Steering box... variable or non variable ratio ?

[abendx]

I sheered my sector shaft and am looking for a replacement. Mopar doesn't sell this part (only the entire steering box) and I am looking for a replacement... the question that comes up while I am looking is whether or not the steering box uses a variable or non-variable ratio. I am planning on opening up the box later today when I have the time, but thought someone might already know the answer. Thanks.

[abendx]

Answer.... the JK steering box is non variable ratio.

[Broncojohn]

Thanks, I have no clue what that means. LOL

[abendx]

Originally Posted by Broncojohn

Thanks, I have no clue what that means. LOL

Well... I am not the right person to be educating you, but basically the sector shaft has equal sized teeth.

The best I could find on variable ratio steering is a system like BMW has with their active steering... although I am not sure this is the same thing.

The good news here is that if you were to break your sector shaft, replacements are easily available (not sure why, but variable ratio shafts are harder, but not impossible, to get). I will try and get some part numbers for the shaft to make it easier. The replacement shaft cost me less than a hundred dollars and is an easy job to replace. I took mine out with the steering box outside of the vehicle, but think it'd be just as easy to do with the steering box in the Jeep.

Make sure you get new seals and be forewarned, power steering fluid is evil!!

[Broncojohn]

Thanks, for the Good tech. Last time I pulled a sector shaft while the box was in the truck I needed a drip pan the size of Texas.