78 manual steering box bolt pattern

[RayDan]

I am working on a 1978 (registration) CJ7 with manual steering and AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l engine. [although the VIN shows it to be a 1977 but I don't think that matters for this problem]. Have issues with steering sloppiness. steering shaft definitely needs replaced.
My question is in regards to the manual steering box. I was going to replace it while I have the steering torn apart. The problem is that the existing steering box is a 4 bolt pattern, and all I can find available to purchase for replacements seem to be a 3 bolt pattern. Can someone shed some light on this for me, are new or rebuilt "4 bolt pattern" steering gear boxes available, and what's a good source?
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[Torxhead]

The best source would be to get the existing box rebuilt. I got my replacement from NAPA, who supplies Cardone rebuilt boxes, I was quite disapointed since the gearing was different. The box went on without any issues. This would be a good time to convert to a power box also.

 

[tarry99]

I am working on a 1978 (registration) CJ7 with manual steering and AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l engine. [although the VIN shows it to be a 1977 but I don't think that matters for this problem]. Have issues with steering sloppiness. steering shaft definitely needs replaced.
My question is in regards to the manual steering box. I was going to replace it while I have the steering torn apart. The problem is that the existing steering box is a 4 bolt pattern, and all I can find available to purchase for replacements seem to be a 3 bolt pattern. Can someone shed some light on this for me, are new or rebuilt "4 bolt pattern" steering gear boxes available, and what's a good source?
Thanks in advance for your help.

Your lucky the 4 bolt mount was the precurser to the series 800 HD Power steering box that was 4-bolts and an option in the late 70's and throughout the eighty's. Most early manual boxes were a three bolt mount.
If you like the manual gear box there are plenty of folks out there that do rebuilt them.........in fact the manual as compared to the power are easy to rebuild..........the only issue is there are some special tools that help the process. As Torx mentioned a Power gear box is a wonderful upgrade. It should be a direct bolt in.......although the input shaft size and the Pittman Arm may be different sizes...........Tom Lee of Lee Manufacturing in So-Cal 818-768-0371 is by far one of the premier gear box re-builder's / persons in the US......great guy!

 

[RayDan]

Thanks for the prompt replies.
I also emailed Omixsupport and their research indicates that all the manual steering boxes were 3 bolt and the power steering boxes were 4 bolt. Their guess is that this Jeep has been converted from power steering to manual steering by using an aftermarket box to match the 4 bolt pattern (several GM boxes cross as a substitute).
Just need to decide whether to rebuild and stay manual, or revert back to power while I'm in there.
Thanks again for replies.