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New Steering Gear

Discussion in 'Intermediate CJ-5/6/7/8' started by SoCalCJ5, Jun 15, 2021.

  1. Jun 15, 2021
    SoCalCJ5

    SoCalCJ5 New Member

    Riverside, CA
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    Jun 8, 2021
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    5
    I have a 1973 CJ5. I just picked this thing up (loving it!) and the steering gear is shot. I bought a new unit from Napa. My issue is the input shaft is slightly larger than the original. The knuckle coupler will not fit over it. Have any of you experienced this? Is there a different coupler that works? Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Jun 15, 2021
    sterlclan

    sterlclan Member 2022 Sponsor

    exploring the...
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    Can you spread the coupler a little and make it fit or is it too small for that?
     
  3. Jun 15, 2021
    Howard Eisenhauer

    Howard Eisenhauer Administrator Staff Member

    Tantallon, Nova...
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    Nov 22, 2003
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    Welcome to Rebuilt Roulette! The game where you buy parts made from components grabbed at random out of a box full of pieces that came from Who Know's Where?
     
    Last edited: Jun 15, 2021
    Downs, Twin2, SoCalCJ5 and 3 others like this.
  4. Jun 15, 2021
    Buildflycrash

    Buildflycrash More or Less in Line. 2024 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Gulf Breeze FL...
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    Don’t you know it. Mine’s was always a surprise. Then I changed everything. Good luck to the next owner.
     
    SoCalCJ5 likes this.
  5. Jun 15, 2021
    supertrooper

    supertrooper Member

    moreno valley, ca
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    Nov 12, 2007
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    There are a couple different input shafts sizes and spline counts for the saginaw boxes. Should be 13/16" 36 spline or 3/4" 30 spline. Measure the u joint and input shaft, if they dont match you can get a new one from flaming river or borgeson.
     
  6. Jun 15, 2021
    jpflat2a

    jpflat2a what's that noise?

    Hermosa, SD
    Joined:
    Jul 30, 2003
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    8,513
    There are two sizes of bell couplers.
    One for power steering and one for manual steering.
    The power box shaft diameter is larger than the manual.
    Is your steering set-up still stock ?
    Is it manual or power ?
    Could you post pictures ?
    I have a spare power coupler if you want to try it on your box.
     
  7. Jun 16, 2021
    SoCalCJ5

    SoCalCJ5 New Member

    Riverside, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2021
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    5
    I am going from a power box to a power box. Everything appears stock the best I can tell. The new one has a bolt recess all the way around the shaft and the new one has a bolt recess in one spot. The shaft on the new one is a few thousandths larger in diameter. I would love to try your coupler if that is ok. It appears we live close. I'll get some photos and post them.
     
  8. Jun 16, 2021
    SoCalCJ5

    SoCalCJ5 New Member

    Riverside, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2021
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    IMG_7860(1).jpg IMG_7861(1).jpg
    The new one is on the left, the old on the right
     
  9. Jun 16, 2021
    Fireball

    Fireball Well-Known Member 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Pullman, WA
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    The replacement box is probably has a newer/older input shaft. There are two generations of these that have different size/spline input shafts and different sealing methods for the hoses. This page at Lee Power steering has details:
    Measure what you have to identify it. Rebuilt units can be a mix/match mess. They tend to disassemble incoming units and throw the parts in a bin. They randomly grab parts out of the bin when rebuilding.

    Most likely you'll just need to find a rag joint flange to match the new box.
     
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  10. Jun 17, 2021
    SoCalCJ5

    SoCalCJ5 New Member

    Riverside, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2021
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    Thank you all for the input. I spoke with a rebuilder today. He said the input shaft is earlier and 73 was likely a split year for the part. He is building an identical one for 30% less money than the new one. It will be an exact drop in. I really appreciate how welcoming and helpful you all are. Thanks
     
  11. Jun 17, 2021
    Ol Fogie

    Ol Fogie 74 cj5 304, 1943 mb

    Southern...
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    Just for your info, the new one you have is just like the power box on my 74. My (power box) coupling works just fine. When I replaced my power gear box I got one for I think for a 1980 cj5. the coupling shaft was the same as my old one. The reason I got a box for the newer cj5 was it was a slower box with 4.25 turns lock to lock which made the steering a little less quick at hwy speeds.
     
  12. Jun 17, 2021
    SoCalCJ5

    SoCalCJ5 New Member

    Riverside, CA
    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2021
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    Thanks for the info! This steering system looks stock but it may be a Frankenjeep. I don’t know enough yet to be able to tell
     
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