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23207 messages, Last post on Jul 03, 2009 at 7:48 AM
You are in the Jeep Wrangler Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Okay, I"ve adjusted my steering gear a bit, but it is still loose. With Dan likely driving this for a while, I want to make sure the steering is up to par. What are my options for a decent repair w/o breaking the bank? 98 Durango steering box seems like my best bet (with or without snow plow option - affects turns to lock) or is there something else I can do? I THINK I can get one from Adv Auto for about 188 with 125 core. Keep in mind I'm trying to keep this somewhat reasonable in price. Mac, any input? -Paul
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Replying to: erickpl (Jun 29, 2009 6:01 am)  You can rebuild it yourself, but parts can be a problem. NAPA, Advance, Autozone will be the best price option for an exchange unit and are all around the same price at a little under $200, with the Snow Plough option being another $50 or so. Core charges vary but are immaterial unless you intend to keep you original box. I suppose you could look for something secondhand, but steering and brakes are something I prefer to go new on.
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Replying to: mac24 (Jun 30, 2009 4:14 am) Since my son will be driving it for a while around town, I want the steering fixed (a bit too loose now). -Paul
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Replying to: erickpl (Jun 30, 2009 10:21 am) If you go that route you might want to get it ported with blanking plugs in case you ever want to go with cylinder assist in the future. I've heard about too many problems with AGR to want to recommend them, though to be fair it's mainly been with their modified pumps. Reman vs new? In theory new should be better but I've had and seen mixed experiences of good and bad with both. If you think that new components will always be better, ask yourself why new cars come with a warranty.  Best value would probably be the Durango Snow unit if you can return your old box as the core. I understand what you say about your son driving, but the steering and braking should really be 100% regardless of who's in the left seat.
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Replying to: mac24 (Jul 01, 2009 6:59 am) PSC makes the SG621MR with the ports for hydro assist, but I don't plan on going that route with this TJ. 33's is it with moderate wheeling. The Durango with snow option is 165 from AdvAuto (with core). The PSC is 335 shipped to my door from a 4x4 shop. Do you think it'll hold up sufficiently with 33x12.5's for onroad and offroad use and give me back responsive steering and minimized that dead spot in the middle? THAT is ultimately what I'm trying to take care of. When I have to make a huge steering adjustment just to keep the TJ straight or to follow a slight bend in the road, something ain't right. I trust your word on these kinds of things and if you think a reman unit will work for my needs, then I'll trust it. If I get one and it sucks, I'll return with the lifetime warranty and go for a PSC. The brakes I'm not worried about. I can lock them up if I need to, but the 2.5L is slow enough that it isn't a concern! I have checked the linkages in the components underneath and they are all rock solid (JKS trackbar and ZJ tierod (new ends) and NO undue motion in ANY joint). -Paul
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This may be too basic of a question for this forum, but I'm in the process of replacing a cracked cylinder head, and decided to remove the oil pan first and check some bearings to see if they have been damaged by running with coolant in the oil. On my 2000 the exhaust wraps around the rear shallow part of the oil pan, so I proceeded to take the exhaust pipe connections loose from the exhaust manifold. This is where I'm stuck. I'm by no means a mechanic, but turned quite a few wrenches in my younger days, but it has been awhile. The exhaust pipe flanges are held on with 2 bolts that thread into 2 nuts on the back side of the flange. The nuts are some sort of flange nuts with a plate welded to the nut. The plate contacts the exhaust manifold when you turn the bolt, holding the nut stationary in order to remove the bolt. The problem I'm having is that after getting the bolts loose, the nut can ride up to a spot where the plate is free of the exhaust manifold, and turns freely when you try to loosen the bolt further. The spot welds on the nut prevent getting any sort of good bite on the nut with a wrench. Has anyone had the same problem? Do you have any secrets to disassembly, other than cutting torch? Thanks.
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Replying to: erickpl (Jul 01, 2009 11:36 am) Ah, you're trying to put me on the spot!  1: Any of the choices even a standard TJ unit, if properly built, will give responsive steering with no central dead spot 2: For a small improvement in performance and minimal cost the reman Dakota SP box is probably the best short term value. 3: The PSC would be my choice because it's overbuilt for a standard or minimally modified Jeep, and I'll be keeping mine forever. However, my choices may not be the best for you, and it would also be possible to get a perfect reman from Advance and bad unit from PSC (and vice versa), so there's no perfect solution.. If you have five minutes to spare take a look at this AMG promo to see the kind of loads and stresses the PSC box is expected to withstand.
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Replying to: elbbirp (Jul 01, 2009 8:37 pm) I don't remember having that problem but can't you either push or pull the nut/flange assembly back down to the point where the flange will catch again and allow you to continue undoing the bolt? Alternatively, is it possible to jamb the nut with a screwdriver/chisel/small rodent? Just about anything would work as long as it's not your finger. Final option is to cut the bolts and spring for a pair of new ones. You should be able to salvage the nuts after removal. Have fun removing the pan, it's a fiddly job. It'll be easier if you raise the engine by releasing the mounts and inserting a couple of small wood blocks to support it. |
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Replying to: mac24 (Jul 02, 2009 5:39 am)  Any more information on the Dakota SP box? Define short term value. I plan to keep this thing for a while longer, even with the mileage it currently has. Any plans to get rid of your H1? Would love to see more pics of it. My wife is still wanting one of those originals. She wants to run over people. -Paul
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Replying to: erickpl (Jul 02, 2009 8:19 am) I think heavier duty and different valving than the standard Durango box. However, do bear in mind that when you read a post about how someone replaced their original box with a Durango one and it gave a fantastic improvement, that's usually because the original box was knackered and an OE replacement would probably have given the same result. You often see similar posts relating to spark plugs, air filters, brake pads etc. Replace a worn out original with almost anything new and you'll see the same result. In regard to short term value I was just comparing it in price and anticipated longevity to the PSC unit. I plan to keep the H1 as long as the Jeep, i.e. until I'm too feeble to maintain and drive it any more. Here's a pic after playing in some Florida mud. 
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