Where to tap steering box if using an end cap

[mtnman210]

I've been looking over a ton of threads on tapping a steering box for hydro assist. I'm thinking that just doing the two holes on the box would be the easiest. However alot of what I've read has said that tires will hit the fittings when in that position. So is there another spot to tap the box where you won't get the tire clearance problems without going to an end cap.

The other option would be an end cap. With this setup where do you tap your box?


and one final question....where you I be able to find a 1/4" 18 thread NPT tap? Can I get one at say Lowes or am I gonna have to order it?

 

[shaun89]

i dont have many answers to this. but my buddy is getting ready to do this and he bought the end cap and the 2nd hole i believe he is putting next to where the allen key is on top of the box. on that square shaped cap.

 

[mtnman210]

I saw that the top cap was the most used place when using the end cap. However I'd like to avoid tapping the top cap. And was wondering if I could still tap on the box somewhere?

 

[dleroy43]

I have the JKW caps tapped on mine, very easy to install.
Why not tap the top cap? Its easyer to replace a cap than a box if you F-up the threading or drilling, not that I did that during my first attempt

 

[mtnman210]

I was under the impression that tapping the top (aluminum) cap wouldn't stand up the the pressure.

Hey Dom do you have any pictures of your setup?

 

[dleroy43]

hres a pic

 

[6.2Blazer]

I was under the impression that tapping the top (aluminum) cap wouldn't stand up the the pressure.

Hey Dom do you have any pictures of your setup?

Never heard of anybody saying that tapping the top cap was an issue (it's super thick), only some saying that trying to tap the stock end cap can be an issue.

 

[mrdrinksalil]

yeah, tapping the end cap is where you'll get problems. The top cap is thick. Has anyone every plumbed in any pressure gauges to see if you get more pressure doing it this way compaired to some of the other tapping locations? Is there a possibility one way is better than the other?

 

[6.2Blazer]

The pressure should pretty much be the same throughout the box, not like the fluid is travelling long distances down a pipe or anything. I would think the volume potential out tapping the end and top cap is greater, but likely a moot point if you are using the same size fitting.

In my opinion it's a lot easier to tap the end and top cap, at least assuming you should take the box apart to make sure there are no shavings in it. This isn't an issue since you pull the caps off already and removing them is much easier then disassembling the entire box.

I'm using the stock end cap on mine. I had a couple different long-time fabricators/welders look at it and they all told me it shouldn't be a problem. I did JB Weld a fender washer on it......so far so good after several trips.

The 1/4" NPT tap is very common and should be easy to find at any hardware/tool store.

 

[nerraw117]

anyone know how to reset the bearing preload when you do the top cap? i was going to remove then tap then put back but dont know how tight that adjustment needs to be.

 

[k20]

http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147102&highlight=sector+shaft+swap

 

[BGKYK5]

Great link, thanks for the info.