I swapped out my TJ steering box for a 1998 Durango steering box (non snow plow V8 option) last night (see very bottom for reason) Everything went pretty smoothly until I drove it.
I bleed the lines with the wheels off the ground and 25-35 lock to lock turns (engine not running). Fluid was added throughout the process. Once fluid levels remained consistent I started the engine and continued to turn lock to lock, adding a little fluid until fluid level remained consistent again.
As I was turning the wheel Lock to lock during the bleeding process I noticed x2 a binding “feel” then it released and continued turning.
I then took it for a drive.........there is something not right! There is significant binding when turning. It occurs a couple times while steering but is smooth at others times. One of the binding moments is occurring as I begin to turn to the right which is really sketchy. The feel on the road is really “twitchy”, way more than before the swap. While driving I kept my speed under 25mph
Anyone else have this issue? I need some advice and help. Did I do something wrong during the swap?
some background of why I did the swap........ I’m running 35’s, new teraflex ball joints, new Currie link drag link/tie rod. Prior to the swap I was experiencing “clunking” noise when turning that was coming from my steering box. I also had some significant slop in my steering wheel between 11-1 o’clock. The steering shaft had no slop in it. The delayed response was coming from the steering box to the pitman arm. Due to the slop in the steering, clunking noise from steering box and all the new components that are installed (ball joints, 1 ton tie/rod) I figured I would swap to a Durango box to accommodate my 35 inch tire, maybe fix the slop in the steering wheel and prevent a steering box failure on the trail
I bleed the lines with the wheels off the ground and 25-35 lock to lock turns (engine not running). Fluid was added throughout the process. Once fluid levels remained consistent I started the engine and continued to turn lock to lock, adding a little fluid until fluid level remained consistent again.
As I was turning the wheel Lock to lock during the bleeding process I noticed x2 a binding “feel” then it released and continued turning.
I then took it for a drive.........there is something not right! There is significant binding when turning. It occurs a couple times while steering but is smooth at others times. One of the binding moments is occurring as I begin to turn to the right which is really sketchy. The feel on the road is really “twitchy”, way more than before the swap. While driving I kept my speed under 25mph
Anyone else have this issue? I need some advice and help. Did I do something wrong during the swap?
some background of why I did the swap........ I’m running 35’s, new teraflex ball joints, new Currie link drag link/tie rod. Prior to the swap I was experiencing “clunking” noise when turning that was coming from my steering box. I also had some significant slop in my steering wheel between 11-1 o’clock. The steering shaft had no slop in it. The delayed response was coming from the steering box to the pitman arm. Due to the slop in the steering, clunking noise from steering box and all the new components that are installed (ball joints, 1 ton tie/rod) I figured I would swap to a Durango box to accommodate my 35 inch tire, maybe fix the slop in the steering wheel and prevent a steering box failure on the trail
