1990 2.5L - VERY tight steering help...

[cmcolfax]

Like almost unable to drive the thing tight.

 

The basics:

 

1990

Base model.

2.5L

 

It runs good, shifts well and stops fine.

 

MANUAL Steering.

 

It took all I had to wrestle the wheel to turn it around in the yard.

 

My gut tells me the steering box is shot.

 

So, my questions are:

 

Anything else y'all can think of that would cause this?

 

If it is the steering box, how pricey are they ang how much work to replace?

 

Thanks!

 

-cmc-

[Eagle]

Have you driven cars with non-rack & pinion manual steering before? Were you trying to turn the steering wheel when the vehicle wasn't moving? If so -- ain't gonna happen. Also, manual steering serves as a reminder to check your tire pressures. If they're soft -- you'll know it.

[cmcolfax]

Have not driven a non-power steering vehicle in a LOOOOOOONG time.

 

Tire pressures were prolly a little low and uneven.

 

I was trying to drive at <20mph.

 

I expected having to "muscle" it a little bit, but this seemed excessive.

 

Hard to compare though.

 

Are there other signs that the steering box is shot?

 

There is no play in the wheel.

 

And any other ideas, other than me just being a wimp, that could cause such tight steering?

 

Thanky!

 

-cmc-

[JeeppinTom]

Just a shot in the dark, lube the front end.

[cmcolfax]

I guess my biggest concern is figuring out how to get it home...

 

It is +/- 60 miles of either hilly backroads or Interstate highway away.

 

Dunno if I wanna try to drive it, and if I do, which way would be the better choice.

 

Once it is home, I can hose it off and crawl under it to check for OBVIOUS things.

 

:wall:

 

-cmc-

[mjeff87]

You dragging it or driving it? Lemme know when, and I can give you a hand. I can run blocker for ya in my MJ :D and bring along my grease gun.....

 

Jeff

[pingpong]

Or if you pay the gas.. I can run up there and you can put it on my trailer and get it home

[Kenosha Warrior]

Ugh, my frontend on my '89 MJ (same spec's as this one) is stiffer than hell. Ive lubed it and all, still really tight. The frontend is up on jackstands, the steering shock may be shot, would that make it really stiff and tight to turn? Or is the steering box toast? eventually I want to put it to PS but the mechanic at the shop told me there was no way it would pass safety with steering as stiff as that. Its hell.

[Oizarod115]

steering shock is just a stabilizer it shouldnt cause that i don't think, rent a puller and take it off to test it if you want, i think most auto places its like 40 bucks but you get the money back in full when you bring back the tool.

[Kenosha Warrior]

steering shock is just a stabilizer it shouldnt cause that i don't think, rent a puller and take it off to test it if you want, i think most auto places its like 40 bucks but you get the money back in full when you bring back the tool.

 

How do you get it off? I tried with an impact gun, no luck.

[partsmj]

I would check the u joints on the lower shaft, should be easy to take off. or not.

[Pete M]

Ugh, my frontend on my '89 MJ (same spec's as this one) is stiffer than hell. Ive lubed it and all, still really tight. The frontend is up on jackstands, the steering shock may be shot, would that make it really stiff and tight to turn? Or is the steering box toast? eventually I want to put it to PS but the mechanic at the shop told me there was no way it would pass safety with steering as stiff as that. Its hell.

 

You've got TWO MJs with manual steering? Do you seek them out? :eek:

[Kenosha Warrior]

Ugh, my frontend on my '89 MJ (same spec's as this one) is stiffer than hell. Ive lubed it and all, still really tight. The frontend is up on jackstands, the steering shock may be shot, would that make it really stiff and tight to turn? Or is the steering box toast? eventually I want to put it to PS but the mechanic at the shop told me there was no way it would pass safety with steering as stiff as that. Its hell.

 

You've got TWO MJs with manual steering? Do you seek them out? :eek:

 

Hahah, well, yes and no. I have my little '89 that is up on jackstands in my driveway and at my friend's farm, his dad uses old junker Cherokees around the farm, behind the tractor barn, there is a '86 LWB 4x4 without the front, '87 Pioneer with a badly swapped in D44 and no T-case, and a litteral copy of my MJ. A 1989 Comanche 2.5L, 4spd, 2wd with the D35, but it has Power Steering. That's where I'm getting the PS pump and such, but the entire front end is seized to the bone. The box was disconnected (pitman arm was unbolted from the tierods and such) Its sad to see them sitting there rotting but he uses them for spare parts for his running 1988 Pioneer (faded dark blue, 4x4, 5spd AX-15, D44 rear, H.O I-6.) Its in beautiful condition, and he wants to keep it that way.

 

I really need this goddamn steering fixed, There is a super-lot of play in it though, I almost have to crank the wheel a full turn before the wheels move. I'm beginning to think steering box.

[87manche]

I'd take a long hard look at the balljoints being way too tight.