Clever Idiot Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 Just wanted to get some experienced opinions. Looking at my steering, I'm trying to decide which way to go. I know eventually I want a quicker steering box, the dream is to put a r&p system in. Right now my focus is to get it on the road as quickly as possible, but at the same time I don't want to waste putting things back together only to take them apart later. I feel like the rack and pinion upgrade can wait; it's a major expense difference and I might be happy enough with just a quicker steering box. I won't know for sure until I'm actually driving it again. From what I can tell, I can get all new steering linkage for much cheaper than an r&p system, which leaves only the steering box as a variable expense (I'm going to need a new steering pump regardless). I've never rebuilt a steering box before, but I found which seem very helpful (I haven't had a chance to watch them all yet). Seems like something I could handle. And I love learning new things. Is it worth it to tackle it myself? Seems like rebuild kits are only about $60, while a new box is a couple hundred (or more) whether it's the stock steering ratio or a fast ratio. I'm wondering if there are any hidden pitfalls to avoid when rebuilding it myself, or if rebuilding it to a stock ratio won't take out the slop that I remember. I hate steering deadband. I'm assuming a fast ratio box eliminates that deadband - anyone with such a box that can tell me otherwise? Thanks for the guidance, as always. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsterdam84 Posted August 16, 2013 Share Posted August 16, 2013 I haven't done anything yet as that project is on the backburner right now. I did purchase a used box from a 97 or 98 jeep grand Cherokee. It has a faster ratio than the stock box as well as less turns lock to lock. It's a direct drop in minus the ragjoint and some press in fittings for the box to go from metric oring style to out standard SAE flare. Cost for me is under $100 just need the ragjoint or a ujoint. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Knightrider Posted August 17, 2013 Share Posted August 17, 2013 Just bought a rebuilt one myself with a variable ratio 13:1 to 16:1, 2-3/4 to 3 turns lock to lock. Was expensive. I'll let you know how it works in about 15 more years when I finish the car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
footballubet Posted August 18, 2013 Share Posted August 18, 2013 I have looked into the Jeep steering box upgrade. That's the way I'm going when I upgrade to a serpentine belt system. I'll be replacing the power steering pump and will upgrade to the braided stainless steel lines at the same time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gprimm Posted August 19, 2013 Share Posted August 19, 2013 I have a 3rd gen F Body box on mine. Bolted right on, switched the pitman arm and it turns fast and has great road feel. $35 for the box on Craigslist, plus $5 for the fitting adapters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MagicDragon42 Posted August 22, 2013 Share Posted August 22, 2013 I replaced my stock steering box with one from a '85 Camaro SS. The ratio lock to lock is OK but the turning radius now is too large. What Pitman arm did you use? Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsterdam84 Posted September 3, 2013 Share Posted September 3, 2013 I'm pretty sure you have to use the Monte pitman arm no matter the box. The other ones I've read are too long and will hit something in the linkage or frame I think. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clever Idiot Posted September 5, 2013 Author Share Posted September 5, 2013 Well, I ordered the stuff yesterday. Hotchkis steering linkage kit from Summit as well as the AGR 12:1 box. Tilt column for A/T floor shift from NPD, pitman arm from OPG, rag joint and various bolts from NPD and OPG. Going for a Borgeson shaft once I have the column and box installed to measure necessary length. I'll let y'all know how it comes together. In like 3 months. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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