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Replacing Saginaw Power Steering box

Discussion in 'Early CJ5 and CJ6 Tech' started by lynn, Sep 26, 2005.

  1. Sep 26, 2005
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    Well my screwing around with the adjustment on my Saginaw PS box has created a significant leak, without taking the play out of the box :rofl:
    Its leaking pretty good onto the garage floor without even starting it. It will probably gush pretty good next time I fire it up. I probably need to replace it before Tioga in 2 weeks :mad:

    I guess I'm going to replace it with a reman unit.

    I searched, looking for info on exactly which application I should ask for. It seems the most definitive info was posted by Zed (Steve) who used a 1975 CJ power box. Sounds lilke that has a 16:1 ratio, giving about 4 turns L-L.
    <Steve, I know you did this awhile ago; would like to hear your thoughts now after some months of use>

    My local NAPA can get one for me in a day. for $211.99 + tax, (and a $200 core charge :shock: )

    Before I go ahead with this, I'm looking for any other input: Anyone else buy a NAPA rebuilt box? Know of a better year/model to ask for, better source as far as price, any input on other ratios... ???

    I've read some discussion on the quicker ratios, like the 3 or 3.5 turn boxes... sounds too quick for me. I did see at a source called PSC Steering that they have a 20:1 box... what's that, 5 or 6 turns?
    May be too slow ??

    I know my current box is 77 or earlier, it has the 13/16x36 input, so that also means it should be flared fitings.

    Any input/discussion is appreciated... :)
    TIA,
     
    lynn, Sep 26, 2005
    #1
  2. Sep 26, 2005
    53Flattie

    53Flattie Intigator

    Easley, SC
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    855
    Not sure if this will help but... The one I used in the flattie was from a 1979 Jeep Wagoneer. It was 3.5 turns L to L. I was pleased with it's performance in conjuction with a small steering wheel.
     
    53Flattie, Sep 26, 2005
    #2
  3. Sep 26, 2005
    lynn

    lynn Time machine / Early CJ5 HR Rep Staff Member

    Huntingdon PA
    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2002
    Messages:
    3,437
    Thanks Timmy... that one will have a different input, 3/4-30 instead of my 13/16-36.
    EDIT: I've found at least one source that says it has the same size input, 13/16, as the CJ box. But it is quicker, about a 16:1 ratio. It seems that the CJ boxes are 20:1.
    I found another source. Advance Auto has Lares Corp rebuilt CJ boxes, $168.88, $50 core, limited lifetime warranty, 2-day availability.
    Looks like that may be the most cost-effective solution...
     
    lynn, Sep 26, 2005
    #3
  4. Sep 26, 2005
    zed

    zed Iowa- Gateway to Nebraska

    central iowa
    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2004
    Messages:
    745
    hi lynn,

    the old cj box i used developed some major leakage. i sent it in for 16:1 through napa. it was about $100, i used the old one for core. and was able to haggle a little with the napa manager who since he owns my second mortgage by now was willing to help out.
    also used a AAA dicount of about 7%.

    the box that came was a little over 4 turns (4.25?) but now that i have it installed it uses only 3.5+ lock to lock. probably because the tires and steering block bolt are set to 27*. i also suspect that it is a variable ratio like a wagoneer uses but i have to check.

    i like the steering ratio with the smallish 87 cherokee spoked steering wheel i have. i will know more after i finally get the time to finish replacing the king pin bearings on both sides. but it feels nice. not as much road feel as i would like. but i got used to it, just have to be more sensitive to it. once my kingpins are nice and solid and i realign both camber and caster i think it will be really nice.

    i'll keep you posted.

    the 20:1 sounds interesting. i definitely would not like less than 3.5 turns L to L though.
     
    zed, Sep 26, 2005
    #4
  5. Sep 26, 2005
    gte636p

    gte636p Member

    smyrna, Ga
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
    Messages:
    492
    i'm using a box from a 76... feels pretty much like the original wheel, amd still has the four turn lock to lock when installed. i've got 31's and backspacing which puts 15x8 rims right at the fenderline.

    i would like go up another step. when i was looking around for a box i heard mention of a 6 turn l-l box, but was practically given a 4 turn box so i went with that. any lower turns would get interesting really fast though. as it is now it'll handle 70-75 without getting too squirrly.
     
    gte636p, Sep 26, 2005
    #5
  6. Sep 26, 2005
    linckeil

    linckeil Member

    Danbury CT
    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2004
    Messages:
    492

    I have manual box from a '70 jeepster thats about 6.25 turns lock to lock. But I don't imagine a power box would have a turn count that high.
     
    linckeil, Sep 26, 2005
    #6
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