Steering box differences

[Griff]

Hey guys
Sorry if this has been posted before, but I have 2 questions. I have a 79 and I’m wondering the differences between the 73-87 steering boxes. Local parts store says only 77-79 will fit my truck but the only difference I can see (from online details) between mine and the 80+ is the hose threads. Mine are imperial and the newer ones are metric. Buddy of mine has a box that he’d give me for a case of beer off an 83, and the store wants $250 something for a reman unit.
My sector shaft moves up and down into the case when I turn one way and PO had the adjustment screw bottomed out. It’s my assumption that the gears/bearings etc are probably shot anyway and I should just get something else instead of rebuilding my current one. Any advice would be appreciated. If it’s simply a matter of changing hoses to fit the 83 box I’d much rather do that. From what I’ve read on here reman units are pretty hit or miss. Thanks
Griff

 

[bucket]

Yep, the newer box will have metric fittings that use an o-ring. There's actually adapters out there so you don't even have to mess with changing hoses.

 

[Griff]

Awesome thank you! I might just get the whole pump off him. Either way it’s cheaper than 250!

 

[bucket]

Just keep in mind, 4x4 boxes have a different sector shaft than a 2wd box.

 

[75gmck25]

The other advantage of the newer boxes is that you can take out the rag joint and use one of the newer Jeep steering shafts, which tightens up the steering a little. The older boxes don't have the right fitting to let you use the jeep shaft. This is one article on the shaft swap. https://ck5.com/forums/threads/jeep-xj-steering-shaft-sweet-upgrade.286086/

Bruce