Is there a bolt on steering fix, or fixes, for my TTB?

[Eddo Rogue]

I read the tech article on steering box rebuild, not sure if I have the time, patience or will to hunt down parts.

Is there stuff I can bolt in to make it actually steer instead of feeling like I am guiding it w/ a broken rudder?

Long shot, but is it possible to "bolt in" a rack and pinion? Or at least some type of more modern, or at least "better" steering system?

I heard there's a jeep or GM steering box that swaps in?

Oh BTW I am not talking about compensating for lift, its stock setup and pretty much stock height (leveling kit).

I am just seeking "normal" steering lol.

 

[Roert42]

You could try and get a "reman" steering box, but you may have to try half a dozen before you get one that isn't too worn out.

 

[Uncle Gump]

The Jeep/GM steering deal is a power steering pump fix.... not a steering fix.

Have you had it on an alignment rack?

I moved this to the steering forum...

 

[Eddo Rogue]

The Jeep/GM steering deal is a power steering pump fix.... not a steering fix.

Have you had it on an alignment rack?

I moved this to the steering forum...

Thanks Unc, and my bad... I wasn't sure where to post, and did so hastily before I forgot lol (a lot of projects on my mind these days)

I had it aligned not too long ago. I know the camber is a little off, which I have some adjustable bushings that I think will provide enough degree to fix it.

I got some parts collected to fix the suspension (wheel bearings, bushings etc.) and would like to collect what I need to tackle the steering at the same time while apart.

Oh ok yes I recall that is pump fix now...My pump is surprisingly ok, just way too much slack side to side, to the point its dangerous through switchbacks.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

You could try and get a "reman" steering box, but you may have to try half a dozen before you get one that isn't too worn out.

Yea I heard the same about the remans, I don't have much luck rolling dice.

 

[Uncle Gump]

All good...

IMO the TTB/TIB trucks all have a bit to be desired in the steering department. Just the nature of the beast.

Camber/wheel bearings/loose steering components/tire pressure etc... all play into it. I would just give it a good shake down and inspect all of it before you take it apart.

Then get it aligned when done.

 

[Shran]

I have purchased three reman steering boxes from Advance/Carquest and they are all working perfectly. I have no idea who the rebuilder was, probably the same supplier for every other parts store.

Make sure you rule out the rag joint(s) too.

 

[bobbywalter]

I don't use the rag joint....upgrade to u joints

I have seen many steering racks in swaps...dodge Dakota on a Cleveland swap was ok.


Swing set steering is the tru fix for beams.

 

[rubydist]

Swing set? Like the kids play on in the back yard? I don't see that as an improvement...

 

[19Walt93]

I got a reman box from Rock Auto to replace the manual box in my truck and I replaced the rag joint with a Borgeson u joint- not just to tighten it up, the rag joint would have rubbed on the exhaust manifold. I really wanted a Mustang II front end with rack and pinion but it wasn't in the budget.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

I got a reman box from Rock Auto to replace the manual box in my truck and I replaced the rag joint with a Borgeson u joint- not just to tighten it up, the rag joint would have rubbed on the exhaust manifold. I really wanted a Mustang II front end with rack and pinion but it wasn't in the budget.

Are you happy with the box? How did you find the u joint? Is it an option on the drop down menus?

I might just roll the dice on a reman box....

 

[Eddo Rogue]

All good...

IMO the TTB/TIB trucks all have a bit to be desired in the steering department. Just the nature of the beast.

Camber/wheel bearings/loose steering components/tire pressure etc... all play into it. I would just give it a good shake down and inspect all of it before you take it apart.

Then get it aligned when done.

Yes pretty much all of that needs tending lol, but the steering was loose before that.....and from the looks of it most of the slack is at the box.

I don't need race ready steering, just road worthy lol. She is loose!

I got wheel bearings and a few other parts gathered, hoping to get what I need to fix the steering too....get all done in one shot...I don't like leaving stuff apart too long as memory fades lol

 

[Shran]

U-joints are the way to go if you can, definitely a priority for offroad use. I just mentioned checking your rag joints because I seen a lot of ripped ones over the years and it's an easy fix.

 

[19Walt93]

Are you happy with the box? How did you find the u joint? Is it an option on the drop down menus?

I might just roll the dice on a reman box....

I'm OK with the box, but I'm old enough to have driven a lot of vehicles with recirculating ball steering so a little on center play doesn't upset me. I didn't think manual steering, radial tires, and the weight of a 351 would be a good combo. My son hates it but he's only owned rack and pinion vehicles. I measured the lower steering shaft and checked what kind of connections it had and picked one that could be made to fit. Having a rag joint didn't scare me but it would have rubbed on the exhaust manifold.

 

[4x4junkie]

I've had decent luck with steering gears from junkyards, believe it or not... Though admittedly it has been maybe 15 years since the last one I got... (they certainly aren't getting any newer). Ones from 2WD Explorers seem least likely to have issues (some yards will give you a 30-day guarantee for a small fee, something like 5 or 10% of the purchase price IIRC, allowing you to return it and get another if needed).


I would also 2nd the reman suggestion, but get it from a local store so that if you do get a sloppy one, you can go back and exchange it until you get a good one.

Swing set? Like the kids play on in the back yard? I don't see that as an improvement...

More like this:

(also sometimes called "crossover" steering due to the way the tierods cross each other)

The linkage connects to either one or two idler arms (called "swingers" due to the way they are mounted under the framerail), which from there it connects to the steering knuckles.
It's a faily complex setup (and isn't something I would suggest for a daily driver), but it's the best setup you can have for a go-fast (prerunner) offroad TTB or TIB rig. It still uses the OE (or OE type) steering gear though, so you're still dependent on it having one that's good & tight.