Manual Gearbox

[13 Legion]

I have a 87 2.5 RWD 4spd. My steering gearbox has long been beyond shot. I would like to replace it and keep the manual steering. My Comanche is not used to off road and can be a DD although I just don't drive it as much. Anyone know of any good gearbox replacements? Could I grab one from the JY? If so what vehicles should I be looking for that would have used this type of box? XJ,YJ,CJ? What years? At JY If it was a 5spd with manual steering would it make a difference? Thanks!

[mnkyboy]

XJ is the same but manual boxes can be hard to find.

 

You can usually convert to power steering for less then a new or reman manual box goes for.

[13 Legion]

I'd really like to keep it manual though. Thx man! I just figured most of the base models with the 2.5 from that year were manual.

[Minuit]

After about 1990 or so, manual steering started to disappear. All 4.0 XJ/MJs had power steering, and even then most 2.5s got power steering anyway. You're only likely to find manual steering on an early model, extremely stripped model. There was a 2.5 XJ in the JY I go to. Next time I go (if it's still there) I'll remember to look and see if it was manual or power.

 

What are the problems you're having?

[13 Legion]

Thanks!! I've known about this problem from the get go( I know the PO). You are able to take the steering wheel while driving and turn it to the 10 and 2 position( right, left) before the vehicle reacts. I tried a slight adjustment on top of box and it didn't help. I've taken it to 2 separate shops and was told the same thing... Needs a new steering gearbox. I called local Jeep dealer and talked to parts guy... "Let me check"... Nothing. No dealer carries them. More or less obsolete.

[Jeep Driver]

Your only hope is here- http://www.flamingriver.com/index.php/products/c0011/s0004/FR1543

[13 Legion]

Thx Jeep driver!! That sound like correct ratio 20:1?

[Jeep Driver]

Thx Jeep driver!! That sound like correct ratio 20:1?

I have no idea.

 

Call them......steering is all they do, if anyone knows or can help you, it's them.

[HOrnbrod]

According to the trusty parts manual, the same manual box as yours (p/n 52000089) was used on 81-93 XJs, MJs, and Wranglers, and up to the 94-95 YJs. Your best bet for a used manual box would be from a newer Wrangler. New and rebuilt units are listed everywhere including Ebay, so give it a good search using the part number.

[mnkyboy]

Weird that they would have the same part# ,Wranglers mount with four bolts,I've also heard the ratio is different.

 

I imagine a YJ box would fit,i have one here that was manual steering that the owner converted using an XJ box,he just didn't use the 4th bolt.

[13 Legion]

http://www.carparts.com/details/Jeep/Comanche/Crown/Steering_Gearbox/1987/Base/4_Cyl_2-dot-5L/52000089.html

Has anyone dealt with Crown parts?

[Eagle]

http://www.carparts.com/details/Jeep/Comanche/Crown/Steering_Gearbox/1987/Base/4_Cyl_2-dot-5L/52000089.html

Has anyone dealt with Crown parts?

Yes.

 

I use a lot of Crown parts. They specialize in Jeep stuff (along with Hudson!). So much so that their Jeep parts use Jeep part numbers.

 

Ratio for the XJ/MJ manual box was either 20:1 or 24:1. VERY slow ratio, and I can't imagine actually wanting to replace one with another of the same. That said, it's a basic Saginaw box, and the same box was used in AMC cars for decades. Go junkyard, or splurge on a rebuilt.