Aggie ZJ

[jfowlzj95]

Started with the J-20 install last night and finished it up earlier this evening. Everything went smooth other than having to put in a little man power to take everything apart. The stock box had a huge amount of play and turning felt really sloppy, which is why I did the upgrade.

Started taking everything apart.





The stock box next to the J-20 box.




Everything out.


Here is the template I made to measure, mark, and drill a hole for the 4th bolt to go through. The bolt that is pictured is the same length as the stock ones (don't remember the exact length off hand) but it turned out to be too long, so I actually used the same kind of bolt (7/16") just it was only 3" long.


Perfect fit.






I used a 1/4" bit for a start hole and then finished it off with a 7/16" drill bit.



Used a 1/2" long spacer and a washer to make up for the space in between the 'frame' rail and the steering box.



Flusehed out the old fluid from the pump, tightened all bolts, reconnected the pressure hoses, steering shaft, and pitman arm, then torqued them all to spec.




And done.




Took the Jeep out for a spin around the block and the steering feel so much better than it was before. Hopefully later on I can get KOR's steering brace to add even more strength to the box. Now I just need to test it out on the trails.

[DJJordache]

have you noticed a difference in turning effort between stock and the new box? Is there a difference in the amount of steering throw?

[ILikeMud]

Nice write up.
Where did you buy the box from?

[jfowlzj95]

have you noticed a difference in turning effort between stock and the new box? Is there a difference in the amount of steering throw?

There is a pretty good difference in turning the wheel, not a huge one but much better than my stock box. I feel I don't have to use so much effort making turns as I did before. When I can get it out on the trail we'll see how much effort is really required to turn my massive 33s and with the 4th mounting point I'm sure I won't have to worry about breaking off a mount. Also, there was so much play in the stock box I was able to turn the steering wheel about 1/8 a turn before I would really get any movement.


Tony, I just got a remanufactured box from NAPA.

[corrupt143]

Nice.

[piku303]

how much did you get that thing for? aside from the fourth bolt you have to make is everything same as if you were replacing it with a stock one? and one more question...was all you used for a guide was the haynes manual? this might be a christmas project.

[jfowlzj95]

how much did you get that thing for? aside from the fourth bolt you have to make is everything same as if you were replacing it with a stock one? and one more question...was all you used for a guide was the haynes manual? this might be a christmas project.

Got it from Napa for about $185 total, the core charge was $150. I just used the Haynes to remove the stock box, didn't really need it though. But for the install I just followed BigDave's and Ogdak's write up when they installed their PSC 621MR box. Install is pretty basic, just need to measure and drill a hole for the 4th mounting point, find a spacer to put in between the 4th point and the 'frame' rail, and then the rest is just like you're reinstalling the stock box.

[BLK97ZJ]

great info i have the psc box and its getting really shitty

[piku303]

Got it from Napa for about $185 total, the core charge was $150. I just used the Haynes to remove the stock box, didn't really need it though. But for the install I just followed BigDave's and Ogdak's write up when they installed their PSC 621MR box. Install is pretty basic, just need to measure and drill a hole for the 4th mounting point, find a spacer to put in between the 4th point and the 'frame' rail, and then the rest is just like you're reinstalling the stock box.

do they normally keep them in stock do you know? or did you have to order it? i think this is going to be my next purchase. also is it for sure that the box is new and has new gears? my box needs replacement just cause its so worn out but i'd hate to buy a "reconditioned" box that has shit inside and does nothing to fix the issue.

[jfowlzj95]

The box I got is a remanufactured one, but it is well worth it to me. I did have to order it but was able to pick it up from the store the next morning.

[jfowlzj95]

Had to replace the idler pulley and drive belt today after the pulley decided to come apart, lucky it went when I was just 50 feet from my house. Also went under to fix an exhaust leak that showed up a few weeks ago. While I was at it, I decided to have a little fun and got a video of open headers.

http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a68...t=MVI_2236.flv

Oh and here's the welder that I was given for Christmas.

[ohtenwillys]

looks like youre gonna be braiding some pubes

[zj95]

alrighty then....


Rico.... umm....... YOUR A HOMO

[jfowlzj95]

looks like youre gonna be braiding some pubes

WTF?!

Anyways, might as well update this... kinda. Just recently, as in yesterday, I got a pretty good deal on a Dana 300. Just got an email from the guy saying it was bad so now he can't sell it. However he did have 2 cases so tomorrow I'm gonna call and see what's up.

[jfowlzj95]

So I finally got the Amsoil filter and pre-filter put on. Jeep is still some what not drivable, but I plan to get it fixed this week so I can go wheelin Saturday. As for the D300, the first deal didn't go through but I was able to find another for about the same price, so I will be getting a D300 pretty soon after all.

[jfowlzj95]

Just picked up 1 of 2 D300's that I've got, don't know what it is with me and collecting parts...





Got the Jeep fixed, 2 plug wires were resting on the headers and eventually burned through. Changed those along with the cap, rotor, and plugs. Going wheelin out at BVORR this Saturday with TX4WD, and then probably going again with TAMOR on Sunday. Should be fun, I haven't wheeled in ages.

[DJJordache]

Got the Jeep fixed, 2 plug wires were resting on the headers and eventually burned through.

just like i said, shorting them out through the block
u building a doubler?

[ILikeMud]

Nice man.

I find collecting up parts is fun, you just know that things are going to change.
I've got a ton of parts but I still need more before I can put them on my Heep.

[jfowlzj95]

just like i said, shorting them out through the block
u building a doubler?

Haha yeah you did, thanks for the help. Yeah when the time comes I'll hopefully be using it for a 231/300 doubler.

I've got a ton of parts but I still need more before I can put them on my Heep.

Same here, just need to get/build some longarms and a few other stuff.

[ILikeMud]

Oh god, I have way to much left to buy and I'm not gonna be buying another for a bit.

On the topic of steering boxes though, will a 79 FSJ Cherokee Chief steering box be any good as a replacement for the stock one?

[jfowlzj95]

If it's got 4 mounting points instead of 3 thats already better than stock, as for the internals I'm not too sure how much better it is. But I think you'll have a problem with the stock fluid lines bolting up since its a 79 and doesn't have the o-ring style fittings. Try finding something from 1980 or newer that will have the right fittings on the lines.

[ILikeMud]

Thanks mang!

[RuggleS]

wat does the j-20 box come in for stock?

is having the 4th mounting hole the main point to doing thr swap just for the mounting strength?

[AgitatedPancake]

wat does the j-20 box come in for stock?

is having the 4th mounting hole the main point to doing thr swap just for the mounting strength?

Maybe it came in a J-20...Just a guess.

[ZJ Pappy]

wat does the j-20 box come in for stock?

is having the 4th mounting hole the main point to doing thr swap just for the mounting strength?

Are you asking what truck a J-20 steering box comes in?