So in the future (not sure how long we are talking) I will probably replace the steering box on my 98 TJ. I have heard about the 99 Durango which is a straight bolton replacement (but a bit bigger) but looking online can't find anything like that. Anyone have any advice on where to get something like this? Local or otherwise?
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Steering box?
- Thread starter 2Greys
- Start date
The Durango box does bolt right in, you need to look for one from a 98-99 4x4 without snowplow. It is stronger, but it also has less travel so if you can use your full steering range right now, you'll loose some steering radius.
Another option is a YJ steering box as they don't have the tendency to leak and bolts right in too.
Another option is a YJ steering box as they don't have the tendency to leak and bolts right in too.
Yep, the Dakota is the same part as the Durango from I heard. I heard the Durango/Dakota steering box is bigger and a little more reliable. Didn't know about the YJ one though. Right now my steering is about two washers less in steering on the steering stops due to rubbing on the trailing arms. I got a quote for around $200 in labor to get it replaced but I would like to do it myself but
A: don't have the garage to do it in
B: not that experienced in mechanical knowhow and could see myself breaking something. I have read the steps in how to do it but am still a bit leary in doing it unsupervised.
A: don't have the garage to do it in
B: not that experienced in mechanical knowhow and could see myself breaking something. I have read the steps in how to do it but am still a bit leary in doing it unsupervised.
May look into picking up a steering box and once brave enough and nice enough weather for a full day, I may try to do it myself. The one trick I read was to use a pitman arm puller but to keep the nut on as they have a tendency to let loose. But they are under a lot of torque. I think my torque wrench can handle it. Will have to check.
Of course the wife will never go in it knowing I futzed with the steering
Speaking of, what junk yards do you recommend in the area? I have only gone to one which was in the east end by Innes Rd and the 417 (name escapes me)
Well, I think I need to look at doing this sooner. I went out today and saw a spot about 2 inches in diameter. The jeep has been sitting there since yesterday. I went and bought some steering fluid today and topped it up it was pretty low. The question is should I buy one from a junker or should I get a new one (i.e. from Napa?). My concern with buying a junker is if the seals are shot on it, I may end up having to replace it as well sooner than expected.
Then there is the issue with me doing it which if I end up buying new will become more likely as it goes from a $300 job to a $600 if I was to get it professionally done. Did I mention that I am not much of a gear head (but would like to be)
Then there is the issue with me doing it which if I end up buying new will become more likely as it goes from a $300 job to a $600 if I was to get it professionally done. Did I mention that I am not much of a gear head (but would like to be)
Better question is if someone who has an impact wrench in the west end would be willing to give me a hand doing it? I want to do it but have someone more experienced there to make sure I don't do something stupid (never underestimate stupidity)
I meant the torque wrench being used to tighten it not to loosen it. I was planning on using a breaker bar to get it loose. I wonder if I can rent an impact wrench somewhere. I am definitely going to have to rent a puller