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Saginaw steering box issues

Saginaw steering box issues

CJ RIGGS

Jeeper
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Posts
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Location
Dallas
Vehicle(s)
'82 CJ7 Base Model
Engine: 4.0L ('99 Wrangler)
Tranny: T4
TC: D300
Rear Dif: AMC-20 Wide Track, 2:73 gears
Front Dif: D30
The next task for my build was to rebuild the steering gear box. I get on line to hunt down the parts kit. WHAT A MUD BOOG OF INFORMATION! What I know (casting is labeled 76 with 4 bolt mounting. Input spline is 36 tooth. Input shaft dia. at seal checks .720. Major spine dia. checks approx. .865 or so. Piston is 3" dia. and the input shaft does 4-1/4 revolutions from stop to stop on the output shaft.)
With all that being said, i noticed the pilot shaft on the end of the input shaft looks broken off?! If it is, is it worth rebuilding.
Also had several guys tell me that rebuilds are a 50/50 on success. Any thoughts or advice?
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With all that being said, i noticed the pilot shaft on the end of the input shaft looks broken off?!
It looks to me that it has been cut with a hacksaw but for whatever reason they got tired of sawing and just broke it the rest of the way off.
 
It's probably not a jeep unit, the little tip that was cutoff was used to help locate the rag joint used on GM vehicles. Since CJs didn't use that type of joint they didn't have one. A popular swap is the H1 Hummer box, but it's getting harder to find, it's a direct swap if your jeep is 80 and above (due to the change in fittings to o-ring style.)
 
It's probably not a jeep unit, the little tip that was cutoff was used to help locate the rag joint used on GM vehicles. Since CJs didn't use that type of joint they didn't have one. A popular swap is the H1 Hummer box, but it's getting harder to find, it's a direct swap if your jeep is 80 and above (due to the change in fittings to o-ring style.)
Thanks R&S. It does look like it was sawed off. Guess I'll just rebuild it. won't cost but $40 to see if it works. I know the previous owner. He bought it in 84 and never touched it. It worked fine for him. I just want to replace everything that's not metal.

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Last edited:
The cut off pilot tip was used on full size Jeeps with the rag joint.
My box came from a 73 Wagoneer and I had to cut it off for my application.
Personally I'd shop and source a box, new or rebuilt.
 
I went to Orielly's with the steering box. They weren't much help on figuring which kit to use. I can't get a solid answer on which input shaft I have, 3/4" or 13/16" or do I know exactly where to measure.

I'm going to assume it's the OD of the spline. It checks .860ish depending on how you hold your mouth. Ordered the kit for a Sunday delivery. I guess i'll know when I rebuild it.
 
If I remember correctly it is the splines you measure


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