new gear box

[dobie6982]

I put in an Iroc gear box and made the pump mods. The steering is really stiff. I jacked the car up and it is just as hard to turn up in the air as it is on the ground. I disconnected the pitman arm and could then steering by moving the tires back and forth, but the steering wheel was just as stiff. I have drove manual that was easier to steer. I have made the adjustment on the gear box from all the way in to all the way out. The steering does not go back to center either. Do I have a bad gear box? I am afraid I have eliminated anything else.

[David Pozzi]

Is pump pressure going to the port nearest the engine? If the box is full of oil but not getting proper pressure it can be hard to turn.

[dobie6982]

I figured it out. It was the pump. Not sure why it went out, or half way out rather. I put a new pump on made some mods and now it is as smooth as butter.

[David Pozzi]

One little speck of metal shaving can stick the flow valve in the pump. An inline filter in the return hose is a good idea.

[drmatera]

hmm, the search function does work... I am having a very similar issue with my 442. I replaced the whole front suspension and steering (jeep box) and the steering is very stiff. When it was stock it you could steer it with your pinky. And it seems I need constant input keeping the car straight because it doesn't go back to center. And I seem to be losing fluid now but I don't see a drip anywhere. May be time for a new pump