Steering: Better to upgrade or rebuild?

[BlackBetty]

Ok so the steering in the new CJ5 is the first issue to be dealt with. Looks like the steering box, shaft and u joints all need to be replaced.

Question: Is it better ti just upgrade parts now instead or getting rebuilt or replacement oem?

I dont can about keeping it stock or not. Right now it has 31s on it and I dont see it even running larger than 33s. Are the upgraded products overkill? Im in the lowcountry so it wont be seeing anything extreme.

Thanks for any input

 

[Old Dog]

FWIW i'm still running stock parts with 33's and lots of trail miles.
While the HD stuff would be nice I haven't seen the need to up grade the shaft or joints.
I do run a brace and a HD tie rod and draglink. I think the brace is a must have to keep the box from ripping off the frame.

 

[Torxhead]

The oem steering box on the later model Jeep CJs are just fine. But by now they can get to be a bit worn out. After making sure that everything else in the steering system is up to snuff, then the box is all that is left. I would advise a quality rebuild by a shop that specializes in that type of work or a company like Cardone, available at many auto parts suppliers. Somebody had a website on steering diagnosis somewhere I just can't remember where it is. Install a steering brace to go with it if you don't already have one.

 

[tarry99]

Ok so the steering in the new CJ5 is the first issue to be dealt with. Looks like the steering box, shaft and u joints all need to be replaced.

Question: Is it better ti just upgrade parts now instead or getting rebuilt or replacement oem?

I dont can about keeping it stock or not. Right now it has 31s on it and I dont see it even running larger than 33s. Are the upgraded products overkill? Im in the lowcountry so it wont be seeing anything extreme.

Thanks for any input

I'm assuming you already have Power Steering? If so That 1980 Cj should already have a Saginaw 800 series Power steering gear which is one of the best available.
If it is not giving you problems and doesn't leak stay with until it does and then find a quality re-builder that can valve it to a Variable ratio to suit your driving needs.
U-joints, steering shaft, tie rod ends , Pittman arm ends along with ball joints are all normally the first thing that wears out and need some attention. Check them out.
As mentioned a steering brace connecting the sector shaft housing to the frame is a good Idea, but you may also need to upgrade the steering gear three piece bolt together mount that attaches it to the frame.....at the very least keep those bolts tight and watch them.................bigger tires will add more force and wear to the system.

 

[BlackBetty]

Nope. I forgot to mention that. Im still on the original manual steering

 

[tarry99]

Nope. I forgot to mention that. Im still on the original manual steering

Well if you happy with the Manual gear box that's fine. If it leaks , take care of it. If you want to check the system it's very simple & better done by two people. One Turning the wheel inside the cab and the other looking at movement at each connection and joint all the way to the tires & wheels.
Basically everything should be 1 to 1 ratio meaning if it moves a 1/2 inch of rotation here it should be equal elsewhere. If you think power steering is in your future , most all parts needed can be found in the Jeep Wrecking yards and now would be a good time to source them over a period of time.

 

[TarheelCJ]

I just did this very thing yesterday and today but did the upgrade side... well partially. I had some serious left/right "floating" I guess is the best way to put it. Anyway, I looked at the AGR and PSC stuff for a long time to include talking to a couple local 4x4 shops in El Cajon, CA... I ended up going with a reman PS box from a local wholesale in San Diego and did the borgeson shaft. WOW!!!! WHile the box was I'm sure part of it, the steering shaft is worth every penny! I didn't get the one with the steering damper though and it seems to be a popular move. I guess its all opinion based. But either way, if you have the money, do the borgeson steering shaft when you do your work.

 

[tarry99]

I just did this very thing yesterday and today but did the upgrade side... well partially. I had some serious left/right "floating" I guess is the best way to put it. Anyway, I looked at the AGR and PSC stuff for a long time to include talking to a couple local 4x4 shops in El Cajon, CA... I ended up going with a reman PS box from a local wholesale in San Diego and did the borgeson shaft. WOW!!!! WHile the box was I'm sure part of it, the steering shaft is worth every penny! I didn't get the one with the steering damper though and it seems to be a popular move. I guess its all opinion based. But either way, if you have the money, do the borgeson steering shaft when you do your work.

Tarheel,

Good for you.......I believe that's the best way to go Re-man box and I would imagine you used the Double D shaft and joints from Borgeson. I don't think your missing anything on the dampner side of using that joint. Really depends on what you do the most of with your rig. Another guy that's great with steering down your way is Tom Lee Manuf. in Sun Valley,Ca.
Good Luck

 

[IOPort51]

Steering Shaft Coupling Kit With Manual Steering 8121299K

It has been my observation that the bottom joint of the steering shaft is the best place to start looking for slop. It is kind of a strange mechanism that works very well, especially considering the amount of maintenance it has received over the past 30 something years.

 

[TarheelCJ]

Blackbetty are you looking at a high steer after you get "involved" in your steering?

 

[TarheelCJ]

Oh and thanks 99. I'll look him up.

 

[BlackBetty]

At this point im not looking for a high steer function. I ordered the reman box and borgeson shaft. I figured for the money go ahead and get a good steering shaft.

Ive only had this jeep about a month so im still trying to see what im working with. The steering made itself first on the list since it was nearly impossible to keep control coming off a steep on/Off ramp and just generally making the drive a bit too exciting. Tune up on the AMC 304 is next followed by a check of suspension components.

 

[tarry99]

At this point im not looking for a high steer function. I ordered the reman box and borgeson shaft. I figured for the money go ahead and get a good steering shaft.

Ive only had this jeep about a month so im still trying to see what im working with. The steering made itself first on the list since it was nearly impossible to keep control coming off a steep on/Off ramp and just generally making the drive a bit too exciting. Tune up on the AMC 304 is next followed by a check of suspension components.

BlackBetty......that's a good upgrade, again check all your downstream joints and make sure there is nothing else worn to the point of needing replacement.
Let us know how it works for you.

 

[BlackBetty]

ok so new steering shaft and re man gear box in. the steering is vastly improved. i can now steer comfortably with one hand at 65mph (which i think might even be 70. speedo seems off). so far very good upgrade. didnt get a chance to really play with it much but it hardly wanders at all while scootin along.

 

[gert]

Sweet