steering box / shaft

[Danno]

While bleeding brakes, my steering locked up, would not turn left. I gave it a little muscle and the nuckle where the rod attaches to the steering box (non-power) came apart. pieces actually hit the floor. Upon further review I found that the upper bolt of the steering box was backed out about half way, the lower front bolt was not tight, and the lower rear mount was broken off! I bought this jeep two weeks ago and its becoming a money pit. Should I replace the steering box too, or can I just get away with the shaft and nuckle and tightening the box back down after I fix the broken bracket ear?

 

[CJ]

Not sure exactly what your talking about but I believe you mean the lowers shaft coupling assembly.

What Jeep? What year? With our without power steering? It helps if you fill in the 'about my vehicle' information in your control panel - makes helping you a bit easier...

The lower coupling is a pretty normal wear item and relatively easy to replace. They are different depending on if you have PS or not. The coupler is circled in red.

You can buy the gear box bracket also if you don't want to repair it.

Here is a good source for the parts -->> Jeep CJ Steering Parts & Accessories - 1972-1986 CJ5, CJ7, CJ8 Scrambler at Morris 4x4


As for the Jeep being a money pit, unfortunately when a CJ changes hands, you don't know all the little things it is going to take to put it into your definition or 'reliable running' condition. It's not unusual to have to drop a few coins to fix all the little things the PO knew about but lived with before they sold it...

 

[fishinfool98]

While bleeding brakes, my steering locked up, would not turn left. I gave it a little muscle and the nuckle where the rod attaches to the steering box (non-power) came apart. pieces actually hit the floor. Upon further review I found that the upper bolt of the steering box was backed out about half way, the lower front bolt was not tight, and the lower rear mount was broken off! I bought this jeep two weeks ago and its becoming a money pit. Should I replace the steering box too, or can I just get away with the shaft and nuckle and tightening the box back down after I fix the broken bracket ear?

Welcom to the site and you now own a
Just
Empty
Every
Pocket

If you dont want to deal with this down the road
REPLACE IT

Then I would see if you can
rebuild it?
do you have to tools, pullers , press?

how nice would it be to have a spare sitting at home if this were to happen again

 

[mylittlecj5]

^yea that...All Jeeps are a money pit at one time or another...yous is having its time now...

 

[LongHorn]

Just Exchange Every Part

 

[mylittlecj5]

when I get done with this CJ7 build, the only thing that will be an original part might be the frame, and even that will be modified.

 

[LongHorn]

Yeah, the closest thing I have to stock is the tub & tailgate.

 

[Old Dog]

What they all said. A 35 year old Jeep is going to need some work as everything is wore out.
If you don't like working on and spending money on your Jeep you will not be happy with it. Most of us know they are money pits but we like working on them and enjoy the benifits of owning them.

 

[smithmyk]

I think you can try tightening the box back down after fixing the broken bracket ear. MI think it might just work five times out of ten. In case it doesn't, then you'll have to replace it but atleast you will have tried.

 

[73CJ]

I kept going through the lower joint and finally replaced the steering box with a GM PS unit w/ a rag joint. Bolts right up. Kept going through rag joints. Once it came off on the trail. I put a Flaming river shaft on. They use u-joints both ends. Best thing ever. End of problem. The bonus is you get power steering. Pumps and brackets can be found for any AMC 6 on the net or junk yards.