Symptoms
Wandering steering, a box that shifts on the frame, or cracks around the box mounting holes. RockCrawler.com blames cheap stamped brackets, age, mileage and big tires.
The fix, step by step
- RockCrawler's plate-steel bracket install: disconnect the drag link, hoses and steering shaft, remove the box, fit the bracket's studs and spacers with thread-locker and trial-fit, filing the holes if needed.
- Bolt the mount to the box at 65 ft-lb and to the frame with Grade 8 hardware at 55 ft-lb, adding the through-frame bolt.
- Weld any existing cracks first.
- Route the hoses so they can't rub.
Tools & part numbers
- Pitman arm puller
- torque wrench
- thread-locker
- welder for frame repairs
Where to buy the parts
Rust Buster RB1008 heavy-duty steering box mount, 1976–86 CJ-5/7/8Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Fishbone Offroad FB26318 steering box mount, 1976–86 CJ-7/CJ-8Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown J5355446 upper steering box bracket, 1976–86 CJ-5/7/8Quadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Crown 83500369 steering box seal kit, 1974–86 CJ power steeringQuadratec ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.