Steering box attachment to 2006 frame problems

[DariusRoch]

I have a 2000 Sport with a 2006 OEM frame replacement. I replaced the stock steering box with a Redhead which failed outside warranty. My mechanic fixed it by going with a reman OEM one. We still get poor steering control that gets worse over time. He says the third hole doesn't align and gradually things get more and more out of whack and there's nothing they can do about it so this will continue to happen. The hardened bolt snapped apart and they had to drill it out.

What's the problem? Is there something special about a "2006 Mercedes steering box" that presumably was original OEM on the frame that we don't know?

 

[mrblaine]

I have a 2000 Sport with a 2006 OEM frame replacement. I replaced the stock steering box with a Redhead which failed outside warranty. My mechanic fixed it by going with a reman OEM one. We still get poor steering control that gets worse over time. He says the third hole doesn't align and gradually things get more and more out of whack and there's nothing they can do about it so this will continue to happen. The hardened bolt snapped apart and they had to drill it out.

What's the problem? Is there something special about a "2006 Mercedes steering box" that presumably was original OEM on the frame that we don't know?

The difference between the 97-02 and the 03-06 steering box mounting pattern is the 3rd bolt right behind the front crossmember in the frame. It is in a slightly different spot which means the early and late steering gears are not interchangeable.

I'm not understanding about the hardened bolt thing but you can NOT run any of the TJ steering gears with 2 bolts holding them to the frame. All he has to do under normal circumstances is get and install the 03-06 steering gear and hose kit to solve the mounting problem.

The only thing I can think of with regard to the bolt is we've run into several where the threads in the steering gear weren't cut all the way. When the bolt was tightened, it locked up and then twisted in half. Removed the gear and broken piece, finished the threads with a 7/16-14 tap and it was good after.

 

[DariusRoch]

Thank you, Mr Blaine! We're chasing a 2003-2006 steering box now. I didn't know there was a change at that year, and neither did my mechanic.

 

[Moglocker]

I have a 2000 Sport with a 2006 OEM frame replacement. I replaced the stock steering box with a Redhead which failed outside warranty. My mechanic fixed it by going with a reman OEM one. We still get poor steering control that gets worse over time. He says the third hole doesn't align and gradually things get more and more out of whack and there's nothing they can do about it so this will continue to happen. The hardened bolt snapped apart and they had to drill it out.

What's the problem? Is there something special about a "2006 Mercedes steering box" that presumably was original OEM on the frame that we don't know?

https://mountainoffroad.com/products/steering-brace-03-06-tj?variant=14538996121711
This would also help

 

[mrblaine]

Thank you, Mr Blaine! We're chasing a 2003-2006 steering box now. I didn't know there was a change at that year, and neither did my mechanic.

Your mechanic should learn how to use the Buyer's Guide on Rock Auto.

 

[DariusRoch]

Your mechanic should learn how to use the Buyer's Guide on Rock Auto.
View attachment 652397

View attachment 652398

Thank you. I sent him the info.

 

[DariusRoch]

https://mountainoffroad.com/products/steering-brace-03-06-tj?variant=14538996121711
This would also help

Thanks