Power steering box ?

[Hitman1881]

I have read through countless threads on power steering gear boxes in the last week and am still struggling. I thought I had it figured out then a trip to my local napa parts store has me even more confused.
To start what I am trying to do is tighten up the steering on a new to me 81 CJ7 with 33's and a AMC 304 engine. So I have a lot of slop in my current power steering box and it is leaking. So here is where all my reading threads started , looking for best thing to replace it with. So I find threads talking about the Saginaw box off a 76 j20 saying they are the ticket as far as replacement . I found the napa part number for the j20 box from a thread (27-6529) does anyone know is this a variable rate box? And how many turns it is lock to lock?
Now to my problem at the parts store, they have changed there part numbers but they found that for a 76 j20 the number now is 391033 they tell me that is a direct replacement for the j20 and that it is a four turn box. They also gave me a price of$146 plus a $60 core. I also had them look up the Saginaw box for an 81 CJ7 which they came up with a new napa number of 391034 and a coursing to them and the tech line of who ever they called is AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l turn box. The box for the CJ7 is is $182 with a core of $160. By the way they could not tell me if either of them are variable rate boxes.
So after all this I am trying to decide which way to go? And am very confused by all the info I have been reading and info from the parts store.
I would appreciate any help and info you guys could give to help me sort this out and get the best for my needs, which by the way will be mostly street with the occasional weekend off roading. Thanks in advance for any help. I am a new member here and new jeep owner but have already learned a ton from reading this forum.

 

[tarry99]

I have read through countless threads on power steering gear boxes in the last week and am still struggling. I thought I had it figured out then a trip to my local napa parts store has me even more confused.
To start what I am trying to do is tighten up the steering on a new to me 81 CJ7 with 33's and a AMC 304 engine. So I have a lot of slop in my current power steering box and it is leaking. So here is where all my reading threads started , looking for best thing to replace it with. So I find threads talking about the Saginaw box off a 76 j20 saying they are the ticket as far as replacement . I found the napa part number for the j20 box from a thread (27-6529) does anyone know is this a variable rate box? And how many turns it is lock to lock?
Now to my problem at the parts store, they have changed there part numbers but they found that for a 76 j20 the number now is 391033 they tell me that is a direct replacement for the j20 and that it is a four turn box. They also gave me a price of$146 plus a $60 core. I also had them look up the Saginaw box for an 81 CJ7 which they came up with a new napa number of 391034 and a coursing to them and the tech line of who ever they called is AMC 258 i6 / 4.2l turn box. The box for the CJ7 is is $182 with a core of $160. By the way they could not tell me if either of them are variable rate boxes.
So after all this I am trying to decide which way to go? And am very confused by all the info I have been reading and info from the parts store.
I would appreciate any help and info you guys could give to help me sort this out and get the best for my needs, which by the way will be mostly street with the occasional weekend off roading. Thanks in advance for any help. I am a new member here and new jeep owner but have already learned a ton from reading this forum.

First off.........if you truly want good steering stay away from your local parts houses......they sell parts and that's it.
What you want and what has been installed on most factory Jeeps since the late 70's and is more than likely on yours is a Series 800 Saginaw.......this is a HD box with a 4 bolt mount 13/16" Input shaft the end cap is 4.250" dia. and has a large 76 cast in the box...........the part # you have #27-6529 will get you a Series 800 box but not with variable ratio steering.........keep in mind there are millions of these steering gears in service for millions of applications.
As I mentioned if you truly want good steering you must go to a re-builder, that can customize the box for your driving needs..........For a Jeep you want a variable gear box that is slow in the middle but fast out on the edges..... Meaning going down the hi-way you want slow steering so your short wheelbase is not wandering all over the lane and once your driving slower and want to turn the ratio increase's and turns faster out at the ends either left or Right.
Tom Lee in the LA area is by far the sharpest guy around on gear boxes.
lee-powersteering.com

 

[Hitman1881]

T99... Yes I have the sag 800 now and that is what I'm trying to replace. The napa has rebuilds but I was just trying to find out what rebuild is better. I checked out the Lee website, sounds good. I'll contact them. Do you have any idea what they get for a box? Thanks for your imput.

 

[tarry99]

T99... Yes I have the sag 800 now and that is what I'm trying to replace. The napa has rebuilds but I was just trying to find out what rebuild is better. I checked out the Lee website, sounds good. I'll contact them. Do you have any idea what they get for a box? Thanks for your imput.

For custom valving none of the parts house's can help you.
Send him yours.........or use it as a core.
Keep in mind there are a host of other things within your steering system that can contribute to loose steering.........starting at the column all the way to the wheel bearings including suspension.

 

[Torxhead]

Plus the hose connections may not work at the box, which means possible custom hoses.

 

[Hitman1881]

I have a call into mr. Lee, so I will see what he has to say. As far as custom hoses that really isn't that big of deal. Anyone know what Lee gets for a gear box? I don't mind spending some money to the steering good but not sure I want to drop $800 bucks on it.

 

[IOPort51]

I believe the CJ had a constant ratio and the FSJs had a variable. that said I have a 1981 J-10 steering box in mine and can't say it is better or worse in the road handling area than the manual steering was, just a lot easier to turn at slow speeds.

 

[Hitman1881]

I talked to Tom Lee today on the phone and I will be pulling the box off this weekend and sending to him for a rebuild. Seems like a very knowledgeable guy and was very helpful . Thanks for the heads up T999

 

[sjc115]

Can you give us an idea on what it will cost?

 

[Hitman1881]

He quoted 265... To rebuild my box. When he receives it he will open it up, see what I have and make recamindations.
On to another question I am in the process of tearing it off to send in for rebuild and I am planning on buying a hd mount to replace the stock mount. What do you guys recommend ? I already have the steering box brace. I also have a borgeman hd steering shaft on the way.

 

[tarry99]

He quoted 265... To rebuild my box. When he receives it he will open it up, see what I have and make recamindations.
On to another question I am in the process of tearing it off to send in for rebuild and I am planning on buying a hd mount to replace the stock mount. What do you guys recommend ? I already have the steering box brace. I also have a borgeman hd steering shaft on the way.

Rustys off road but there are a few others out there........make sure you inspect the frame where the old mount comes off for cracks.........pretty common with the old style sheet metal mounts.
If your buying steering parts that attache to the steering gear make sure you get the correct size and number of spline's......I believe on a Sag 800 the front input shaft should be 13/16"x36 splines...

 

[Torxhead]

Hitman, that price is about right. I had considered having mine done, but went with a rebuilt Cardone getting it faster and cheaper, The rebuilt box was the last to be done after overhauling the front end including welding up all the cracks after years of wheeling. The steering brace is a must have, but I am trying to get by without installing one of those aftermarket mounts. The aftermarket tie rod and drag link is another must have.

 

[diddy2003]

http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f19/1984-cj-7-steering-box-assembly-dead-need-new-one-14759/

1984 CJ-7 Steering Box Assembly is dead and need a new one - Page 2 - JeepForum.com

I put on a steering box from a Hummer H1. Mounted right up. Works great.

 

[IOPort51]

He quoted 265... To rebuild my box. When he receives it he will open it up, see what I have and make recamindations.
On to another question I am in the process of tearing it off to send in for rebuild and I am planning on buying a hd mount to replace the stock mount. What do you guys recommend ? I already have the steering box brace. I also have a borgeman hd steering shaft on the way.

I used a mount from M.O.R.E. It fit well and was well built. With power steering the HD shaft seems a bit redundant. Not a lot of strain on the shaft.

 

[gert]

I also went with the MORE brace and Borgeson shaft

 

[Hitman1881]

Got the box pulled off tonight... PIA! Actually wasn't to bad except the hose they came loose ok but the nuts where stuck to the tubing and could not get them to turn with out the tubing spinning. Ended up twisting them off , guess she will have new hoses also.
The frame and old bracket are actually in great shape, I think I am still going to order a new hd mount.
The biggest reason I ordered the new borgeson shaft was to get rid of that hokie joint at the steering box. I also think I got a good deal on it, ordered from Amazon and got it for 192.11 with free shipping.
Now to get it shipped out , mr.lee said he was about 7 day turn around right now.
Time for a

 

[diddy2003]

Are you really paying 265 to rebuild that power steering box?
Cardone 27-7595 Remanufactured Power Steering Gear : Amazon.com : Automotive

 

[Hitman1881]

Yep... Sure am. After talking to mr.lee I think it is a way better plan to have him rebuild mine than buy a cardone. For the $265 he will tweek it for better performance, you should check out his website and give him a call.
The car done link you provided is not for a CJ7 , I know they are all Saginaw boxes on the outside but not the same on the inside, I know it would work but would it perform the way it should or the way I want it to. Mr. Lee also has an exceptional warranty. So for $80 or so more i will go with him.

 

[tarry99]

Yep... Sure am. After talking to mr.lee I think it is a way better plan to have him rebuild mine than buy a cardone. For the $265 he will tweek it for better performance, you should check out his website and give him a call.
The car done link you provided is not for a CJ7 , I know they are all Saginaw boxes on the outside but not the same on the inside, I know it would work but would it perform the way it should or the way I want it to. Mr. Lee also has an exceptional warranty. So for $80 or so more i will go with him.

Hitman..............I'm glad you feel that way......As I mentioned you will not be disappointed......so often people want to save a few bucks buying something off the shelf or at a Pick your part when they know little or nothing about the process nor the workings of the product.
Having something customized for your needs by a professional like Tom in my eyes is always best..........

 

[Old Dog]

I agree, sometimes quality costs a few bucks more but it's worth it in the long run.