Do I need new steering box?

[Waynecj5]

Hi, I have a 79 CJ5 304v8, 2 1/2" BDS suspension lift, heavy duty shackles with new bushings, new universal joints and front axles, with 33x12.50x15 BF Goodrich mud terrains. Would like for it to handle better and less road walk. Would spending $400 on a new steering box make that much difference. I do have power steering that was added years ago.

Thanks

 

[Torxhead]

An expensive steering box is the last thing installed to correct a steering issue. The are a number of other componets involved. Somewhere in this forum is a post about checking and correcting those issues. Hopefully somebody will post it up and I can save it to my computer.
Here it is:http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f99/troubleshooting-correcting-your-steering-4106/

 

[tarry99]

Hi, I have a 79 CJ5 304v8, 2 1/2" BDS suspension lift, heavy duty shackles with new bushings, new universal joints and front axles, with 33x12.50x15 BF Goodrich mud terrains. Would like for it to handle better and less road walk. Would spending $400 on a new steering box make that much difference. I do have power steering that was added years ago.

Thanks

If it's worn out then "Yes" But as Torx pointed out there is many , many other things , that can contribute to poor handling..........I suggest you read through that trouble shooting post...............From the front axle to the rear axle, to tires, bearings, wheels, tie rod end, ball joints and the list goes on will all effect how a jeep may handle............Post some pictures of your front axle up-close , shackles etc. and will see if there is something that sticks out.
Get a friend on a weekend and start doing some trouble shooting.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Hi, I have a 79 CJ5 304v8, 2 1/2" BDS suspension lift, heavy duty shackles with new bushings, new universal joints and front axles, with 33x12.50x15 BF Goodrich mud terrains. Would like for it to handle better and less road walk. Would spending $400 on a new steering box make that much difference. I do have power steering that was added years ago.

Thanks

Get a front end alignment done, and be sure to check the toe-in.
My bet with the lift-Your caster is out of spec.

BTW-I've been run'n the OEM s'box since I bought the jeep new in '85.
I have run 33" BFG A/T's since they came out. Have 120K mile on the box noT not including be'n flat-towed all over the western USA.
LG

 

[gutthans]

First, let me agree with everyone else that the 'box' is the last change/upgrade to make...unless, of course, it is damaged or worn out.

That said, as part of your overhaul understand that the changes you have made will contribute to amplifying the bad road manners of the stock CJ. However, by replacement and adjustment of minor, worn components, you can get back to 'good' handling, so to speak.

BEFORE you change the box, consider adjusting it. You may have to hunt around to find the correct tools or a shop that actually knows HOW to adjust a PS unit...but it's worth a try. I have found that there is clearance play in both manual and PS units that CAN be adjusted out, if you follow the FSM instructions carefully AND have a good 'FEEL' for the process. Most places/owners no longer bother though as replacement is easier and often faster than taking the time for adjustment. This is particularly true of PS units because they have to be removed anyway to do the process.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

The ONLY external adjustment that can be done, uses a box wrench and a Allen wrench.
How To Tighten your Steering Box - YouTube

LG

 

[Torxhead]

Interesting video there Lumpy, have you done that? I see it also states that tightning that allen wrench will only adjust the drag. I like that t-shirt too.

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Done it once in 30 yrs on my CJ.
LG

 

[gutthans]

The ONLY external adjustment that can be done, uses a box wrench and a Allen wrench.
How To Tighten your Steering Box - YouTube

LG

Doesn't that assume that the technician has verified that the worm bearing preload is within spec FIRST, LG? My reading of service manuals indicates that you only change the adjusting screw AFTER the preload is checked/adjusted to spec.

I do that on manual units, and am 'almost' positive that goes for PS units. I know that you can get away with just doing the allen screw...but I think that's just a short-cut of the whole process...

 

[Lumpy Grits]

Doesn't that assume that the technician has verified that the worm bearing preload is within spec FIRST, LG? My reading of service manuals indicates that you only change the adjusting screw AFTER the preload is checked/adjusted to spec.

I do that on manual units, and am 'almost' positive that goes for PS units. I know that you can get away with just doing the allen screw...but I think that's just a short-cut of the whole process...

Maybe so-BUT the few Jeeps I have done this adjustment on, the drivers were very pleased with the results.
LG

 

[tarry99]

That is just a minor adjustment to pre-load the sector shaft to bearing clearance...........Only a band-aid to something already worn out!

 

[Lumpy Grits]

That is just a minor adjustment to pre-load the sector shaft to bearing clearance...........Only a band-aid to something already worn out!

Can be-NOT always.
For me-The adjustment brought the steering wheel play back into spec after I check'd everydangthing else.
LG