Steering gear replacement

[Pquittem]

I bought a '79 CJ7 last year and have thourghly enjoyed it. This spring the steering play went from slight to extreme rather quickly. I've been trying to find a replacement steering gear that won't break the bank. I've been told that older Chevy steering gear will work. Does anyone have experience with this?

Thanks, Patrick


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[JPNinPA]

Have you inspected the steering box to verify the slop is in the box?
Have you braced the box?
Have you checked the alignment?
How about adjusting the slop out of the gear?

 

[Pquittem]

I've adjusted the slop out of the box and it helped for about a week, then got worse. I'm positive its the box.

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[TLCJ5]

The Chevy Truck Steering boxes work. Just be sure that the box mounts to the frame with 4 bolts. The 3 bolt steering box(Chevy cars) will work ,but is not as strong & WILL fail. You can guess how I know.
Eventhough you're sure the Box is bad be sure to verify that your steering shaft & other parts aren't in need of replacement too. The stock shaft is known to get sloppy over time.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Consider the heavy duty mounting brackets for the steering box, as well as a brace to the opposite frame rail.

 

[69jeepcj]

Agree with all three above^^. Check the steering shaft for slop down at the steering box, notorious for slop. easy to rebuild the shaft end if it is sloppy. Getting a steering box brace is a great idea and will take A LOT of stress off of your box.

 

[JPNinPA]

I've adjusted the slop out of the box and it helped for about a week, then got worse. I'm positive its the box. Sent from my XT1080 using Tapatalk

If you are certain it is the box, and the jam nut didn't loosen I believe the box can be rebuilt.

I would inspect the frame for cracking given you adjusted the slop out and it's bad again. I'd also brace the box as mentioned above.

 

[Pquittem]

I'll double check everything. I've got a new box on order.

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[Pquittem]

Here's an update on this.

I checked the frame, steering shaft and cup joint. All good. The problem was the right outer knuckle. Replaced it and everythings back to normal.

I appreciate all the helpful input. This forum is the best.

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[JPNinPA]

Did you brace the box yet? You will be surprised by the difference it makes.