steering gear box

[mknack]

I think I saw a post here recently that was showing a steering gear box upgrade to an XJ. I cant remember the brand name, but I know it was way better than the stock one. He was boasting that it was turning his 35's like they were nothing. Does anyone have any idea what type of gearbox would do this or any suggestions?

 

[Goatman]

I think I saw a post here recently that was showing a steering gear box upgrade to an XJ. I cant remember the brand name, but I know it was way better than the stock one. He was boasting that it was turning his 35's like they were nothing. Does anyone have any idea what type of gearbox would do this or any suggestions?

Well, there are a number of ways to do that. Places like Tommy Lee Mfg and West Texas Offroad will rebuild and upgrade your existing box. I have one from Tommy Lee and along with my upgraded AGR pump it turns my 37's. I keep thinking about adding hydraulic assist (my box is already ported for it) but it steers OK so I haven't bothered. They also will rebuild and upgrade your pump. AGR sells steering gear boxes and steering pumps.

The stock XJ gear box is a Saginaw 800. The Saginaw 808 is a bigger box that will bolt on, but I'm not sure what vehicles those come off of. The AGR Super Box that I had once was an 808.

 

[BrettM]

a Jeep J10 box is supposedly 3.5" bore rather than the 3" bore of our XJ boxes. If you find 2, I want the other one.

 

[offroadman83]

I read something about a durango box but I don't remember anything about it. Maybe you can do a search for it here.--Kyle

 

[onetallmj]

a Jeep J10 box is supposedly 3.5" bore rather than the 3" bore of our XJ boxes. If you find 2, I want the other one.

No its the J20 box thats bigger, the J10 box is the same as your standard XJ box.

 

[Wiley Coyote]

Mknack – I know the write up you are talking about. I saved a copy of it for the 1 ton steering info, but I can’t remember where I seen it originally. The guy was using 621MR X-treme Duty w/ Ram Assist steering gear, 14:1 ratio, 3/4"x 30 input shaft, large 3.125" piston diameter, metric o-ring type ports from PSC. Its $340 plus shipping. Here is what he had to say about it:

“I think I bought this box in the first place because it was CHEAPER than my Napa ZJ replacement and I didn't have time to look for an overpriced j20 that would probably need to be rebuilt anyway. The 621MR is a j20 box with a larger piston, 14:1 steering ratio (the higher the gear, the easier it is to turn tires... kind of like axle ratios and big tires)… The engine was still running, the tires were on the ground and I turned the wheel.... my first words were "I think something's broken".... I continue to turn the wheel and mention "something definitely broken". I can turn my 35"s, while in park with the engine idling WITH MY PINKY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The 621MR is a great investment... everybody that was at the shop def made comments like "I'm getting one of these next" After driving it for a few more days, all I can say is I love it. The tires turn WAY easier than stock and overall the steering feels a lot more responsive. “


Here is a link to PSC:

http://www.pscpowersteer.com/Performance_Steering/Components/Off_Road/index.cfm

And another one to their Jeep steering box section:

http://www.pscpowersteer.com/Performance_Steering/Components/Off_Road/powersteeringgearsPSC3.cfm

If you decide to get it, please do a write up on it. I’d love to hear about it from another source.

 

[BillR]

A few of us have used a box from a later ('99) Dodge Durango. It bolts right in and has a good bit more assist. I got the idea from Yellaheap, and it works great for me.

 

[nate]

That writeup Wiley is talking about is this one: http://www.nagca.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16005

 

[mknack]

Thats the one Wiley, your awesome thanks for the reply!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[BrettM]

I heard that, then I got excited when I saw a Durango at PickNPull, it was a first generation body style. well, it was Rack and Pinion steering.... that's not gonna work on my MJ

maybe it was 2wd and that's why, I don't think I actually checked. does anyone know which Durangos came with R&P steering and which had a steering box?

 

[Red97XJ]

OK, goofy question, my buddy's 97 TJ is leaking like crazy, does he have the same box as us? If so, then I assume we can bolt in a durango box as well?

Thanks,
Jason

P.S. Anybody ever rebuild one? He bought a rebuild kit from Napa, we are starting in the morning.

 

[BrettM]

OK, goofy question, my buddy's 97 TJ is leaking like crazy, does he have the same box as us? If so, then I assume we can bolt in a durango box as well?

Thanks,
Jason

P.S. Anybody ever rebuild one? He bought a rebuild kit from Napa, we are starting in the morning.

search for Ashman's hydro-assist writeup thread, he rebuilt his box also and has lots of pictures and details