Redhead steering Gear box

[alex t]

Hey guys, just want to take a minute and thank the fsj network. The members and advise are priceless. Ok, now on to my self created issue. I have 1987 grand waggy that needed a steering box replacement. We determined this after replacing all the tie rods and having it aligned. The one we removed had 4 mounting holes and the one I received from redhead steering had 3 mounting holes. It bolted in with no issues and we also replaced both power steering lines as well. My issue is that redhead steering does have a steering box for my waggy with 4 mount holes. Should I change mine out or is the 3 mount unit ok. I use my waggy as my daily driver, occasionaly tow a 22" cuddy cabin boat and use is on the sand to surf cast. Just included that in case it makes a difference. Thanks in advance as I have an 8am alignment appointment Monday and I'm wondering if I should cancel.

[dodgerammit]

I ordered mine from BJ's off road. They can get the 4 holes. I'd think the 4 hole design may be for strength or frame integrity over 3 hole design.

[tgreese]

Yes, 4 tabs is (4/3 - 1) * 100% = 33% stronger than 3 tabs. Jeep used the 4-tab gears because they felt their vehicles needed the stronger mounting. The 3-tab 4x4 S-10/Blazer steering gear is an improved variable ratio design that many people like. Seems to work fine, from all reports. Most of these Jeeps never see hard enough service that they might break the mount.

i would mention that I did break the 4-bolt mount on my '73 CJ-5 (the bracket, not the gear), but that was under much harder service than what you describe your GW will ever see. I mostly think the gear will never break, but the extra tab allows for a stronger mount bracket on the chassis.

The 4-tab cores are more scarce, and the rebuilders often substitute a 3-tab gear for a Jeep application. Not a proper sub, IMO.

[alex t]

I'm going to try and return the 3 mounting hole unit which was just installed in my rig for a 4 mounting hole unit with redhead steering. after a few miles and cornering the steering wheel seems to get stuck 11:00 and 2:00 and not want to easily get back to center. I know I did not have that issue before the replacement. thank you for the valuable input.