jeep box - complaints?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
jeep box - complaints?
I wanted to know if there were any complaints with this system? I read many threads on this am havent really found any. But I have seen many from the steeriods, which I was going to get for my '79. So if the cost is less and I'm going to get better results than I thinking Jeep box. I have seen the kit from corvette steering and its all bolt in and the pitman arm issue has been resolved, but looks like there mite have to be fabrication to the column. So If any of you guys can help with your opinion I would appreciate it.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis MO
i love the jeep box. I bought a scaled down version of the kit since I had to plumb in a hydraboost at the same time. The only complaint I have is that I bought mine before they started making the newer cut pitman shaft to use the stock pitman arm. If you don't switch to a manual drag link you will need to do some work to get the sloppyness out of the spring loaded power steering drag link, but its just a matter of stacking some washers in place of the spring and getting the preload right.
As for the column, Its really easy to fix but I didn't have any instructions, so a quick call to vette steering and the use of a big hammer and a few taps collapsed the column so that the steering box and coupler had plenty of room and the steering column lined up with its mounts.
The box works great, goes lock to lock and you don't have to worry about flimsy steel bolt on brackets and tie rod plates loosening up, or adding slop to the system like the steering rack kit.
As for the column, Its really easy to fix but I didn't have any instructions, so a quick call to vette steering and the use of a big hammer and a few taps collapsed the column so that the steering box and coupler had plenty of room and the steering column lined up with its mounts.
The box works great, goes lock to lock and you don't have to worry about flimsy steel bolt on brackets and tie rod plates loosening up, or adding slop to the system like the steering rack kit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,100
Likes: 3
From: belle plaine ks
manual drag link
Not to hijack the thread, but it is pretty hard to find a manual drag link. I've been looking for quite awhile and haven't seen any. If anybody knows of a source let me know.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by tigers123
Not to hijack the thread, but it is pretty hard to find a manual drag link. I've been looking for quite awhile and haven't seen any. If anybody knows of a source let me know.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
didnt think manual drag links were that hard to find. well if it is sensitive, i guess its better than rthe original set up. i think i wil lgo with it an see whats up. its just i here to many complaints with the steeriods for me to be spending 1200 bucks.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
Likes: 12
From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by tigers123
Not to hijack the thread, but it is pretty hard to find a manual drag link. I've been looking for quite awhile and haven't seen any. If anybody knows of a source let me know.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
when you ''collapse'' the column a couple inches all you have to do is tap the column with a hammer then pull it back down to hook up? by doing this you dont have to remove the column or anything else?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 1
I had to take my column out, but it was really not that bad. I used it as an opportunity to replace the bearings in the steering column. Be very careful what you tap the end of the column with. If you mushroom it, it will be a lot more work. Several guys just levered it up with a 2x4.
And by the way, I love my system.
And by the way, I love my system.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,053
Likes: 4
St. Jude Donor '03,'11
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
There is NO fabrication to the steering column. You just collapse it or push the end in from the engine side to shorten it.
This is done with both systems.
This is done with both systems.
I can't remember why you did so much work to your frame in that area.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
If you shim the stock control valve, remember you are unbolting the control side and throwing it away. You then shim the ball stud and install the cover plate supplied with the kit. It then becomes a solid link and no need to find a manual one.
Norval, is it just as good as a manual drag link? Tom @ Corvette Steering indicated that the best was to get a manual link to replace the PS link.
Another question (I am a little dense) Why is there a ball mount on the drag link anyway?
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Originally Posted by tigers123
Not to hijack the thread, but it is pretty hard to find a manual drag link. I've been looking for quite awhile and haven't seen any. If anybody knows of a source let me know.
I know where there are supposedly 3 for $75 each, but I'm not saying until I get mine. Darn it, I had high bid on ebay & at the last minute someone jumped in & upped my bid by 3 times & snatched it.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Easton PA
thanks for everyones opinion, i think i will go with this system instead of steeriods. i will be putting it in when i pull the engine so maybe it wont be to much of a p.i.t.a. i just didnt want to pull the column and open another can o worms
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Originally Posted by ratflinger
Norval, is it just as good as a manual drag link? Tom @ Corvette Steering indicated that the best was to get a manual link to replace the PS link.
Another question (I am a little dense) Why is there a ball mount on the drag link anyway?
Another question (I am a little dense) Why is there a ball mount on the drag link anyway?
The manual center link would be the best option, on the PS one there's a ball mount for the power steering valve, that's where the slop in the steering comes from, that balljoint has to move a little to switch the assist direcytion. However, a small amount of play transmitted intop the steering shaft will end up to be quite a bit on center play with the much larger steering wheel.
