97 TJ steering shaft upgrade

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soonerjeepman

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new to this forum, I've searched this forum but really haven't found an answer.

97 TJ, 8 in lift, hydro assist steering, 37" tires YES I know way too much lift...prob dropping 2" with new springs. Was bought this way.

lots of drift...have stock steering shaft on. Looking for a beefier one....all I've seen is Borgenson...and have seen mixed reviews.

Any other options?
 
I just replaced it with a Mopar shaft. The Borgeson one seemed like too much trouble for the benefit.
If you have properly set up hydro assist, a good high pressure pump, and a good enough box, the stresses on the shaft are minimal. Basically the shaft only ever really sees the torque that you put on the wheel.
 
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When you say DRIFT.... do you mean the steering wanders while on the highway?
IF so... verify the Caster is set close to specifications.
Improper Caster can cause the steering to feel very light and may not return to center properly when making turns.
 
lol...hell it wonders going 35...

I've got "play" in the steering wheel...without reaction to the box. Just had the mechanic align it, get it straightened out.

I'll be driving and then I'll drift and try to correct then it'll grab and over correct. It's like the steering wheel is "loose" as in it doesn't react when I turn. I took the airbag/horn cover off and the bolt is tight there.

There is the lower, upper and then the actual steering column...
 
If you can, try to see where exactly in the system the play is. Have someone shake the steering wheel back and forth until you see there the play is.

In my recent case, the steering box was the source of the play (excessive backlash), so I replaced it. The shafts and boxes are expensive, so you only want to replace the one giving you the issues if you can help it.

It's possible that the PO may have messed with the backlash settings in the steering box, which could cause these issues. I personally wouldn't recommend adjusting the backlash in the box unless you know what you're doing, but at a minimum a qualified mechanic should be able to. On most steering boxes there is a nut and a stud sticking out the top that is used to set the backlash. The factory service manual has a guide on how to adjust it.
 
that's what's crazy is my mechanic (I have done some things, like change axles, put new radiator, etc ) who I took for this issue, did some things but really didn't touch the steering.

I'm eventually going to drop the lift a little with new springs, but I just have a feeling it's in the steering. I've had the box rebuilt about 10 yrs ago. Honestly I might have put 30K on it since then. Mainly wheel but use to drive around town etc.

I did have me son turn the steering and I watched the box. It seemed the shaft would turn a bit maybe 1/4 - 1/2 inch before it moves the pitman arm.

Ya, shafts $500...box $800+...just dropped 1200 on ball joints and some diff work.
 
On most steering boxes there is a nut and a stud sticking out the top that is used to set the backlash. The factory service manual has a guide on how to adjust it.

is this the male spline end out of the steering box the shaft attaches to? I'll google as well.

definitely don't want to keep dropping a bunch of money to search out problem.
 
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For the PSC box (and probably similar saginaw boxes) it's that black stud that sticks up out of the center of the shiny area. The nut locks the stud from turning, and the stud adjusts the backlash of the gears. Whether counterclockwise or clockwise reduces backlash depends upon the manufacturer of the box. Don't simply assume one way tightens it unless you know for sure.

If you go too loose or too tight, you will cause some serious wear and even damage in the box. There is a certain (non-zero) amount of backlash required in order for the box to function correctly. Much like setting up a ring and pinion in a differential.
 
ya watched a video. Going to get wife to turn wheel and see if I can find the slop...talked to my brother, he's got a 4 door and had several broncos...I'm just surprised the mechanic didn't even try this or mention it. I'm wondering iff my box needs rebuilt again... it's a PCS system.

Appreciate the info.
G
 
If you see play in the box, give PSC a call. They may have a few recommendations.

Also, while you're looking at it, check the torque on all of the bolts and nuts.

Especially the following:
  • Steering box to frame bolts (3)
  • Steering shaft pinch bolts (2)
  • Steering shaft bearing to riser bolts (2)
  • Steering shaft riser to frame bolts (2)
  • Pitman arm nut (1)
  • Pitman arm to drag link (1)
Any play in those areas could lead to slop.
 
yeah had mechanic go through all the bolts...I've got a couple heim joints that prob need replaced but still have the play.

I've grabbed the shafts both lower and upper...the steering wheel has about 1.5 to 2" play without moving the pitman arm. Going to check the pitman arm tomorrow then work on adjusting the box to see if that makes a diff.

Then calling West Texas offroad about a box or rebuild and ram.

Thanks for all the advice.
G
 
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If you suspect the box or ram, see if PSC will rebuild it. They still produce all the same products so they probably have all the parts and expertise to do so
 
soonerjeepman said:
lol...hell it wonders going 35...

I've got "play" in the steering wheel...without reaction to the box. Just had the mechanic align it, get it straightened out.

I'll be driving and then I'll drift and try to correct then it'll grab and over correct. It's like the steering wheel is "loose" as in it doesn't react when I turn. I took the airbag/horn cover off and the bolt is tight there.

There is the lower, upper and then the actual steering column...
Click to expand...

What kind of ridiculous steering setup do you have on this ridiculous Jeep with 8" of lift?
 
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jjvw said:
What kind of ridiculous steering setup do you have on this ridiculous Jeep with 8" of lift?
Click to expand...
Exactly.

8" of lift , 37 " tires , and it drives bad.

Ya reckon?

I'm not surprised it drives bad, I'm suprised you can actually drive it at all.
 
AndyG said:
Exactly.

8" of lift , 37 " tires , and it drives bad.

Ya reckon?

I'm not surprised it drives bad, I'm suprised you can actually drive it at all.
Click to expand...
the issue is it didn't use to...my brother drove it up from Mississippi when I bought it. I bought as is...it was built yrs ago when this shit was cool...as I've said I'm trying to drop it a bit but not spending a shit ton on money on it...sell it in a few yrs and buy a 4 door....but thanks for the "advice"..
 
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