Steering gearbox recommendations/thoughts?

[Importfanboy]

Hello all, I am looking to try and “tighten up” my steering wheel movement here. I will be lowering my 93 d21 within the next few months, and during that process I will be replacing front wheel bearings (if I’m doing drop spindles I may as well do new bearings) as well as new ball joints, and tie rods and probably the center link and pitman/idler arm for peace of mind. And if the steering wheel play is still there, then I suppose the only thing left would be the gearbox. I see a lot of the other d21 guys try and get other oem ones, so I ask are there any remans that are worthwhile? I have a 2wd 4cyl with manual steering, and living in Michigan I don’t come across these trucks, or even pathfinders, in junkyards very often so my resources are limited in comparison. I know it’s kind of stupid to be asking this before I have even touched the truck, but I would like to know what to expect or maybe what to look for if it turns out to be a worn steering box. I figured I would do all moog tie rods and links as well, but I am open to recommendations if there is better out there. Thank you guys so much!

[EF2]

i did exactly what you’re doing aside from wheel bearings and i have power steering and my steering is still absolute trash. from what i’ve heard on here, it’s basically the best it’s gonna be. i also hear tightening them up shortens their life by quite a bit. i’m going to convert to a rack and pinion eventually personally.

[Importfanboy]

Originally Posted by EF2

i did exactly what you’re doing aside from wheel bearings and i have power steering and my steering is still absolute trash. from what I’ve heard on here, it’s basically the best it’s gonna be. i also hear tightening them up shortens their life by quite a bit. i’m going to convert to a rack and pinion eventually personally.

I did find a post about people adjusting the nut on top if that is what you are referring to, and I have found the same about adjusting that can do more harm than good. I can live with the looseness, it isn't my daily driver or anything. But if I can tighten it up, then it would for sure be a plus. Otherwise hopefully someone has good experience with reman boxes on rockauto!

[Reserector]

Check the rag joint in the steering column. They go bad over time.

[EF2]

Originally Posted by Reserector

Check the rag joint in the steering column. They go bad over time.

got a link where i could find one?

[YEPEE]

looks like nissan sells it with the lower shaft, assuming its for pwr strg, it is out of production, from nissan anyway, lwr shaft pt# 48080-07G0A if that helps

[Reserector]

Thanks, YEPEE. No, I don't have a link. I replaced the one in my '86.5 model with a universal Dorman HELP part from Autozone years ago.



I currently have a Chevy/Nissan hybrid column, so I can't even offer photos.

[Reserector]

I did a search online and found that part is available on eBay and others, but is pricey. $114 - $145 range


Here is a universal that you can get at any parts store. May work for you if you have patience and the right hardware.
https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-23846-31002.aspx

[PorknBeans]

I had my steering gear remanufactured by Rock Auto. I chose the one from Lares 5503 for my '97 HB. Been on my truck for about 4 months with zero issues so far. The seal(s) were leaking on my OEM steering gear unit. This truck is my daily driver for work which is about 30 miles one way 5 days per week.

I also changed out my steering rag joint at the same time as the steering gear. Due to it being torn through on one of the bolt holes. So I did not trust it to be safe. I found a good used one on eBay and bought new nyloc nuts along with new bolts.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...K2ryEJ32AyCs2D

[Reserector]

This is the guy at RockAuto that rebuilds the steering boxes.