Steering gearbox replacement

[jh17]

Over time, I have been replacing components on my everyday 2001 TJ. It's in good shape.

The steering still has some slop or play. The steering gearbox is the next thing on my radar to replace. Got suggestions on where to buy or not to buy? I don't have a lift or big tires. The tires are slightly larger than stock. I am not (necessarily) looking to upgrade but I could be talked into it. Looking around in comments and on forums, I should get a new steering gearbox versus refurbished or one from a yard. I have no problem with that. It looks like they are ballpark $400.

looks like Redhead makes a decent gearbox https://redheadsteeringgears.com/shop?year=1997&make=Jeep&model=Wrangler TJ

I've seen videos on how to swap these out. Seems straightforward. I have done more difficult things to the car.

 

[Austin O.]

Over time, I have been replacing components on my everyday 2001 TJ. It's in good shape.

The steering still has some slop or play. The steering gearbox is the next thing on my radar to replace. Got suggestions on where to buy or not to buy? I don't have a lift or big tires. The tires are slightly larger than stock. I am not (necessarily) looking to upgrade but I could be talked into it. Looking around in comments and on forums, I should get a new steering gearbox versus refurbished or one from a yard. I have no problem with that. It looks like they are ballpark $400.

looks like Redhead makes a decent gearbox https://redheadsteeringgears.com/shop?year=1997&make=Jeep&model=Wrangler TJ

I've seen videos on how to swap these out. Seems straightforward. I have done more difficult things to the car.

Super easy project. Took me about an hour. I bought a used one off of a Jeep parts seller on eBay for I think $150. Haven't had any issues. I figured I could buy a fancy new upgraded one for 3-4 times the price or just go with a cheaper used OEM one and hope it lasts, if not I’ll buy another…

 

[jh17]

Super easy project. Took me about an hour. I bought a used one off of a Jeep parts seller on eBay for I think $150. Haven't had any issues. I figured I could buy a fancy new upgraded one for 3-4 times the price or just go with a cheaper used OEM one and hope it lasts, if not I’ll buy another…

Thank you for the input. Was yours remanufactured? How used was it? I'm not against that, I just feel if I am going through the trouble of this job, I might as well get a new one for ~$150 more.

 

[Austin O.]

Thank you for the input. Was yours remanufactured? How used was it? I'm not against that, I just feel if I am going through the trouble of this job, I might as well get a new one for ~$150 more.

Not remanufactured, just straight out of a wrecked Jeep I believe. It was a while ago, I can’t remember how much mileage was on it, but it was not high, I wouldn’t have bought it if it was. The guy claimed it was in perfect working condition, and that seems to be the case. It did not look old or beat up when I received it, but who knows what it looks like on the inside… It’s a gamble I guess

That new one you linked above I believe I looked at when I was looking for one, and it was definitely quite a bit more money at the time. Like $150 more. For $300 it’s not a bad idea to get that instead if it’s got good reviews.

 

[jh17]

Not remanufactured, just straight out of a wrecked Jeep I believe. It was a while ago, I can’t remember how much mileage was on it, but it was not high, I wouldn’t have bought it if it was. The guy claimed it was in perfect working condition, and that seems to be the case. It did not look old or beat up when I received it, but who knows what it looks like on the inside… It’s a gamble I guess

That new one you linked above I believe I looked at when I was looking for one, and it was definitely quite a bit more money at the time. Like $150 more. For $300 it’s not a bad idea to get that instead if it’s got good reviews.

Awesome, thanks

 

[Granite]

I sent my leaky box to BleepinJeep for a seal rebuild and it was a great experience. I wanted the hydro assist ports but the Mercedes box in my ‘05 would’ve had clearance issues so I skipped it. I’d recommend bleepinjeep for seal replacement. Looks like they’re $300 now plus shipping. They clean it up nicely too.

 

[macleanflood]

I did a Redhead on my TJ two summers ago. Been a great box. Survived a lot of my crap.

But I also rest assured I could always drive to WA and throw it at em.

-Mac

 

[jh17]

I sent my leaky box to BleepinJeep for a seal rebuild and it was a great experience. I wanted the hydro assist ports but the Mercedes box in my ‘05 would’ve had clearance issues so I skipped it. I’d recommend bleepinjeep for seal replacement. Looks like they’re $300 now plus shipping. They clean it up nicely too.

Thanks. I would do that but I can't wait. I drive it everyday so I need to swap the part

 

[red02tj]

I did a Redhead on my TJ two summers ago. Been a great box. Survived a lot of my crap.

But I also rest assured I could always drive to WA and throw it at em.

-Mac

I’ve had mine for 18mo

+ when I was shopping around, they asked me about dry steering test, sanity checking I really needed a new box, etc
- It started leaking after 2mo
+ Warranty was quick and easy

No issues since warranty replacement.

 

[jh17]

I’ve had mine for 18mo

+ when I was shopping around, they asked me about dry steering test, sanity checking I really needed a new box, etc
- It started leaking after 2mo
+ Warranty was quick and easy

No issues since warranty replacement.

Were you doing off roading? Or just normal driving?

 

[red02tj]

Were you doing off roading? Or just normal driving?

road for the one that leaked. No issues on or off with the warranty replacement.

 

[Painfultruth]

Redheads are remans some are good some not so much, Lares has new direct replacements with a lifetime warranty.

 

[LittleGiant]

hoping to revive this topic. Bought a new Lares about 6 months ago and it has a ton of slop in it. Spent almost $400 and very disappointed.

Redhead? Others?

 

[red02tj]

Redhead

I’ve had mine for 18mo

^ add another year and still no issues with my Redhead.

 

[LittleGiant]

$526 for a Readhead, that ain’t cheap. If I pay that much there better not be an inch of slop. I still have a solid 2
Inches with my new Lares

 

[hear]

$526 for a Readhead, that ain’t cheap. If I pay that much there better not be an inch of slop. I still have a solid 2
Inches with my new Lares

Isn't there a $150 core in that though? I did a redhead on my daughter's 97, it dramatically improved things.

 

[macleanflood]

Redhead, no issues. But it's all a lottery on whether the core you end up with isn't worn out.

If you don't want to gamble go PSC.

-Mac

 

[LittleGiant]

Redhead, no issues. But it's all a lottery on whether the core you end up with isn't worn out.

If you don't want to gamble go PSC.

-Mac

Do I have to sell a kidney for a PSC? Haha

 

[LittleGiant]

$1,050! I guess I’ll have to sell both kidneys haha

 

[macleanflood]

$1,050! I guess I’ll have to sell both kidneys haha

Who says they need to be yours?

-Mac