steering box relocation

[madmax]

i want to pus my steering boxs an inch or two forward. is there any one thats done it? and is that going to be enough? pic would help a lot

1) i want to do this becouse my steering binds up during flex (i have a 78-79 HP 44 w/ 1ton hysteer
2) i have the outside plated and a cross over braces but no inner plateing yet. so the inner frame rail is slowly crushing. there is a lot of popping going on. 37 mtrs dont help matters

i did the drango swap a while back and now my pump and line are shot. so i figure i mind as well do it all in one shot. i have the fab skill and tools to do it. im mainly looking for some that has done it, so i dont have to learn the dos and donts the hard way. one again pics would be a huge help

 

[xjbubba]

I considered moving my steering box forward. My engine was out, so I had complete access to my frame. First, with the box moved forward, I could not get a straight run from the steering column to the box's input shaft, without cutting a trough into the frame. Second, and more importantly, there is a complicated brace inside the frame that connects all three bolts together, and keeps you from crushing the rail when tightening the bolts. This brace is welded into place, and is very difficult, if not impossible, to remove without serious hacking. I ultimately moved my new box forward ~ 1 inch. I also replaced it with a steering box from a WJ. To do so, I cut the inside and the bottom of the frame out, and spliced in a 3/16x2x6 or 7, can't remember, steel tube. The WJ's box sets on top of the frame-rail.

 

[madmax]

i was thinking sence i have already plated my front end with 3/16. i would simple torch out the inner frame in that area. and plated it from the motor mount to the front cross member/bumper. then sleave the bolt holes with some left over stock from my hysteer.

im thinking that would be alot easyer

 

[Goatman]

What is binding on your steering? You say when flexing, what do you mean?

It sure seems like it would be easier to change something else than move the steering box forward. The front crossmember is also in the way, so you'd need to fab something for that, too.

 

[xjbubba]

I have a HP D44 with high steer as well, and I'm not experiencing binding with the drag link in any way--plenty of room between the drag link and the tie rod. So what's binding? You do state your driver's side frame is "crushing", so it does appear a "little" remedial frame reinforcement is in order. I moved/replaced my steering to gain room for a full-size radiator, not because of steering binding. Here's a shot of the driver's side after my mods. AS Goatman said, it was necessary to extend the frame and to build a new front cross-member.

 

[madmax]

my front axle is pushed about 2'' forword and i have a FSJ pitman arm. when i fully stiff the drive side tire the two links are crossing. the rod end are fine. its the dom about mid was that touching

as for the stock front cross member its long gone and the radiator has been lifted 1/4'' becouse the hose was rubbing on the durango box



one more thing. who sells a really stout ppower steering pump

 

[Jeff 98XJ WI]

I am probably going to extend the box a little forward too and build a new front crossmember. I like what Magoo Mitch did with his, but he is running a completely different steering shaft. I wonder if the stock shaft can be lengthened some by pulling it out further? I haven't gotten there yet, but I have cut the front sheet metal poor excuse for a crossmember off and cut most of the steering box inner frame crush thing out. I think there would be enough movement in the two steering shaft joints to allow it to line up ok with the new gear position, but I just don't know if the stock shaft can be extended at all. I'll include a link to an album of my frame pictures. Look towards the end for pics of the front frame horns. Jeff

http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8IbtGzVo3bMsu

 

[jmop]

How often do you drive on the street? Full hydro might be simpler and then you won't have to worry about the linkage.

 

[Goatman]

my front axle is pushed about 2'' forword and i have a FSJ pitman arm. when i fully stiff the drive side tire the two links are crossing. the rod end are fine. its the dom about mid was that touching

as for the stock front cross member its long gone and the radiator has been lifted 1/4'' becouse the hose was rubbing on the durango box



one more thing. who sells a really stout ppower steering pump

What style steering do you have?

My front axle is pushed 4" forward, so I know about having to deal with pitman arm clearance with the tie rod. Mine works and I didn't move the steering box. If you're committed to moving the box forward, it'll be work but it's not impossible. However, if you really didn't want to do that there should be a way to make it work by doing your steering links differently.

 

[xjbubba]

Here's a combined shot showing the location of the WJ steering box, new Howe radiator, and new and improved front cross member. The front cross member is welded to a 1/8-1x1 frame, that is welded to the new 3/16 frame horns; notice, the additional cut-out in the cross member.

 

[madmax]

its been two year sence i set up my front axle. i have my coils right over the axle so that would make me closer to 4'' longer in the front

and here are a few pics