82 CJ7 Steering.. or not!

[range_time]

OK.. new to jeeps so need some advice..
The 82 cj7 I have seems to have a LOT of play in the box. It is about a half wheel turn either way to get it to engage.. You don’t so much drive it, as have a mutual agreement as to where you are going.. Can I correct this on or in the box or is it time to get a new steering box. How hard are they to fit?
It’s a manual trans and steering if that helps

[Russ]

I had the same problem but I fixd it by tightening it on the steering box but mine didn't have quite that much play it was about a quater turn until it engaged.

[lynn]

Range
What I have found to be a much more common cause of this steering condition is the steering shaft, not the box.
Open your hood. See that shaft that runs from the bottom of the column to the steering box? Grab that shaft near the column end. Try to move it. Up/down/sideways. Any play in that jiont? It should be tight. Do the same with the connection near the box. Any slop in that joint?
The lower joint can be rebuilt, if it's not too badly worn on the pins. The upper joint is not rebuildable.
Used shafts in good shape usually sell for $75. New stock shaft is around $130, and premium shafts by Flaming River or Borgeson are just under $250.

If there is any play in these joints, try this to demonstrate what happens on the road. Jack up the front, both tires off the ground. Hold onto that steering shaft, and have a buddy movethe tires until the shaft moves. You'll be surprised how much movement the tires have before the shaft moves, hence alot of 'wandering'.
Of course, the shaft joints could be good and your box is shot. But I usually try to go after the simplest explanation first.
Good Luck, hope this helps!

[range_time]

Great suggestions!!! but.......

If it is the box..... can I adjust it?
If so, how?

Thanks
Dave

[lynn]

I've read where guys adjust the box by tightening the hex screw on top of the box.
Years ago, I was told (by PartsMike, I think)
to Never adjust that screw unless you know exactly what you are doing. Incorrectly tightening that screw leads to a rapid increase in wear and subsequent failure, and possibly some unexpected handling characteristics.
If you intend on tightening it, I would do it in very small increments, 1/8 turn at most each time, then test. I seem to recall you have to loosen the big nut first before adjusting the screw, but I'm really not sure. You'll have to do more research...
As for me, I've never had to adjust that screw on any CJ I've owned. Had to replace a couple leaky boxes, replace steering shafts, adjust caster with shims, replace wheelbearings and ball joints, replace tie rod ends, and even bottom column bushings, but never felt the need to adjust the box.
BTW, all of the things I mentioned above can effect handling/wandering of your CJ. I always check these before thinking about the box. I usually find the cause in one or more of these components.
HTH!!

[Russ]

Thats how I tightened it and I got the info from a Haynes manual and alittle help from my friend.

[Warlock]

Thats how you do it, and the biggest point to make (to me anyways) is a little at a time.

[range_time]

Thanks for all the Advice.. I'll try it out and let you know!

Thanks
Dave

[range_time]

It needed a new box.. The screw was ALL the way down and IN the box!!
Anyway you can read the thread on the plage of broken bolts here.
www.colorado4x4.org/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=000476

Thanks again for all the help.

Dave

[mobbinCJ7_'84]

I've read where guys adjust the box by tightening the hex screw on top of the box.
Years ago, I was told (by PartsMike, I think)
to Never adjust that screw unless you know exactly what you are doing. Incorrectly tightening that screw leads to a rapid increase in wear and subsequent failure, and possibly some unexpected handling characteristics.
If you intend on tightening it, I would do it in very small increments, 1/8 turn at most each time, then test. I seem to recall you have to loosen the big nut first before adjusting the screw, but I'm really not sure. You'll have to do more research...
As for me, I've never had to adjust that screw on any CJ I've owned. Had to replace a couple leaky boxes, replace steering shafts, adjust caster with shims, replace wheelbearings and ball joints, replace tie rod ends, and even bottom column bushings, but never felt the need to adjust the box.
BTW, all of the things I mentioned above can effect handling/wandering of your CJ. I always check these before thinking about the box. I usually find the cause in one or more of these components.
HTH!!

Read about you changing the ball joints and all...mine is rubbing i believe the ball joints are out but dont really know how to be sure. I was told to jack it up, take off the cross arm that connects to the steering pump and then turn the wheels by hand and if there is still rubbing noise then they are shot. What about the caster and how u had to shim them. I am fairly familiar with all that just not specific but if u could help me out i know my front end needs a little work. Mine isnt that bad at all with wandering. i did throw a pair of 4 inch shackles on it and noticed huge difference in control (more loss than gain) but i was already aware that would be the result.