I tried searching and didn’t come up with much, I know this has to have been asked many times though.

I have a little slop in my ‘15 JKUR steering box. I know this is a common thing and I think PSC has an insanely high priced big bore box. Back in the day when I messed around with Toyota’s, we would use a larger steering box from a Chevy to give more steering power. Has anyone ever done anything like this or seen something I can refer to?

I wouldn’t mind putting the research time in myself but I haven’t the slightest clue as what to look for. I know there’s ratios for steering, but are there other important factors that makes a box stronger?

 

The Jeep system has a really long sector shaft system where the box mounts high on the chassis and reaches down far enough for the drag link setup to be at the correct angle even with a slightly extended down pitman arm. Also the Jeep box mounts on the inside of the rails whereby most others mount on the outside. I cannot think of a steering box that is similar especially a Chev one which are great boxes made by Saginaw I believe. Much like when I owned a first Gen Bronco. Good 4x4 but steering box was shot. Had to buy a new Bronco unit as they mount on the inside like a Jeep. My advice - stay away from rebuilds. They still use the same old worm and sector gears which are the main wear parts. A brand new unit is the fix IMO.
Have you checked to ensure it is the box not suspension joints, steering column, loose bolts etc?

 

I spoke too soon, there’s nothing wrong with my steering box. I had a little play in the wheel but it’s minimal and not a big deal. I would have liked to see if there was another option that wasn’t an overpriced big bore box just so I can have it in the back of my mind. It doesn’t appear there’s any other options. Oh well, I need to start building my hydro steer anyways and that will eliminate almost all stress from the steering box.

 

OK understood.

 

There are other options to PSC. I put a RedHead steering gear box in my JK when my original one died. Seems very well made and made a significant improvement in steering feel and precision. Not cheap but should last a long time.

 

Your other option (and a much better option imo) is to send your steering box to West Texas Offroad and have them rebuild and tap your box. You can either send yours in for the work, or you can buy one from them and send your stock box back for a rebate.

 

Thanks for the input. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure I even need a stronger steering box... it was more of a want in the event that I needed a new one. As for WTO, I think they’re a bit expensive for drilling and tapping a box. I’ve rebuilt a Toyota box in the past so drilling and tapping this one can’t be too different.

It won’t be immediate but in the somewhat near future I’ll put together a hydro assist. It’s hard to slow down and hit the brakes once you’ve started building. It’s a disease with no cure. Unfortunately, it’s an insanely expensive disease.

 

I did a Red Neck Ram through WTO. I thought for ~$650 all in it was a bargain. Tapped box, ram, lines, fittings….good to go. Keep in mind that you likely have a nice Chinese brick of a steering box. What you will get in return is a fully rebuildable Delphi box, so although you could say apples to apples, one could argue some nice Cosmic Crisp apple vs. a crappy Red Delicious. Those are really good guys out there at WTO. I thought long and hard about just tapping my own box. Didn't look hard with the DIY threads out there, but I kept coming back to the idea that all it took would to get one burr in there and would be screwed. Finally decided wasn't really worth it to save maybe $150 or whatever with downside being buying a new box outright. Now, PSC is right in my backyard too. They make really nice stuff, but I just couldn’t justify the price, and I’m not one to go beg for some deal from them and offer to do advertising on the jeep or whatever to be some sponsor whore like many around. I will say I think the factory pump is just enough for the RNR system. Sure wouldn’t hurt to upgrade, but I’ve gotten by so far.

 

I didn’t know about the difference in the box. Maybe it’s worth it for a more reliable steering box? I wouldn’t sweat getting junk in the box if I do my own work. As long as the box is taken apart and cleaned after drilling and tapping then it should be fine.

 

Sorry for not being clear. By a Chinese "brick" I mean that box cannot be disassembled, cleaned and reassembled. It is a big hunk of steel you just throw in the trash. There in lies the issue if you get anything in it while drilling/tapping. The old boxes you could disassemble and then drill/tap, clean everything and rebuild. They don't specify that you're getting a Delphi box back when they send you one, so I'm not sure it's a guarantee slam dunk thing. That is what I got. @tjkamp bought one this last year as well so maybe he can advise what he received. Or, maybe give them a call out there and specifically ask them.