Broke steering gearbox

Snowplow · 12-22-2008, 03:44 PM

My friend owns a 03 TJ and i had to go get it. He broke the steering box ( see pic's below ) but my question is can the box be rebuilt or dose he need to buy a new one? their is no junk yards close to us that have TJ, YJ Etc. Thanks for any help.

bairy · 12-22-2008, 03:47 PM

looking at the rest of the jeep, I would say he should stop by his local auto parts store and get a new one. He will also need at the very least a new drag link.

UBOHICA · 12-22-2008, 03:48 PM

Ouch......
Well I don't know about re-building.....but since he will need to upgrade, A buddy of mine got the steering box from a Dodge Dakota that had the Snow Plow Option and that thing was an almost bolt in and he can turn 35's with one finger....just a sujestion...

Good luck

jeep2008 · 12-22-2008, 03:50 PM

wouldn't a steering box brace saved this??i am asking cause a lot of people said it isn't worth it in a tj!!!

TJ-n-triumph · 12-22-2008, 04:12 PM

I belive a durango steering box is bolt in and go........search the forum and try the local junkyard for a durango.

agent_J · 12-22-2008, 04:39 PM

A brace only supports the box, not the shaft and pitman arm.

LJlunatic · 12-22-2008, 04:51 PM

I have read that a dodge durango steering box won't fit on 03-06 wranglers, I believe this is because they switched over to a mercedes built box if I'm not mistaken.

**Unlimited04** · 12-22-2008, 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeep2008

wouldn't a steering box brace saved this??i am asking cause a lot of people said it isn't worth it in a tj!!!

no, not at all. the steering box brace supports the box itself, and as you can see in the photos, the box itself is fine and still attached to the frame. The shaft sheered off, and looks like due to an accident...median or another vehicle probably.

Snowplow · 12-22-2008, 05:58 PM

My friend is going to wait to fix it till January, He found some prices and $350 to $600 is allot for him right now. But keep the info comming Thanks.

Aiden80013 · 12-22-2008, 06:01 PM

I got a "high performance off-road" steering box from discountsteering.com...I'm not sure what the difference is with the off-road box is...but it's been good so far. I'm only running 33's though.

**mrblaine** · 12-22-2008, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unlimited04

no, not at all. the steering box brace supports the box itself, and as you can see in the photos, the box itself is fine and still attached to the frame. The shaft sheered off, and looks like due to an accident...median or another vehicle probably.

My guess would be the damage is from the steering sector shaft breaking and the resultant loss of control caused the other damage.

That is a very common break on the ZF steering gear.

Snowplow · 12-23-2008, 07:18 AM

The body damage was done first, then 2 days later the steering broke. he hit a dirt embankment and did the body damage. Then doing a fast ride down a trail in 4 HI, Two days later going into a turn the steering went. At least thats what he told me.

patricknolan · 12-23-2008, 09:08 AM

Im sure u can find a replacement for under 200$ - keep searching - craigslist, ebay, car-parts .... try em all.

patricknolan · 12-23-2008, 09:08 AM

Im sure u can find a replacement for under 200$ - keep searching - craigslist, ebay, car-parts .... try em all.

97casteeltj · 12-23-2008, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snowplow

My friend is going to wait to fix it till January, He found some prices and $350 to $600 is allot for him right now. But keep the info comming Thanks.

where is he looking???

i got mine from advanced auto and it was only $170 new