Topic: Steering effort variations between boxes

[neale_rs]

I've had three different steering boxes on my YJ.  The steering effort was different with each of them.  The second box was very easy to turn.  The third box (currently installed) is harder to turn and the original box was in between in turning effort.  The original box was replaced due to too much play that could not be adjusted out.  The second box was replaced due to some problems with the threads in the mounting holes. The second and third boxes have the same amount of play at the steering wheel, the only difference (very noticeable) being the steering effort.  The same pump was used for all three.  All three had/have acceptable turning resistance but...

What can cause steering boxes that are supposed to be stock replacements (you would expect them to work about the same) to have such different steering resistance?

[aw12345]

Adjustment, internal leakage, I take it the last 2 were used steering boxes?

[neale_rs]

The second and third are both rebuilt boxes from the same source. 
 
The adjustment for turning torque may be different because the third box also feels a bit harder to turn within the play than the second box did.  Internal leakage would be pretty bad news given these are freshly rebuilt.

Maybe the torsion bars are different?

[aw12345]

Is possible, since the torsion bar dictates how much oil flows through the valve spool at the same amount of torque at the steering wheel. New or rebuild boxes tend to take more steering effort than an old used one.

[neale_rs]

Maybe it will free up over time.  Thanks