New Steering Gear

So i got a new steering gear off the internet, since mine seemed a little sloppy. Checked all linkage, seemed pretty tight. Finally got the old one unhooked with shaft attached. Putting new parts in bell connector on shaft. My question is, the new steering gear, if it's on center? Hopefully it is! Just wondering! Did dry run and bolted it up and got the pittman arm on the splines, had to rotate shaft about 180 into the bell to line upper part of shaft, does this sound right?

 

Knowing what steering system you are working with would be helpful.
Not to mention year and model of Jeep, what engine, etc.

 

Oh yeah, that might help. It's a 74 cj5 with a 304. manual steering. I'm just keeping it simple by replacing with the same set up as before with new steering gear box and rebuild the little coupling on input shaft with new block bearings.

 

Best way to center the steering gear is to turn it all the way one direction, turn all the way other direction counting the turns, then turn it back half the total turns. Then hook everything up.

 

Ok, thanks I'll try it!

 

Be sure to note the position of the steering wheel in the centered position.
When you take it for a drive, you will want the wheel in the same position while driving straight. If it is off, you will have to make a drag link adjustment to get back to center.

 

Hey, I'm back. Gone for a couple weeks. Yeah, steering gear came out great! Put a new damper on too, steers like a dream now! I can even take my hands off the steering wheel and it's tight. Steering wheel did end up off position a little. Off a couple splines on upper ujoint by firewall and didn't notice, but the pinch bolt went in ok. Had to tow the front wheels a little too, so that helped. I could un-bolt the steering box so I could pull the shaft back out of ujoint and re-do it, but it's good for now! Thanks everyone!

 

Who did you order the steering gear from? I might need to replace mine, and have read so many poor reviews of steering gears.

Thanks ☺️

 

Might want to tear it down and inspect it. Most manual steering box issues revolve around worn bushings in the case and lid.

 

Mines a power steering gear, but I’m pretty sure the same wear patterns apply. Thanks.

 

No they don't.

PS boxes rarely wear out.

Most PS steering issues revolve around problems with the rest of the rig, such as bad bushings, box off center, flex at the box mount, broken frames, springs, etc.....

 

Good to know. I will do a thorough inspection of my day suspension and steering before buying any parts.