Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts

Not steering right

clinet1215

New Member
Original poster
Joined
Dec 4, 2023
Messages
11
Location
Western nc
Dead spot in steerin while sitting still. Have to turn steering back the other way comin out of a bend. She will not go straight on a straight away. I can’t to the dry test right now, I did crawl under and pushed and pulled on everything and nothing moved. I did grab ahold of steering shaft and there’s no movement except for rotating. I can rotate the shaft a 1/4 turn before it stops. I’m assuming that’s not good and the problem. I’ve looked at all the steering topics and feel confident it’s the gear box. Just want other opinions, and I’ve been on here a while but only used it for information and never contributed anything so hopefully this will be the beginning to contribute more.
 
I'd definitely do a dry steering test before purchasing parts.

I put a Red Head steering box on my 97. But almost all steering boxes are rebuilt with not much more than seals and can have worn metal parts and still go out the door. As such PSC makes new boxes if you want to pay not to gamble.

Alternatively...


-Mac
 
Laying under and rotating steering shaft a few inches above gear box. The shaft goes 1/2 round before meeting resistance. Is that normal?
 
Appreciate it. Mine definitely does not.

Definitely a problem. But just to clarify, you are not looking so much for meeting resistance. Turning the input shaft to the steering gear should translate immediately into movement of the sector shaft and pitman arm (the output of the gear). Any delayed movement is an indication of wear.
 
Correct, once I hit the resistance that’s when the pitman arm starts to move. 23 degrees headspace turning wheel to the right, 20 or 21degrees dead space turning wheel to the left.
 
There are a few options for new steering boxes. Psc,lares and another i don't remember. Rebuilds are only as good as the core was to begin with
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler TJ engine mounts