Removing steering box - PS CJ7

[lhfarm]

Replacing the original box. Have pitman arm off (thanks to suggestions here). Manual says to disconnect PS lines - I can't see them and assume I need to drop the box to get to them - correct?

Also, do I need to disconnect the shaft at the top? I removed the bolt below the boot. Will the spline gear slide out or am I going to have to pry?

I'm ready to try the three bolts through the frame. I have a jack under the frame to release spring pressure. I'm hoping I can support the box and drop it down when the last bolt comes out. Then remove the hoses and just drain the fluid then.

Any advice/corrections greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Barry

 

[DHugg]

Barry, I'm old and worn, but I was able to support the PS box with one hand while undoing the last bolt. But it weighs a ton.... be ready for it! Yes, leave the lines connected, but remember you'll be draining the whole PS pump when you disconnect one of the lines. Be ready to catch the fluid (dump it and refill when ready with clean).

When it was time to reconnect the box to frame, I used a small hydraulic jack with a piece of 2X4 to keep it in place while the bolts went in.

Before you tackle bolts, apply liberal amount of penetrant. I use oil of wintergreen, 50-50 ATF and acetone (protect skin and lungs), and a commercial product, all in rotation. Leave 'em soak overnight. Have handy a heat source when you're ready to unbolt, and remember that too liberal an application of open flame heat could set afire a gas line.

I was no dice getting the steering shaft to collapse where it should; 30 years of rust. I had to disassemble in destructive mode, no big deal since a new shaft was in hand.

There are several good pieces on this forum about steering shaft removal. Read up on 'em before you get after it.

I had a hard time getting the new PS box remounted; frame bolt rusted out, hi-press PS line bumping the radiator. I have moved up the radiator an inch, and now find I must drill new bolt holes a half inch down; it is a bit too high.

Jeep drivers never have to wonder what they're going to do tomorrow!

 

[lhfarm]

Today's progress: Have the box unbolted. No problem with heat PB Blaster and patients. Tried removing the lines at the pump. Got the return off, but the pressure line wants to turn with the nut.

At this point I think I should just cut the hoses and replace them with new. That just leaves me with the shaft.

I did notice that two of the bolts in the frame were worn like there had been movement. I'll replace those, but am also going to look at an aftermarket brace.

Thank,
Barry

 

[lhfarm]

On the road again!

After a couple of very hot weeks, I took the CJ7 for a test run this afternoon. What an improvement! It will always be an adventure driving a CJ, but I'm not afraid to drive above 30 now.

I've found that it is really useful to record experiences like this one, in case I do it again. Here are a few of the things I've learned.

1. Get the right tools. It took 2 inexpensive pullers to get the the pitman arm off. The bend in the first tool didn't look safe, so I purchased a second. If doing a lot of these I'd invest in a "cone" puller.

2. Don't jack up the frame to relieve pressure on the spring hanger. That was in the instructions in one manual. I did and when I went to clean the threads, the spring hangers had shifted. I used a sledge to tap them back into place, then put bolts in to keep them from shifting again and removed the bumper jack. After removing the bracket I would place a bolt in the holes, just to keep things aligned.

3. Expect to take a lot of time so you don't break something. Lots of penetrating oil and some heat - I never thought a propane torch got hot enough to do any good.

4. I was able to remove the steering shaft with a pickle fork. When I replaced it, I was off by one spline and it wouldn't go on. I removed it and realigned and it slide right on. The good news is that the shaft and pitman will only go on one way. You just have to get the alignment correct the first time.

5. The aftermarket hoses don't fit like the originals. I installed the pressure line first, then had to remove it to get the return line in place. I think I am going to cut the return line so it is inside the body.

6. Expect the unexpected. When I removed the old lines, I had to cut them, so I could get a socket over the fittings. When I went to remove the pressure line on the back of the pump, the "innards" of the pump came out. I hadn't seen the larger nut. Had to put it in a vise to get the old fitting out.

But the test drive made all the work worth while. Thanks for the help and happy jeeping!

Barry

 

[AOrangeWIP]

Is it possible to re-seal the power steering box or will I need to plan on purchasing a new one? My PS is fine and the jeep drives great, but the box itself leaks. Its not a very bad leak, but it needs to be repaired.

 

[Jawbox]

I think I'm going to try some Lucas in mine since I've heard good things about it. I'm planning on replacing the box anyway next spring, so if it doesn't work, there's little harm in trying.

I won't know though for a couple weeks when it's running again.

 

[Old Dog]

It can be resealed but it's apita. but doable.

 

[AOrangeWIP]

How big of a PITA are we talking about? Is it such a pain that buying a new one would be the better option?

 

[Petescj]

Never tried to rebuild one. Did go 2 other ways though. I bought a stock replacement for around $300 a few years back for my old CJ5 . Obviously it worked fine and didnt leak.

I also bought a used one for $50 off the internet for the http://www.jeep-cj.com/forums/f98/600-salvage-cj-7-a-3095/. Guy I bought it from was a Jeep club member of mine so that always helps. Still buying off the internet like that is kinda like a shoot.

If I were to buy one today knowing what I know and cash allowed itd be this: AGR 262317 - Superbox 2 for 72-79 Jeep® CJ with 36 Splines - Quadratec

 

[AOrangeWIP]

I'm liking that superbox, looks like that will be the next purchase before I dive into my drivetrain modifications. Id rather not have power steering fluid leaking all over my head while im working on my drivetrain.

 

[Petescj]

I'm liking that superbox, looks like that will be the next purchase before I dive into my drivetrain modifications. Id rather not have power steering fluid leaking all over my head while im working on my drivetrain.

1/2 of a turn doesnt sound like alot of change until you "feel" it. Got a little time behind the wheel of a friends who has one. Considering its close to the price of a "new" stocker its a no brainer.

As far as power steering leaking on your head ,come in from the side or rear of the Jeep. Unless your working on the front main seal,oil pan, radiator hose or the steering box itself stay away from there! Cmon there are plenty of other things to work on rearward of the steering box.