suddenly steering is hard

When mine recently blew a ball joint it acted like you describe.

Mike

The fact that you had to reinforce the frame tell me that steering box is under a lot of stress that it was never design to handle. Given its age if it is the original box it is likely due replacement but for some reason some seem to think that they never wear out nor that lifts and big tires have no effect on their life span. .

----------------- TheSnoMan.com

I replaced my steering box with an AGR SuperBox2 about 7 years ago... I reinforced the frame for "peace of mind" because over the years I have had to weld many small cracks. Our road infrastrcuture here in South America is terrible, and the roads are full of holes.

I spotted my problem because one wheel had a slight lean to it compared to the other and when I examined the ball joints, the grease boot had torn out on one. If it has enough play to wreck a grease boot, it is cooked.

When I put my new frame into my CJ7, it is also getting plated for extra strength and that peace of mind, especially if I have to go used on the frame.

Mike

I understand that but even then 7 years is a long time for a steering box in those conditions. Jeep used to come with GM steering boxes that were pretty sturdy. My 79 J20 still has factroy GM box and pump and it plowed snow for many year. It is time for a new box in it thought it still works it is just low/erratic on boost at times and a bit loose.

----------------- TheSnoMan.com

Well, thankfully I just fixed the problem. I read an old post from year 2000 on this same group where a guy had this problem and had come up with this solution: I poured some lightweight oil all over the steering shaft and box from the firewall down to the box... Everything is back to normal now. :-)

Thanks for all your help. I was about to tear down the pump and box....

You may want to change the steering shaft at some time since it sounds like it is worn out.

Interesting. The u-joint was seizing up eh. Usually they get loose and sloppy. I oil mine regularly like you will likely do but it is still getting sloppy. There is a company local to me that will rebuild them with a greasable joint. I want to go that route some day.

Mike

I will certainly oil it from now on ;-)