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How can i check my steering box

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Old 08-17-2014, 06:05 AM
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Default How can i check my steering box

Have slop and play in the steering wheel. 3" lift on 2 door. All my ball joints are new "synergy" tie rod ends are good and drag link ends look good. I believe the steering box has play in it but can't prove it and the dealer said the steering is fine...

Yet it is sloppy.

Thoughts?
Old 08-17-2014, 06:41 AM
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What size tires are you running? The steering box will flex, especially as tire size increases. In fact, I've seen a couple guys on 37" tires have the box rip right off while wheeling.

Those who are bothered by it use a steering shaft brace. I use it and it firmed my steering right up.

http://www.rocksolidperformance.com/...g-shaft-brace/
Old 08-17-2014, 09:19 AM
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I have 35" tires... Ball joints, tie rod ends drag line track bar are all good.

Looks like that brace could be the ticket! Easy install?
Old 08-17-2014, 09:58 AM
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Have a buddy sit in the driver seat and turn the steering lightly left and right.

Now you look at every connection in your steering. Touch it with your finger (but don't lose it) and feel for any slop. At your steering box look/feel for slop at the input from the wheel, I have found on my JK this coming dangerously lose. There's also a u-joint to inspect.

Lastly, I would look at your steering box mounts on the box that connect to the frame. I have seen a few cracked and one torn off.

The brace mentioned is what I added after mine sector shaft snapped off.
Rock God Claims my steering (Part 2) » TruJeepin.Com TruJeepin.Com
Old 08-17-2014, 10:17 AM
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Do you have caster corrected ?


2007 Rubicon /2 door/6 speed
Old 08-17-2014, 11:00 AM
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No but castor should be that bad... Control arms are on my list but not just yet. I know they will only help.

I'll take another look underneath. I saw some movement in the seector shaft one but then when I looked again later didn't see anything.
Old 08-17-2014, 11:11 AM
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Ok steering box and pitman arm look good didn't see any play... Still might do that brace... But I did find some play in both ends of the drag link.

So, 2 questions
1) how sensitive is this? Meaning, does some visible play up and down in the drag link ends equate to a significant impact to steering?

2) is an upgraded drag link really worth it? Suggestions?

Thanks!

Go!
Old 08-18-2014, 09:02 AM
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1) It's your jeep, so only you can answer how it feels. I personally do not drive my jeep over 50 mph on the road, one of the many reasons is I have slop in my drag link causing a shimmy when turning at speed.

2) I have seen a lot of stock jk steering parts bent and failed. Upgrades in this area are always worth it if you have the cash.
Old 08-20-2014, 06:19 PM
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Thanks



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