Steering box/rebuild or replace

Steering box/rebuild or replace
catman

catman

Jeeper
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Location
Ontario Canada
Vehicle(s)
cj7 1986, built from three others.
I just got my first CJ...not my first jeep, but different than what i'm used to. The steering box, is completelly covered in oil. and I have a box kit with all the parts it should take to rebuild it. Having had a look at the following link...
Saginaw Steering Box Rebuild - Four Wheeler Magazine I'm not sure if its a job I should take on. Is it a common sence type of teardown and rebuild...or would I be better off replacing it...mine is a power steering box.

I hope that makes sence?
ED
 
Hi catman, and welcome to our site. I personally do not recommend rebuilding a steering box.Their not as easy as they look to do a rebuild on, and are pretty tricky. A rebuilt unit is not very expensive, and it's a guarantee that it was done right. Why fool with a part that can end up killing you.
 
^^X2. I went thru this exact same thing recently. After looking into it, I realized that it wasn't something for a shadetree mechanic to fool with.

I am headed out to the garage to install my brand new variable rate PSC power steering box in just a few minutes! :)
PSC Motorsports
 
Whats with the morbid thought??....

There is no one getting hurt by asking questions.

The rebuild is something that I'm sure I can do, BUT....some things should be left to professionals. That is why I ask fellow Jeepers with knowledge, so that just when you are going to "give-ER" that little voice yells "wOOOOOOW'...LOL

Thank you, sounds like good advice.

I've had lots or repairs done in the past (To XJ's)and later found out that I could have done it myself for less, and would of had fun enjoying the knowledge.

But since I must replace it, any advice on an upgrade that does not cost an arm and a leg?
 
Kind of depends on if you just want to keep it pretty stock with reasonable tire size, or if you want to lift it hang big meat on it, and wheel it. A stock box is a pretty rugged little unit, and they have served me well over the years. Some guys like the aftermarket units, like dalefan, that went to a PSC box. You can get a reman to pop right in for (I think) under a hunderd bucks. There's not much I wont tear into myself, but some things are just not worth it. Steering boxes are top on the list, and i never bother with stuff like master cylinders, clutch cylinders, and the like. Their just too cheap to buy and replace.
 
Yup...been doing some reading and for what I see a straight replacement should be good enough...they are apparently strong little units....In the Great White North, thou, parts are not as available or inexpensive as in the States. Thank you I will look for a rebuilt(proffesional) unit and do a straight exchange.
 
I just replaced seals on mine and I would have to say I do not want to have anything to do with a full rebuild. Isn't there a good upgrade that will bolt right in like a Waggy box? does anyone have a link to a write up on this?. After all not everyone can afford a PSC box :p
 
The Waggy boxes are supposed to have bigger ports and I think some have Variable ratio like my new one, But they are scarce around these parts. :( I looked for 2 months before I finally sold my little boat and got this PSC box.
 
I just stuck a box of an early model Malibu (I know it was an intermediate GM) that had the same ratio. I has worked for years...
 
hey CJ did you use stock input shaft from the steering column? same question for the pitman arm.
 
kicknjeep said:
hey CJ did you use stock input shaft from the steering column? same question for the pitman arm.
Click to expand...
I just bought the appropriate couple for the power steering box from someone, like this -->> Jeep CJ Steering Parts & Accessories - 1972-1986 CJ5, CJ7, CJ8 Scrambler at Morris 4x4

and purchased the correct pitman arm (3 flats vs 4 flats). BUT, I was converting from manual to power.

If you already have a power box then the coupling will be the same. You MAY have to buy a pitman arm. You could always pull yours and see how many flats you have in your internal spline area (I don't remember what year they changed).
 
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