05+. steering box swap
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
05+. steering box swap
@Nicmike
IIRC you swapped in a 05+ steering gear when you did your axle.
couple of Qs
1.
same bolt pattern just larger bolts ?
2.
is steering shaft coupler a direct fit ?
3.
same port size and locations or did you have to change or make new lines/hoses ?
I am finally going to do my ram assist steering but my current box has a bit of play at the sector shaft so considering swapping to the 05+ box with the larger presumably stronger sector shaft.
IIRC you swapped in a 05+ steering gear when you did your axle.
couple of Qs
1.
same bolt pattern just larger bolts ?
2.
is steering shaft coupler a direct fit ?
3.
same port size and locations or did you have to change or make new lines/hoses ?
I am finally going to do my ram assist steering but my current box has a bit of play at the sector shaft so considering swapping to the 05+ box with the larger presumably stronger sector shaft.
Veteran/Sheepdog
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 6,047
Likes: 110
From: Western AR
@Nicmike
IIRC you swapped in a 05+ steering gear when you did your axle.
couple of Qs
1.
same bolt pattern just larger bolts ?
2.
is steering shaft coupler a direct fit ?
3.
same port size and locations or did you have to change or make new lines/hoses ?
I am finally going to do my ram assist steering but my current box has a bit of play at the sector shaft so considering swapping to the 05+ box with the larger presumably stronger sector shaft.
IIRC you swapped in a 05+ steering gear when you did your axle.
couple of Qs
1.
same bolt pattern just larger bolts ?
2.
is steering shaft coupler a direct fit ?
3.
same port size and locations or did you have to change or make new lines/hoses ?
I am finally going to do my ram assist steering but my current box has a bit of play at the sector shaft so considering swapping to the 05+ box with the larger presumably stronger sector shaft.
-Steering shaft coupler is a direct fit IF you get an early '08 back to '05. After early '08, the shaft coupling design changed to "2 flats" from "toothed-gear style".
-Same port size on the one hose you will keep from oil cooler to the box. The other hose is different...On the '05+ you need to get the hose that goes from the hydro-boost down to the steering gear. That hose fitting is different on the newer steering box.
-sector shaft and pitman arm are much bigger on the '05+ boxes. It takes fewer turns of the box/steering wheel to go from lock to lock and much less effort.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
who ever decided to put that nylon washer on the hydro boost side should be in prison. I have had 3 fail on me since 2000, results in loss of brakes and nearly impossible to steer. hard to believe that hose didn't result in a recall
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
pretty sure the taper is the same but the diameter is larger so the 99-04 TRE would sit in it deeper.
I will either build my own pitman arm or my own tie rod using the larger 05+ TRE. haven't sat down down measured them yet so undecided.
I will either build my own pitman arm or my own tie rod using the larger 05+ TRE. haven't sat down down measured them yet so undecided.
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
Likes: 346
From: Northern California
going to change them all over to JIC snd use the field reparable type fittings
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 296
Likes: 2
From: Denver, CO
First I have heard of swapping the steering box to the 05'+. Based on Pirate4x4_camo saying the sector shaft is stronger it has me curious about the swap.
I assume this is a beneficial swap for those of us who do not have an 05'+ axle as well? I have swapped in an 04' D60 but still leaf front suspension. I know less steering travel but more strength is good for those of us on 37"+ tires...
Hope I'm not cluttering the thread...
I assume this is a beneficial swap for those of us who do not have an 05'+ axle as well? I have swapped in an 04' D60 but still leaf front suspension. I know less steering travel but more strength is good for those of us on 37"+ tires...
Hope I'm not cluttering the thread...
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Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Northern California
been awhile since I looked up the specs but I will and post them.
i recall not only a larger sector shaft that will be stronger but also the larger bearing surface area will not wear out as quickly which is key if you have a dropped pitman arm and or larger tires.
also has a larger piston so more powerful.
travel isnt a a issue because the steering is limited by the stock steering stops on the knuckle. although with leafs you are likely hitting the leaf before the stop.
i recall not only a larger sector shaft that will be stronger but also the larger bearing surface area will not wear out as quickly which is key if you have a dropped pitman arm and or larger tires.
also has a larger piston so more powerful.
travel isnt a a issue because the steering is limited by the stock steering stops on the knuckle. although with leafs you are likely hitting the leaf before the stop.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 296
Likes: 2
From: Denver, CO
been awhile since I looked up the specs but I will and post them.
i recall not only a larger sector shaft that will be stronger but also the larger bearing surface area will not wear out as quickly which is key if you have a dropped pitman arm and or larger tires.
also has a larger piston so more powerful.
travel isnt a a issue because the steering is limited by the stock steering stops on the knuckle. although with leafs you are likely hitting the leaf before the stop.
i recall not only a larger sector shaft that will be stronger but also the larger bearing surface area will not wear out as quickly which is key if you have a dropped pitman arm and or larger tires.
also has a larger piston so more powerful.
travel isnt a a issue because the steering is limited by the stock steering stops on the knuckle. although with leafs you are likely hitting the leaf before the stop.
Ill be watching this thread. Thanks as always Pirate4x4_camo!
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: north of Minneapolis, MN
Spoiler
Thread Starter
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Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 8,259
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From: Northern California
sure but the taper is the same 1.5” per foot.
4wd Low
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
How did the box conversion turn out? I am getting ready to do this conversion myself. Did you make a pitman arm or alter the tie rod? I was going to order 2 pitman arms, 99-04 and a 05 to 07 and take them to a machine shop to see what can be done. Thanks.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 5,647
Likes: 891
From: north of Minneapolis, MN
A company makes a shim for this.