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Max got me to thinking about an upgrade that I've heard about before but never looked into, until now. And with my usual style, I dove right in. The Jeep has been up on blocks for over a month now, and with FITD coming up I decided to get off my lazy arse and do something.
I did a little research and after calling Max one more time, I went to Napa and ordered a steering box for a 1999 Dodge Durango, 318 CID, Auto, 4x4. Napa P/N NSP 88278139. $249.00 with a $111.00 core.
Apparrently this number has changed along the way. Max gave me a P/N NSP277580, but it don't be no mo.
So, got it this morning. Compared it to the Jeep steering and there is quite a difference. The Dodge peice is beefy:
Dodge on the Right, Jeep on the Left
Everything bolts up exactly, no grinding or modifying in any way. Even though it is much bigger in diameter, it still clears my steering skid. you may have to do a little modifying on the skid depending on what kind you have. Also, the HD box is 2-15/16 turns to stop, whereas the Jeep one is 3-11/16 turns to stop. But it's barely noticeable.
Here it is installed and ready to go
Make sure you get new o-rings for the two tube connections when you get the box. IT DOES NOT COME WITH THEM!
There is also some info about possibly needing a smaller pulley to compensate the pump for the increased flow demand of the box, but I have not experienced any ill effects so far. But I'll know for sure after a run in the rocks.
I also flushed the old fluid and installed fresh synthetic, high temp steering fluid.
I took the Jeep box apart before returning it and found the sector shaft and gear worn to the point where the teeth were skipping. The steering wheel kept moving out of alignment after a day on the trail; now I know why.
Can't wait to get it on a trail...
I did a little research and after calling Max one more time, I went to Napa and ordered a steering box for a 1999 Dodge Durango, 318 CID, Auto, 4x4. Napa P/N NSP 88278139. $249.00 with a $111.00 core.
Apparrently this number has changed along the way. Max gave me a P/N NSP277580, but it don't be no mo.
So, got it this morning. Compared it to the Jeep steering and there is quite a difference. The Dodge peice is beefy:
Dodge on the Right, Jeep on the Left
Everything bolts up exactly, no grinding or modifying in any way. Even though it is much bigger in diameter, it still clears my steering skid. you may have to do a little modifying on the skid depending on what kind you have. Also, the HD box is 2-15/16 turns to stop, whereas the Jeep one is 3-11/16 turns to stop. But it's barely noticeable.
Here it is installed and ready to go
Make sure you get new o-rings for the two tube connections when you get the box. IT DOES NOT COME WITH THEM!
There is also some info about possibly needing a smaller pulley to compensate the pump for the increased flow demand of the box, but I have not experienced any ill effects so far. But I'll know for sure after a run in the rocks.
I also flushed the old fluid and installed fresh synthetic, high temp steering fluid.
I took the Jeep box apart before returning it and found the sector shaft and gear worn to the point where the teeth were skipping. The steering wheel kept moving out of alignment after a day on the trail; now I know why.
Can't wait to get it on a trail...
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