03-06 Steering Gear Box Replacement Recommendations

[Jay MacLeay]

The steering box in my 2005 is crying (it's actually more of a cracking and popping) to be sent to a far upstate. I'm looking for suggestions for a replacement steering box. I'm on 35. I'm not ready to go to hydro assist yet, but would like to have that be an option for the future. What box should I go with?

Thanks!

 

[hosejockey61]

Having rebuilt a stock steering gear, and ported it for hydro assist, and having set up said "budget" hydro assist, I can tell you to save your time and money and do it the right way from the beginning.

If you have plans to eventually go hydro assist, just get the PSC Big Bore box now. You'll chase your tail trying to get a decent remanned box and it'll cost you a pretty penny and not be usable for hydro assist. The PSC Big Bore box is an upgrade even if you don't go to hydro assist and they are a brand new gear, not remanufactured.

 

[The06LJ]

Im in the same spot at the moment. My box was leaking a few months back, and i decided ti rebuild my box, the process was a pain and I refuse to do it again. I did plenty of digging and reading and came to the same conclusion as hosejockey61, PSC box is the way to go, but also its a $1200 and I can't wait right now. So I found a local spot to me with a rebuilt oem box. I have low expectations but if it buys me a few months to make peace with doing the full $3k psc kit, it'll be worth it.

 

[06TJ35's]

I had mine rebuilt by a local steering shop. Worked for a couple of months then I found a box from a low mileage TJ.

I’m saving for the PSC

https://blackmagicbrakes.com/ols/products/tj-nearly-bolt-in-hydro-assist-for-currie-steering

 

[dan58]

I have this one:
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...treme-series-steering-gear-w-ram-assist-ports

 

[Beowulf]

I'll be following this.

I have replaced all my tie rod and ball joints from years of just normal wear and tear. The steering still feels a little loose. It seems there is a bit of slop from the visible rotation of the steering shaft into the box before any seen movement in the pitman arm. Starting down the research hole of "is my box worn out". It seems it is quite the rabbit hole of information.

I should add this is on a 2006 LJ Manual. I have a Savvy Body lift and Control arms.

 

[GATORB8]

Note, there are some specifics to the PSC "Conversion" Steering Gear/Box listed on their site:

This isn’t a quick swap—it’s a proper conversion. You’ll need the right hoses, maybe a little steering shaft work, and in some cases a 1" body lift for clearance. But once it’s in, you’ll have a steering gear that can handle real trail abuse without crying uncle.

• This is a conversion. It’s not a 30-minute swap. Plan for hoses, shaft mods, and maybe a body lift.
• Hose kit required: Use PSC HK2000 Hose Conversion Kit for a clean install.
• Intermediate shaft: Factory shaft usually needs to be shortened ~2". Or install Jeep/MOPAR PN 52078705.
• Clearance: Some rigs need a 1" body lift to clear the bigger gear and lines.

From some other threads, it looks like one body lift requirement is using an AM radiator skid. Anyone had one work with no body lift?

 

[The06LJ]

I just got the box installed this morning and havent had a chance to drive it yet. Ill report back later.

 

[GATORB8]

I just got the box installed this morning and havent had a chance to drive it yet. Ill report back later.

Are you BL'd? Any modifications other than drilling the slip shaft in the steering shaft?

Appreciate your advice I've got to make the call on having Redneck Ram port my box for $450 or swapping to the PSC box in the next few days.

 

[The06LJ]

Are you BL'd? Any modifications other than drilling the slip shaft in the steering shaft?

Appreciate your advice I've got to make the call on having Redneck Ram port my box for $450 or swapping to the PSC box in the next few days.

No BL. And to be clear, I went with a rebuilt box for now. Ive got 2 other projects in bad spots right now and enough snow coming in that I dont wanna worry about the jeep being down, so a simple rebuilt oem box is the move for now

 

[GATORB8]

No BL. And to be clear, I went with a rebuilt box for now. Ive got 2 other projects in bad spots right now and enough snow coming in that I dont wanna worry about the jeep being down, so a simple rebuilt oem box is the move for now

Ah, damn.

Well, I'll be the Guinea pig, just ordered one.

 

[suicideking]

I bought the PSC that Blaine suggested. Night and day difference with 37's and lockers on. I used to turn off the front locker if I needed to turn and a decent angle.

 

[DirtDawg]

My 05 Rubicon has the "dead on center" steering syndrome after unknown miles on 35s before I bought it 9 mos ago. Not dangerous but now at ~ 92.6k miles, I chose the Lares 11356 replacement box, along with new Edelmann hoses (none of those yet installed). My buddy's 03 Rubicon came with a Redhead rebuilt box which performs well but I decided not to risk the rebuild core lottery buying one of those and the Lares was actually less $$ from Summit with a holiday discount coupon. Mine rides on a set of BFG M/T KM3 33x12.5R15 now and will remain so during my ownership, thus I saw no need for the expense of the otherwise superior PSC option.

 

[TJ4Jim]

My 05 Rubicon has the "dead on center" steering syndrome after unknown miles on 35s before I bought it 9 mos ago. Not dangerous but now at ~ 92.6k miles, I chose the Lares 11356 replacement box, along with new Edelmann hoses (none of those yet installed). My buddy's 03 Rubicon came with a Redhead rebuilt box which performs well but I decided not to risk the rebuild core lottery buying one of those and the Lares was actually less $$ from Summit with a holiday discount coupon. Mine rides on a set of BFG M/T KM3 33x12.5R15 now and will remain so during my ownership, thus I saw no need for the expense of the otherwise superior PSC option.

Installed the new Lares from Summit on my 99' 2 weeks ago and that dead sensation is gone, definate thumbs up.

 

[suicideking]

Found the pic of my specific model.

 

[Beowulf]

I bought the PSC that Blaine suggested. Night and day difference with 37's and lockers on. I used to turn off the front locker if I needed to turn and a decent angle.

When you say night and day difference, are you free only to the power of being able to steer, or in the lack of play in the steering wheel? Or maybe even both. I only run 255/85, so I’m really only looking to improve all of my slop. I’ve replaced all my tie rod ends and ball joints. Checked caster, etc. It seems from looking at the steering shaft that I have a lot of play at the entry to the steering box before I see movement of the Pittman arm.

 

[suicideking]

When you say night and day difference, are you free only to the power of being able to steer, or in the lack of play in the steering wheel? Or maybe even both. I only run 255/85, so I’m really only looking to improve all of my slop. I’ve replaced all my tie rod ends and ball joints. Checked caster, etc. It seems from looking at the steering shaft that I have a lot of play at the entry to the steering box before I see movement of the Pittman arm.

It's been a few years. I don't remember a lot of play in the wheel. I just remember it was more of a struggle to turn while in difficult terrain. Had to put more muscle into it, etc. Whereas after the PSC was installed, it turns nice and smooth.

 

[voodooridr]

Can the stock pump be used with the PSC gear or does it need a manlier pump?

 

[The06LJ]

OK So I've done about 50 miles with a rebuilt OEM box I got on ebay. There is no slop, it feels tight and new. Problem is that it feels too tight. It has zero return to center. I know there are some adjustments possible, but have yet to look into what they do and how to do them, but even if I cant adjust this out on the new box, it's still an improvement over my old box.

 

[mudmaster]

Can the stock pump be used with the PSC gear or does it need a manlier pump?

Yes, but if you're going to hydro assist I'd get the pump too.