Grand Cherokee steering box in G-Body???

[Chewy72ss]

I'm looking for an inexpensive quick ratio steeing box. The Grand Cherokees from '92-'98 are 12.7:1 I believe, and the steering shaft uses u-joints, rather than a rag joint. I know these boxes are direct bolt-ins for GM A-bodies, but I am unsure when it comes to G-bodies.

Does anybody know if a Grand Cherokee box will bolt into a G-Body???
Thanks!

 

[t5montecarlo]

If it is a Saginaw box, then I am inclined to say "yes". However, you will need to swap the Malibu pitman arm for proper geometry.

 

[bowtie81]

whats the downfall from using a z/28 box?

 

[83LSWagon]

On my 98, the box has a Z/N stamped on it(not sure which it is)
I will look when I get a chance though

 

[Chewy72ss]

Thanks 83LSWagon.

There's not really a downfall to the Z28 boxes. It's just that, GC boxes are $20 on ebay.

I know I could go to a junkyard and get a F-Body box for cheap, but I don't have many opportunities to go, and the closest junkyard is, well... not that close.

Edit: I believe the Camaro boxes have stops inside the box, which results in smaller turning radius. Not really noticeable though.

 

[bowtie81]

cool! thanks chewy72ss and if i used one from an f-body what all would i need

 

[Chewy72ss]

Camaro steering box.

You'll need a steering box from an '82-'92 Camaro w/ performance susp. (Z28, etc.)

The F-body boxes use Metric hoses (18mm, I believe.), where the pre-80 GM cars used standard fittings. So, those will have to be adapted with fittings available from the auto parts store. Other than the hoses, the box should be a direct bolt-in. I'm not positive about the steering shaft though.

Also, you must switch over the pitman arm to retain the correct geometry!

I'll be sure to look into this more over the next few days, as I will probably end up going the F-body route. I'll post some more info as it is uncovered.

HTH :-k


EDIT: Here is a USEFUL LINK... There are some part numbers at the bottom of the page, for conversion fittings.

 

[bowtie81]

thanks buddy, i really appreciate the help

 

[COPO 572]

I'm in the market for a new steering box and contacted Flaming River. The guy told me their Jeep steering box was a direct bolt in. Although, he did say you might need a pitman arm the could be sourced from Speedway Motors.

 

[Chewy72ss]

Thanks a lot COPO. That gives me some more confidence going into this swap. I'm sure I can trust Flaming River.

Was the pitman arm they referred to you a specialty piece, or would the stock G-body arm interchange and work correctly??

Thanks again.