iwannadie
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Gilbert, Az
I was debating on adjusting it, just leaving it or trying to swap it out at napa. Such a headache after getting everything else installed to rip the box out yet again ha.
Steering dead spot
- Thread starter iwannadie
- Start date
I wonder if this dead spot you have is evidence before installing the box. I think it is as you turn the input shaft, and if it has play - the output shaft will not move immediately. So.. pulling your box and swapping it out with NAPA, you can test the replacement one. I bet you could buy another one and swap it out, return the old one.. so that you would have minimal down time.
iwannadie
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Gilbert, Az
I was wondering if you could test a box off the vehicle for a dead spot. I can exchange the box no problem. Just I don't want to swap this for another bad one.
iwannadie
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Gilbert, Az
Figured I would update this, I decided to finally swap the box for another one. Put the new box in and it is 100% better, no dead spot at all. The steering feels tight when going straight. I used to be able to use 1 finger to wobble the steering wheel back and forth with no effect on the actual direction of the wheels. Now, there's no play in the steering wheel and any change in the steering wheel changes the direction of the wheels.
Should have done it a long time ago but oh well.
Should have done it a long time ago but oh well.
old_man
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Loveland, Colorado
I know you fixed the problem, but I thought I would answer this question for anybody else who find this thread in the future. Yes you can test the box on the vehicle. The key is to have someone in the vehicle that can rock the box back and forth that half inch or so and while they are doing it, you need to put your hand on the output shaft and make sure it is turning. If it is not turning and you can see the input shaft turning, the box is too loose or bad. Adjusting a steering box is not a hit or miss thing that you can fool around with. Doing it wrong can end up killing you or someone else. It really needs to be done on the bench with the right tools and with the right knowledge.
muddeprived
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- PA
I installed probably the same Napa steering box in place of the advance auto box I had the past two years. I went from about 6" of play to the same 1/2" play you had. I'm satisfied with it, even though there's a tiny bit of play. I don't feel like swapping it out again lol.
Don't buy Advance Auto boxes. They suck. The first one I got had a bad clunk in it so it came out two weeks later and then the recent box lasted about 2 years, 6k miles, and had 6" of play in it. Terrible boxes.....
Don't buy Advance Auto boxes. They suck. The first one I got had a bad clunk in it so it came out two weeks later and then the recent box lasted about 2 years, 6k miles, and had 6" of play in it. Terrible boxes.....
iwannadie
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Gilbert, Az
Wow I can't imagine 6" of play. The little bit that I had was driving me nuts as it was actually towards the end. I don't drive much on the freeway but started to in the past month. It was an unnerving feeling when my wheels would change direction but the steering would stay in place even if just a tiny bit.
I thought all the boxes are the same no matter the store, they all get them from the same few suppliers and box them for their store.
All in all, I wish I had just stepped up to a super box like AGR, PSC or something. Even at twice the price it sure would have been an easier experience. I kept thinking with something like a heavy steering box it would be better to buy local with a good warranty. It is nice knowing I can go up and swap the box rather than having to ship the heavy beast of a box and deal with an out of state company.
muddeprived
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- PA
Yeah when hitting bumps the jeep would change direction. It was annoying. It was also hard to keep it straight because I'd have to turn a bit just for a slight adjustment then turn a bit again to correct it and it went on and on. I almost went with an AGR box but decided to stick with stock since I only run 32's and don't really abuse this rig anymore. I could've gone with a durango unit like I did on my TJ but the difference I noticed between stock and dodge was very little.
