What model S10 donor for steering gear box?

[Copenhagen1]

I have done a lot of searches and read a lot of threads about changing the steering gear box out for an S10 version. I have seen where it has 3 holes instead of 4. I have read where it seems to steer a little tighter.
But for the life of me, I cannot find what year S10 to look for. I read where it says "late model" but that doesn't help me figure out which one to order.

I have an 85 GW that has developed a nice leak in the input shaft. I need to fix this because it is driving me crazy:banghead: . Will my lines fit the S10 steering box or will I need new lines?

Any help would be greatly appreciated:thumbsup: .

CH1

[xsonmyeyes]

I think 95-98 4wd but I could be wrong...someone else will chime in. Did you search the forum section??

[flatbackdragon]

believe it was 94-2000 s10's 4wheeldrive, not 2.
your lines will fit.

[shepherdskeep]

My Chero has a gearbox from a '98 4wd on it. As long as the FSJ is early 80's or newer the lines will bolt up. Older FSJ's (like mine) need to have the fittings adapted.

[flatbackdragon]

the three bolt box will hold up unless you run 35" tires and wheel hard than usual.
If you want a four bolt box for jeeps NAPA has them
NSP276528 cost 174. w/core charge of 139.00 unless you have your old one with you then no core charge
NSP276507 is a three bolt jeep box 154.00 w/core of 11.01 (cheap core huh?)

[shepherdskeep]

the three bolt box will hold up unless you run 35" tires and wheel hard than usual.

That would be me, and my 3-bolt box is holding up just fine. :D
Doesn't want to turn when the front tires are wedged against a rock that's bigger than my hood though :D

[Copenhagen1]

Thank you guys. That was really fast. I will not be running anything bigger than 32" tires in the near future. I actually bought this Jeep to put on my deer hunting property and only drive during deer season.

It runs great. I got all the windows and lights and everything working. I ordered new window seals (inner and outer) because it will sit outside. I ordered a fuel sending unit and got that guage working. I just need this dang leak fixed.

After I replaced the window seals, I made a huge mistake. I washed it:eek: !
Now , I think I am beginning to really like the thing and I may end up registering it and driving it. It is such a blast to drive. The seats are like big pieces of furniture.

Thanks again.

CH1

[willysworker]

the three bolt box will hold up unless you run 35" tires and wheel hard than usual.
If you want a four bolt box for jeeps NAPA has them
NSP276528 cost 174. w/core charge of 139.00 unless you have your old one with you then no core charge
NSP276507 is a three bolt jeep box 154.00 w/core of 11.01 (cheap core huh?)
IMHO forget Napa's. I got a replacement box and it's junk. It's sloppy and only a couple years old. I will be replacing but not with another Napa unit.

[palexand]

Hope I didn't miss the answer elsewhere here gang, but I'm looking for the definitive year range that the S10 gearbox can be had to fit the early '80's and up FSJ's (for sure)...it's not here.

I've seen people claim these years...and maybe others. I'd like the most recent from the recycling yard when going shopping tomorrow:).

'94-'98
'94-'00
'94-'01
'96-'98I ask because the car-part.com query when requesting a '98 s10 4X4 gearbox returns models from '95-'04...heck, if I could get an '04, I'd be better off:thumbsup:.

[Cannaert]

It is for a 95 to 03 4WD S-10. Same PS box. Autozone part # is 7577
82 to 03 2WD and 82 -94 4WD are different. Autozone part # is 7575 (ZQ8 is 7576)

I know my S-10s well. Been In love with them since the 4th grade.
Hope that helps out with what years you need to look up.

[shiner2001]

Thank you guys. That was really fast. I will not be running anything bigger than 32" tires in the near future. I actually bought this Jeep to put on my deer hunting property and only drive during deer season.

It runs great. I got all the windows and lights and everything working. I ordered new window seals (inner and outer) because it will sit outside. I ordered a fuel sending unit and got that guage working. I just need this dang leak fixed.

After I replaced the window seals, I made a huge mistake. I washed it:eek: !
Now , I think I am beginning to really like the thing and I may end up registering it and driving it. It is such a blast to drive. The seats are like big pieces of furniture.

Thanks again.

CH1


Did you get the camo one with the huge bumpers that was on Craigslist in Mineola? I just saw "east Texas" and "deer season" so I figured that may be the one.

[shiner2001]

I have an 85 GW that has developed a nice leak in the input shaft. I need to fix this because it is driving me crazy:banghead: .

CH1

And to help out in the meantime, try Lucas's power steering stop leak. The 73 I just got the other day was leaking BAD (dry reservoir in about 50 miles, NO power steering) and I completely filled it with the Lucas the day I got it and have driven it since without adding any. Now, it still leaks a little bit, but it's a HUGE improvement over before. A smaller leak may be completely cured with the stuff.

Just something that may help you out until you get it replaced.

[Headhoncho]

I converted mine to an S-10 box and converted it right back a week later. Couldn't stand it. I wish you were closer as I'll make you a deal on my old S-10 box.



JR

[shiner2001]

I converted mine to an S-10 box and converted it right back a week later. Couldn't stand it. I wish you were closer as I'll make you a deal on my old S-10 box.



JR

Why did you not like it? I've been looking at doing the swap myself...

[Headhoncho]

Why did you not like it? I've been looking at doing the swap myself...

It felt like the effort to turn the wheel was far greater than it was with the stock box. Felt like driving a truck with manual steering.
My truck has 37's with crossover steering and I can turn the wheel lock to lock with one finger with the stock box.


JR

[Cecil14]

It felt like the effort to turn the wheel was far greater than it was with the stock box. Felt like driving a truck with manual steering.
My truck has 37's with crossover steering and I can turn the wheel lock to lock with one finger with the stock box.


JR

That's exactly why most people change it out. They're looking for more of a "sporty" feel. When you're cruising down the freeway at 80mph you don't want to be able to turn the wheel a complete revolution with one finger. Take a sports car for a spin...it's not "difficult" to turn the wheel, but you know when you're turning and you have to deliberately do it.

Now granted this is NOT going to be ideal for wheeling. This is definitely an on-road manners option. If you're turning big tires against hard terrain the S10 box is not going to be an advantage.


aa

[Headhoncho]

That's exactly why most people change it out. They're looking for more of a "sporty" feel. When you're cruising down the freeway at 80mph you don't want to be able to turn the wheel a complete revolution with one finger.aa

*In my best York Peppermint Pattie commercial voice*
When I'm in my Jeep doing 80 mph, I get the sensation of being in a '67 GT40 Mk IV twisting and turning around the LeMans circuit, passing Porsches and Ferrari's (and maybe a trash truck with a strong tailwind) and the cool breeze whooshing through my hair (or what's left of it) :(. Ahh Haaa



JR

[palexand]

It is for a 95 to 03 4WD S-10. Same PS box. Autozone part # is 7577
82 to 03 2WD and 82 -94 4WD are different. Autozone part # is 7575 (ZQ8 is 7576).

We should add this to the tech library. Thanks for the info;-).

[palexand]

I assume replacing the rag joint with the BJ's piece is a good idea as well...yes?

http://www.bjsoffroad.com/CartGenie/prod-467.htm

[shiner2001]

I assume replacing the rag joint with the BJ's piece is a good idea as well...yes?

http://www.bjsoffroad.com/CartGenie/prod-467.htm

I replaced a sloppy rag joint on my Cherokee and it made alot of difference. I think I picked it up at O'reilley's.

[palexand]

I've got the wheels centered, the old gearbox out, and ready to install my new donor s10 box...How do I align the gearbox correctly so with the pitman arm installed, my steering wheel is straight? I know 'about' where it should go. But, how do you guys get it right the first time?

[DukeJeep]

This is all great to know, I replaced the lines on mine, but its still leaking. Hopefully its not this, but if it is - great to know!

[Cecil14]

I've got the wheels centered, the old gearbox out, and ready to install my new donor s10 box...How do I align the gearbox correctly so with the pitman arm installed, my steering wheel is straight? I know 'about' where it should go. But, how do you guys get it right the first time?

The pitman arm should be keyed. There are 4 large splines at each quarter on the output shaft on the gear box. As long as it's real close you can adjust it the rest of the way with the draglink adjustment.


aa

[palexand]

Update on my s10 gearbox experience:

After getting the correct part # to mate up with the pitman arm on my '86 gw (see thread from me on that labor of #$% (errr, love), I got the new steering gearbox installed last week - no problem.

The truck drives like a dream on the road - 3/4 of a spin from the steering wheel for a 90* turn, and only a turn and a half for a u-ey. Impressive and tight. Road worthiness and confidence in the lane is vastly improved. With something this large, you expect to be steering a pack of wild animals to keep it straight - have to say, it took me two days to get the feel for it and stop pulling and fighting it. Now, I need to work on the front suspension - new ball joints, sway bay/end link bushings, steering stabilizer, shocks, and a 4-whl alignment to shore up the looseness. Not to mention, tightening the lower steering column that plagues us. That'll be a first for me. That's a terribly annoying feature.