ZQ8 steering box

[rodent]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

Got mine for $35 from car-part.com. Suppose to be 2002 ZQ8 box. I measured 3 turns lock to lock.

End of Box:YJ
Silver cap Sticker:
YJ
TNG3222B1590
P15059802
cast: 7812145
Box: 26078668

I also found some more info that might explain more:

ZQ8 boxes are all 12.7 / 1 ratio. I measured the exact ratio on mine, off the truck, and it was 12.7 / 1. The output shaft rotates a total of 85 degrees and the input shaft rotates 1080 degrees (3 turns) off the truck. On the truck the number of turns is limited by the fixed stops on the truck. On my truck it is 2 1/2 turns. My gear is a YJ from a 2002 S-10 with ZQ8 option. I, also, corresponded with an ex Delphi engineer who gave me the same information. Delphi makes the Saginaw steering gears.

If you use a true ZQ8 steering gear it will not increase the turning radius of your truck. The gear will stop on the fixed stops on the truck just like your original gear. The stops in the gear are not touched. That is why the steering gear turns 3 turns lock to lock when it is off the truck and 2 1/2 turns when installed on the truck. The 3 turns stop on the gears internal stops. If you use a gear other than a ZQ8 gear you must be sure that the pitman arm will turn 85 degrees when the gear is off the truck. The only problem that I had was the steering wheel did not line up exactly as it was with the original gear. I don't lnow if this is a common occurence or not, if it is it can be corrected by removing the steering wheel and re-installing it in the right position or by adjusting the tie rod ends to realign it.

 

[ShuggsRR]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

Thanks for the info. I also had contacted a couple places about them from car-parts

 

[gjp]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

Removing old shaft and box for new ones. Can't get the pitman arm off the steering rack. Its was replaced a while back so its still good. Just cant free it. None of my forks are big enough. Should I just leave it there and remove from the box instead. I have a new pump,shaft, and zq8 box comming.

 

[ty166]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

gjp they make a tool called a pitman arm puller , there pretty cheap , or you could probably rent one , never seen a pickle fork work to get a pitman arm off of a gear box...

 

[WyoSyclone]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

Hey Guys,
Getting ready to do the steering box/steering shaft upgrade. What do you think of this thread from the S10 site?

http://forums.s-series.org/viewtopic.php?t=18921

They're making it sound like other boxes work, in addition to the ZQ8. The IROC Z box is the interesting one.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[SEL777]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

Stick with the ZQ8 box. I hope you also plan to do shocks and other front end stuff too. It'll really help when all the front suspension parts are in good working order. Don't forget the alignment after your swap.

 

[WyoSyclone]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

Thanks SEL,
I'm going to do the steering box and the steering shaft. Everything else on the front end is brand new including shocks, rims, tires, brakes, tie-rod ends, all bushings, zerks, etc.

I'm researching who has the best 4-wheel alignment machine in our area.

Thanks,
Rob

 

[HotRodV6]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

Thanks SEL,
I'm going to do the steering box and the steering shaft. Everything else on the front end is brand new including shocks, rims, tires, brakes, tie-rod ends, all bushings, zerks, etc.

I'm researching who has the best 4-wheel alignment machine in our area.

Thanks,
Rob

Just alittle FYI for you, its not the alignment machine but the person actually doing the alignment that makes or breaks the outcome.

 

[WyoSyclone]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

Hi Mike, Yup, I've had that experience before so I should have said looking for the shop with the best reputation. Luckily I work for a bunch of guys who build ground-up hot rods and they know everyone in the area.

Can't wait to feel how that new steering box and shaft feel!

 

[Black Knight]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

Hi Mike, Yup, I've had that experience before so I should have said looking for the shop with the best reputation. Luckily I work for a bunch of guys who build ground-up hot rods and they know everyone in the area.

Can't wait to feel how that new steering box and shaft feel!

You might want to find a copy of the SyTy alignment specs here and take it with you. I've worked at and with alot shops that don't have specs for a SyTy so they just use a standard 4wd S-10. Which isn't a hudge deal, but your caster and camber are different.

 

[WyoSyclone]

Re: ZQ8 steering box

I hadn't thought of that... that's a good tip. Luckily I bought one of the complete sets of GM service manuals off of Ebay, and it included the Sy book. I'll take that with me, or a copy of those pages.

Thanks!
Rob