[Chappy79]

Hey everyone I have a 79 CJ5 with a 258 and I'm going to replace my steering box and pump. I bought remanufactured units and am going to be putting them in after work today!! Any tips or hints I should know or keep in mind when I'm doing this would be great! This is my first gear box and pump and I wasn't sure if there was any good way to be sure to get the full turning radius from the gear box or if I have to bench bleed anything before putting it in etc?

Thanks ahead of time everyone!!!!

[skizriz]

Mine went about as smooth as it can get. Make sure to get all old oil out. Don't want to pump any nasty stuff through the new box.

While you have it apart, it's a good idea to spend the $30 and install a new coupler that goes from the shaft to the box. They get worn and sloppy.

The hardest part is removing the old bolts from the frame. Mine had already been apart a few times, so they were good to go.
The other hard part is removing your pitman arm. I never could get mine off, and ended up buying a new one. The cheap pitman arm pullers usually won't remove them. I hear the cone shaped Snap On ones do a fine job though.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

[VACJ7]

I would add that if you are replacing both the pump and gear you might as well put in new pressure and return lines. It is all coming apart anyway. Good luck with the pitman arm!!! Some pop off no sweat. Mine, not so much. I gave up on it and got a new arm to go with the new gear.

[mike7JC]

Tip 1. Don't get impatient.
Tip 2. Have a spare Pittman arm puller
Tip 3. After breaking the first Pittman arm puller, put the second one on really tight and stop before you get to the breaking point. Get in the driver seat and crank the wheel back and forth (tires on the ground). This will usually get the Pittman arm to break free. You did start with the penetrating oil 3 days ago, right?
Tip 4. Use anti-seize before putting the Pittman arm on the new gear box.
Tip 5. Drive another vehicle to work tomorrow so you can get some sleep and finish tomorrow night.

Good luck and enjoy!

[82JeepCJ7]

I would use new hoses as well. They are cheaper than a new box and pump.

After you get the pump and box installed, hook up the pressure line, and the return line at the box. Jack the front wheels up and place jack stands under them so the wheels are off the ground.

Unhook the return line from the back of the pump and place in a bucket below. Place a vacuum cap over the return line tube on the pump.

Fill the reservoir with power steering fluid and start the motor. It helps to have someone on the key as you keep an eye on the pump.

As the engine starts, be ready to keep filling the system. The pump will flow fluid through the system. Keep going until you have fluid flowing out the return line into the bucket. Shut the engine off and attach the hose at the back of the pump.

Top off the fluid and restart the motor. Make sure it stays full. Have your helper turn the steering wheel to full lock each way slowly. This will help purge air from the system. Keep doing this until no more bubbles appear in the reservoir.

Check the fluid level one last time and take the Jeep off the jack stands. Take it for a drive on a back road or non busy street. Stop occasionally and check the fluid level.

After you get home and the level is staying the same and there is no leaks, crack open a beer and admire your work.

[Chappy79]

Thanks for ideas everyone! If the weather holds out I'm hoping this will go smoothly!! Hoping being the key word!!!

[Chappy79]

A leaky power steering pump makes a hell of a mess!!! Luckily the pitman arm came off easily and now I just have to clean everything up, wait for a coupler btwn the gear box and steering column shaft to show up then I can put it all back together!!

[skizriz]

So far, so good. Keep your fingers crossed. I get nervous when things are going too well for me.