[Jarvo2]

Last night I replaced the steering gear box on my 2001 TJ Sport. I got everything together fine except for the steering column shaft. Since I live in the midwest, I'm guessing road salt ate up the column/box. I was able to get the old gear box out with a little pursuasion, but getting the new one in was a problem. I wasnt able to get the steering column all the way down on the new gear box spline. Its probably 3/4 of the way on right now and seems to be fine, but I dont want it to slip off or break. Any suggestions on how to get it on further?? Thanks!

[Kiwi]

Originally Posted by Jarvo2

Last night I replaced the steering gear box on my 2001 TJ Sport. I got everything together fine except for the steering column shaft. Since I live in the midwest, I'm guessing road salt ate up the column/box. I was able to get the old gear box out with a little pursuasion, but getting the new one in was a problem. I wasnt able to get the steering column all the way down on the new gear box spline. Its probably 3/4 of the way on right now and seems to be fine, but I dont want it to slip off or break. Any suggestions on how to get it on further?? Thanks!

You need to get the shaft on far enough that you can drop the bolt in through the keyed part of the input shaft on the gearbox. If you can't get it on that far you need to figure out why. (Is there a nick on one of the splines preventing it going on further)
If you did get that bolt in and tightened you are fine. If not, don't drive it until you've fixed it.

[Jarvo2]

I did get the bolt in, but it still seems about 3/4 of an inch higher than it was when I pulled it off.