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Steering box adjustment on diesel

Dasher320

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Has anyone adjusted the steering box on your diesel? I'm asking because I want to do it and there is a hose--I think the lower heater hose--that is in the way. Before I go pulling things off to make the adjustment I want to know the implications. I've done a lot of maintenance on 4.0 engines, but I know nothing about diesels. Can I pull the hose off, make the adjustment to the steering box, and put the hose back on without causing problems? Does it work like a 4.0--can I do this and then just burp the cooling system to get the air out? I want to start working on these things on my own with this JL, but I'm intimidated by the diesel since I don't know anything about them.
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HoundDude

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I recommend a microbutane torch or heat gun applied to the locknut on the adjuster screw before attempting to turn it. without heat, you can easily strip the Allen head on the adjuster screw if your box came with (red) loctite applied to the locknut threads..
 

Plongson

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I'd suggest just leave it alone. If it's so bad you really think something is really amiss...it's going to be a warranty issue. Afterall, the dang thing is brand new.

Don't go looking for trouble and don't fix it if it's not broke...just sage advice from an old hand...
 
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Dasher320

Dasher320

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Thanks. The dead spot in my steering is bad. I've replaced all the steering components and added the sector shaft brace and no change. I'm dropping off at a shop for an alignment next week, going to talk to them about it.
 

WXman

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I'm somewhat mechanically inclined but I've had mechanics who do it for a living tell me to use the steering box adjustment as a LAST RESORT. It's really intended to take up some slack once the box has years of wear on it.

My steering issues all went away after a full calibration reload to the onboard computers. I think the electronic steering on the JL/JT really screwed things up. JKs never handled that bad.
 

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Plongson

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Maybe I'm a bit confused, but we're talking about your 2020 JLUR diesel, correct? If it's one of your other units, then I understand you trying to track down a steering issue...but if it's on a brand spank'n new 2020...what the heck happened that necessitated the replacement of nearly the entire steering system? Hell...mine still has the "New car smell!" lol...

No offence!! I'm just trying to get my head around your problem/question
 
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Dasher320

Dasher320

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Maybe I'm a bit confused, but we're talking about your 2020 JLUR diesel, correct? If it's one of your other units, then I understand you trying to track down a steering issue...but if it's on a brand spank'n new 2020...what the heck happened that necessitated the replacement of nearly the entire steering system? Hell...mine still has the "New car smell!" lol...

No offence!! I'm just trying to get my head around your problem/question
I didn't do all that to track down the issue, but I was hoping it would fix the issue. I went to 3.5 inch lift, 37 inch tires with beadlocks, upgraded the steering, replaced the front axle shafts, etc. because I use it off road a lot. I'm planning to head out west next week and stay out there for a few months in a small RV. So I did all the work to make sure it can handle some serious off road driving.
 

Plongson

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GOTCH'A! I'm clear now...Good luck! Sometimes this stuff can be a real puzzle, you'll figure it out, I'm sure...
 
 



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