durango steering box

[curtis]

I have a durango steering box in my TJ. Well the out put shaft has a lot of slop in it. So does that have a bushing or a bearing? And how hard is it to replace?

[TipsE-Z]

I don't know too much specifically about the Durango box but I know there is usually an allen key set screw to give you some adjustment on the shaft inside. I actually just had to tighten mine up a bit on the YJ.

[curtis]

No mine's got side slop. Like the bearing or bushing is shot.

[Tom (SuperCJ)]

PM me a fax number & I'll send you a diagram of the gearbox. Let me know the year of the gearbox as well if you have it.

[aw12345]

No mine's got side slop. Like the bearing or bushing is shot.

Stock TJ box has needle bearings, Durango box should just have a bushing, so basically you are looking at a replacement box.
If you try to rebuild thios one you might as well drill and tap it

[curtis]

Stock TJ box has needle bearings, Durango box should just have a bushing, so basically you are looking at a replacement box.

Yea thats what I was afraid of. No way to replace the bushing?

[aw12345]

It's more a matter of finding or making a bushing

[brokenujoint]

One regret I've made is getting rid of a stock box and "upgrading" to a Durango. I thought that it would be a good upgrade. It was sloppy and leaked after about 8,000 miles. Keep in mind it was a junk yard box but still... my 97 stock box never did me wrong. I've since gone back to a stock box and until I pony up $$$ for a hydro-assist from psc I can't complain. I think the Durango box is over-rated.

[curtis]

Well I guess it's off to pickapart to find a TJ or cherokee. I've done the rebuild box's with no luck. And yea I think the durango box was a mistake.

[Tom (SuperCJ)]

Curtis: If you're still interested, the Durango box has a needle bearing assy for the pitman shaft. I'll scan and email the Alldata overhaul diagrams, procedures and parts listing to you. Sounds like a Rock Ram system may be the way to go in the long run, however.

[curtis]

That's great Tom. Thanks alot and I really apreciate the info.

[Jeeperator]

Other than a few drips mine works awesome. I can feel the diference as far more power steering action than a stock box especially with the bigger tires. If your going to run a ram assisted set up I guess it dont matter. But with 35's and dana 30 hp is it really needed. 37s and a dana 60 I think would be a different story though.

[curtis]

I like the durango box. I guest my gripe is really with Napa. I got the box at a pickapart and took it to napa thinking that a rebuilded box would be better than just a used box. (thats what I get for thinking). Well I'm on my third box from Napa, (they have been good about it). I found another box at pickapart, so I have a spare if this box goes bad.

[Blktjsport]

Hey guys I've been considering swapping in a durango box but where is a good place to buy one? Rebuilt or new? TIA

[Jeeperator]

Got mine at a junkyard for $100 but its starting to leak so maybe a rebuilt would be better. I want to find a reputable rebuilder and send it in.