Swapping to manual steering

[cj7noob]

Hey Guys, noob here needing some advice. My 1985 CJ7 's power steering box has bit the dust and I need to hold off on paying the 230 bucks for a new box for a bit. On Craigslist I found a Jeeper that's breaking down a 1980 CJ7 with a manual box, he is willing to sell me the box for 30 bucks. My question is, can I just pull all the PS components off the jeep and install this manual box or will I have to find an adapter plate or mess with the linkages?


thanks CJ gurus

pic related its my jeep on the day my PS failed

 

[CJ]

:ww: to the site!

Do you have any auto recyclers (junk yards) in your area? You can grab a steering box from just about any late model GM. Jeep uses the standard saginaw box found on millions of vehicles. Most scrap yards just about give away those boxes.

The manual box will fit but you will need to change the steering shaft coupler. Also, the steering will be very difficult because your steering wheel is usually smaller with power steering.

 

[mylittlecj5]

If you can find a Jeep J-10 truck, its the same box with the benefit of having variable ratio valving inside. Makes it much easier to turn when going slow, but not twitchy when your on the hiway.

 

[Sasquach]

You would also need the pitman arm from the manual box along with the int. shaft or coupler.
I did not think my manual system was hard to turn but was more bothered by the ratio. How about having your box rebuilt?

Also don't assume a box out of someone else's CJ is any better than yours, my manual box was worn out and had lot's of slop in the output shaft.

 

[gert]

I agree with everyone else look around first there are tons of steering boxes around...heck I have 2 if you want one and wanna pay shipping I will gladly send it to you....also look for Waggy steering boxes

 

[cj7noob]

Thanks for all the replys, I did not know AMC used steering gearboxes that were so common! I'm going to call all the wrecking yards tomorrow and see what I can drum up.


Thanks again all!