhead]

Another option would be to get a rebuilt box such as one by Cardone thru a local auto parts outfit. I did this after going over everything else and it solved the problem. As I recall the rebuilt box was $175. plus core charge. Another option was a local rebuilder for more bucks, but I had to get ready for my next wheeling adventure.

 

[Old Dog]

^^what he said^^
from what I understand the boxes from a J20 truck and 96-04 hummer h1
boxes will fit and are variable rate also. They can be had alot cheaper from your local auto parts place, but would be rebuilds.

 

[diddy2003]

I have been seeing a bit on the H1 boxes bein direct replacements. Is that really true? That would be great. Also, would they also be heavier duty than the jeep CJ one because it's from a H1? I have seen rebuilds for pretty cheap, under 200, which is great. I just don't want to get something I have to Jerry rig into place.

 

[Old Dog]

Diddy, I have no personal experance with them, like you I only know what I've read.
And we all know the info on the internet is worth what you paid for it.

 

[IOPort51]

This is not a recommendation but just information that may be of use.

Napa sells a complete rebuild kit for this steering box. For those with the inclination.

 

[diddy2003]

I hear you. I posted this same thread on another forum and a guy actually posted pictures and stated it mounted right up. Just sounds weird that it would be a direct swap, you know? But with this jeep I have learned that they tend to have parts from everything. Curious if I should take a chance . . .

 

[diddy2003]

Diddy,
First of all I applaud your choice to go "New" or rebuilt as opposed to picking one out of the local wrecking yard where you never know what you'll get.
What you have there looks to be the Saginaw 800 Power steering box. Although the 700 box looks similar...........
What you want is the Model 800 4 bolt # 76 casting gear box with the 13/16 x 36 spline input shaft. This is the HD version and is easy to find in fact AMC was using these on many CJ models throughout the 1980's & yours may already have one on it.
The Variable gear box is a good choice for the reasons noted above, Slow in the middle and faster out towards the edges.
Before you make the change I would suggest that you look at all the steering components from the steering wheel down via the steering shaft to the spindles to the wheel bearings. If Your steering gear is worn out it's a good chance there are other parts downstream that are also in need of repair.
Check your frame brackets where the gear mounts as that is a normal place where things have become loose and broken away. A good steering brace should be included in your thought process also............last but not least your existing P/S Pump will also need to be tuned up.
As far as cost, will you get what you pay for.
You may budget this a little at a time but look at these improvements as an investment in your CJ.
I have worked with a great steering rebuilder in So Cal named Tom Lee of Lee Power Steering ( 818-768-0371) well known around the Dirt , asphalt & Nascar racing community and he is a great guy to talk with and has more knowledge about steering than most anyone else on the planet.

Thanks for the information!

I found this here:
CJ Steering gearbox upgrade - Page 2

I'm in the process of replacing the steering box on my CJ8 . It was leaking fluid from everywhere and I thought that after 29 years it was time to just get a new one and upgrade in the process.

Instead of going with an OEM replacement box, I decided to upgrade to a box for a '96 Hummer H1.

Here is what one of the members of the SoCal Scramblers sent me in a PM as a recommendation and I believe it would apply to at least all of the CJs from 81 - 86, but I'm not an expert:

"If you haven't ordered a reman box yet, spec one out for a '96 Hummer H1, A1 Cardone part number 27-7595, it's a bolt in for the stock CJ P.S. gear it has the larger piston for less effort with a faster turning ratio (variable 13 to 16-1 vs 17-1), with 13/16" input splines and metric fittings as original on Scramblers."



The guy who sent this to me is considered a "go to" guy when it comes to Jeeps. He worked at a Jeep dealership for a long time and recently retired. This advice was specific to my Scrambler and may not apply to your CJ, but I think it may.

 

[diddy2003]

For the money it looks like the H1 box is really hard to beat. Under 200 bucks for a replacement box that would appear to be heavier duty than the stock box and bolts right up. I am considering these two things:

Mountain Off-Road SB7686Z - M.O.R.E. Heavy Duty Steering Box Mount for 76-86 Jeep® CJ-5, CJ-7 & CJ-8 Scrambler - Quadratec

Mountain Off-Road SB9037 - M.O.R.E. Steering Box Brace for 76-86 Jeep® CJ-5, CJ-7 & CJ-8 Scrambler - Quadratec

Do people normally paint the bracket or just leave it as is with the zinc finish?

 

[tarry99]

Thanks for the information!

I found this here:
CJ Steering gearbox upgrade - Page 2

I'm in the process of replacing the steering box on my CJ8 . It was leaking fluid from everywhere and I thought that after 29 years it was time to just get a new one and upgrade in the process.

Instead of going with an OEM replacement box, I decided to upgrade to a box for a '96 Hummer H1.

Here is what one of the members of the SoCal Scramblers sent me in a PM as a recommendation and I believe it would apply to at least all of the CJs from 81 - 86, but I'm not an expert:

"If you haven't ordered a reman box yet, spec one out for a '96 Hummer H1, A1 Cardone part number 27-7595, it's a bolt in for the stock CJ P.S. gear it has the larger piston for less effort with a faster turning ratio (variable 13 to 16-1 vs 17-1), with 13/16" input splines and metric fittings as original on Scramblers."



The guy who sent this to me is considered a "go to" guy when it comes to Jeeps. He worked at a Jeep dealership for a long time and recently retired. This advice was specific to my Scrambler and may not apply to your CJ, but I think it may.

All Good info..........I would think that Saginaw has used many of these boxes in Various applications & vehicles through the years with minimal changes.
I can only tell you what works from first hand experience and not hear say. The 13/16 x 36 splined #76 casting 4 bolt box is the HD box of choice that was used by AMC in the 80's and has been used as a retrofit 4 wheel drive box in the Off Road Community for years. The list is probably long what vehicles theses boxes ended up in various configurations.

Just make sure the mounting , valving & fittings are correct for what you want.

The box brace's shown will do the job.

 

[diddy2003]

Ordered up the bracket and the brace today. I will order up the H1 box sometime this week. I have a long trip coming up for the CJ in July and I need to take care of this stuff before then.

 

[tarry99]

Cool,

When you get it see if that H1 box is using the #76 Casting..............also when you take yours off take a look at it and let us know what it is..................good for future reference.

 

[diddy2003]

Cool,

When you get it see if that H1 box is using the #76 Casting..............also when you take yours off take a look at it and let us know what it is..................good for future reference.

Do you have a picture of where to locate the number? I could check for you the next time I go take the jeep out.

 

[tarry99]

Do you have a picture of where to locate the number? I could check for you the next time I go take the jeep out.

The # 76 is facing down on the housing near the front of the steering gear. It would be right next to the bottom forward bolt on a 4-bolt gear, between there and the front of the box cast into the case............you will have to crawl under and look up between the frame and the gear or use a mirror ..............the number 76 is stacked............7 on top of the 6........about 3/4" high numerals easy to see. It would not surprise me that your old box is this version, but may not be valved as a variable.???

 

[diddy2003]

I just dropped my Jeep off to have the new steering box installed. The H1 steering box cost 225 without the core refund. I am choosing to keep my old one. It would have been 200 bucks, so for 25 I figured I would just keep it as a spare. I dropped it off with the bracket and the brace. I hope everything works. I just don't have any time to mess with it before taking off for NH for a 3 day wheeling trip. I am crossing my fingers that everything works out . . . . Installing something from a Hummer H1 on to my Jeep CJ, and expecting it to just mount up and work, is also causing for some increased stress . . . .

I totally forgot to look for the number btw. Sorry man. I am keeping the core so I will just check it out when I pick the jeep up.

 

[tarry99]

No Problem..............Let us know how it all turns out...........

 

[diddy2003]

Update:


So the H1 Hummer steering box is now mounted along with the MORE HD bracket. Of course, as with anything I do with the Jeep, it did not go on without issue. Both lines on the stock steering box are now permanently attached and aren't going anywhere. I had to call up Quadratec and I have new lines coming in the mail. Should be in on Tuesday. The H1 box is much more heavy duty than the stock one, just based on looks alone. It really looks good on there. The MORE brace will be going on with the lines.





Now here was the really unexpected part. I had been feeling something weird going on in the front end when I was driving, and there was even like a clunk at times, and I just figured that the steering was the issue. I was wrong. One of the frame brackets, that holds the shackle to the frame, cracked right in half. I couldn't really get a picture of the crack when the Jeep was off the lift, but it was pretty bad. Just one of those things that could have been pretty bad if it wasn't discovered. If I didn't have the steering box issues, and the jeep was never put on a lift, I don't know if I would have seen the issue until I was out in the woods . . . .

Here was the bracket that cracked.


Here is was I ordered to replace the stock brackets. I ordered a complete set for the front and the rear of the jeep. I hope I can re-use the stock bolts because I forgot to order new ones . . . . .

Warrior Products WAR401 - Warrior Products 2.5" Rear Shackle Frame Brackets for 76-86 Jeep® CJ7 - Quadratec

Much more heavy duty than what the stock ones look like:

 

[diddy2003]

Took it up to NH and back on a trip a few weeks ago. The steering was great. One finger on the wheel the whole way up there and back. It was great in the woods too. I am very happy with it.

 

[diddy2003]

Tarry, I finally got around to checking out my old steering box. Here are those numbers:






So that means it was a heavy duty model?