what ps gearboxes have you used?

The 4WD S-10 or Blazer box is popular with the FSJ crowd. Only 3 bolts though.

Doesn't Herm's conversion use an Econoline box? It has the reverse rotation from the Saginaw so it can sit behind the axle.

I'd think that the Ford boxes would work fine, except you'd be on your own re design and such.

 

I have the same box as Dan, I have been told by people here that it is too fast of a box for an early CJ but I like fast boxes( my cars is too slow to me and my dad complains it is too fast for him)

 

I think the ford PU's have a looong shaft on them so they are no good.. mine is froma ford van but I am using a reverse steering setup.. I guess the fullsize GM's a re good especially the big buicks and caddies..

BUBBA

 

The 4WD S-10 box is popular because they are variable ratio, and have a slower ratio than boxes from 2WD trucks. They also can be found fairly new and with low miles. These boxes have o-ring fittings, so you'll have to use compatible hoses and use a fitting with your pump if it's a flare nut style. The o-ring fitting simply screws into the back of a GM pump, so you can scrounge one at the wrecking yard. GM-Saginaw has made a lot of improvements in the design of the Saginaw boxes for durability, and the later boxes are much more likely to be in good shape than something from a '70s land yacht - at least, that's the story. Boxes from full-sized GM cars are popular because they have a slow ratio. The old Saginaw boxes do get loose after 30 years and a couple hundred thousand miles.

 

if i remember correctly you should look for a 76 cast onto the case of the saginaw. my box has a 16:1 ratio (constant ratio) ( 4 turns lock to lock) but installed in my 69 it actually runs about 3 turns lock to lock due to the stops on my axle (27 degrees as per specs and 31"x10.5" tires).

 

I saw a late model 4x4 S10 box in a junkyard recently, may grab it for the TJ. I have no idea why the TJ boxes leak so bad. I put new seals in mine where it attaches to the pitman arm, and adjusted the play slightly to move the seals onto a smooth surface. It still leaked though not as bad, until i got a whole bottle of Lucas into it. Then it started to leak on the column end. If you go to a site that sells aftermarket boxes, like AGR, you can cross reference. Of course all the makes with the same part # would have had different turning ratios, and they replace it with just one ratio. I thought about getting one from a J10, but I heard the ratio was quick.

Paul

 

Yup, look for a box with 76 stamp on the side near the front cap. Also I think that you should stick to a box with flare style lines as most pumps that bolt onto the Dauntless easily will be flare style. Be aware also that there are 2 different spline counts and diameters on the input shaft. This shouldn't be a problem though if you still have to buy the steering shaft and ujoints.

I run a box out of a 75-ish Malibu. Its a 4 bolt and is about 3.25 turns lock to lock. It takes some getting used to on the street with such a short wheelbase but its very nice on the trail

 

My steering box is off of a 74 Pontiac Catalina, 4 bolt box with the 76 cast into it. It has a 13/16"-36 spline shaft and 3 1/4 turn lock to lock. I drove my jeep to Tellico 175 miles, about 90 miles of it was on the interstate at 70 mph, it did just fine with the factory size steering wheel and the 31" tires. My box has the flare style fitting and my pump has the o-ring style, my hose cost $44 and was custom made to fit with the different fittings on each end. My hose style fit better on my Jeep as far as sticking out of the way and such than any I have seen yet, it just sorta worked out that way. If you need pictures let me know.

 

For those of us mechanically challenged , this thread generates some questions... along with my '56 CJ5 came a spiral log book of all the modifications, new parts, etc. One entry stated "Saginaw steering box installed for a feel like power steering." It DOES steer easily but is this Saginaw box actually power steering or not? I did read the techie write-up about Saginaws but still confused. :?