I am gaterhing parts for my Mid-May Wrench-a-thon, and need a 2WD box for the x-over conversion. Obviously the junk yard cores are a dime a dozen, but the AGR's run about $400.

Is that cost justified? Are they really *that* much better? I don't plan to use the rock ram, either.

Suggestions, comments, rants apprecaited!

:beer:

All I know is mine runs real hot.
Had to put in a 5x7 tranny type cooler to keep it from whinin'.

Knowing what I know now, I would do the "washer" mod, (and go conservative on it so I dont crack the pump like some of these guys) rather than spend the coin.
Live and learn.

MJ

for the box I'd junkyard it. I've got an AGR pump and stock box. it works great as long as you run a big ass cooler

From what I hear from people, as far as durability, they are over priced junk compared to a real saginaw.

nothing special about there so called super box. it is a stock steering box from a cadillac. oh sure they cadium plate it and put on a fancy aluminum cover but it is really just a stock box.

* the caddy box has a larger piston in that is why they use it. it can produce more turning force.

i have run 35x16 boggers on a locked axle and 37x13 boggers on the same axle and the box and pump turned them easily, even when other guys with similar setups were having trouble even getting there tires to move 1/2 a turn. ive never had a problem with it running hot either. i am happy with them and there is an improvement over stock

Originally posted by zakk

Is that cost justified? Are they really *that* much better? I don't plan to use the rock ram, either.

:beer:

when i got the 39.5"ers i got one of them.

was'nt any good and did'nt turn the wheels any better.

besides, it started leaking after a while.

it's not a new box - it's a shiny rebuilt i would never buy again.

better get a strong one from a junkyard(one of those 250/350 Dodge, Chevy, Ford trucks) and make it work on your rig - cheaper, stronger and long lasting.

Well that sounds like a resounding "NO":)

I think I'll just go for a 2WD version out of a C-series for my K5.

Thanks for the pointers!:beer:

Zakk you mass murderer,

would you consider stopping this brutal killing
of them poor kittens?

after all you've been practicing this activity from
1989 or so, right? have'nt you had enough?!:D :rasta:

nothing special about there so called super box. it is a stock steering box from a cadillac. oh sure they cadium plate it and put on a fancy aluminum cover but it is really just a stock box.

* the caddy box has a larger piston in that is why they use it. it can produce more turning force.

Tell me more about this Caddy box! Do all GM saginaw boxes have the same mounting points? If not what will bolt into my 71 Blazer? Then I jsut use the same ford drop pitman arm to do cross-over? Thanks.

Originally posted by the frog
Zakk you mass murderer,

would you consider stopping this brutal killing
of them poor kittens?

after all you've been practicing this activity from
1989 or so, right? have'nt you had enough?!:D :rasta:

that is why Northern California doesn't have a stray cat problem:flipoff2: :flipoff2: :flipoff2:

:beer:'s for ya for gettin' that one:)

you gonna make it to TTC? i voted for ya!

I have been using a box and pump from Lee Power Steering systems for years. They are located somewhere in Ca. I think Sun Valley. I can't remember what it cost, but my rig is primarily a daily driver and the power and road feel is fantastic. They ask you lots of questions about your rig including the length of the hoses, intended use, tire size, etc. They custom build for what you want , no off the shelf stuff.

Originally posted by zakk


you gonna make it to TTC? i voted for ya!

absolutely!

i just hope the political situation here will
not prevent me from coming. you know, all
this suicide bombers and the fighting that's
going on here.

hell, they even might consider drafting the
Frog to the army, being such a good warior...:D :D

Maine Jeepah, What is the "washer mod"? Brett

All I know is of 3 people I know that have bought AGR boxes - all 3 of them have returned them because they were just no better than a stock box....

I have a friend that bought there Rock Ram system, it leaks, it gets super hot, and on a trip to Monteagle the PS fluid burned up and we had no steering at all! this of course was pushing 42's up Creek Bed #5, we almost never got turned around to get out of the woods. We used he winch to pull us in tight turns, the pump just wouldn't work at all. ( he has a big ass cooler just for the PS pump too! ). Don't buy AGR.

I must be the exception. I bought a AGR box about a 1 1/2 years ago & haven't had any problems. It whined a bit after I put it in & felt a bit "sluggish" with the stock pump but overall it was a lot better than the stock TJ box, but the stock box was shot to hell so anything was better than what I had.

I've heard of a number of complaints about AGR and that most folks have had better luck with Howe Engineering. They have been doing desert trucks for a couple decades and all of their work (except plating) is done in-house. I spoke with both and Howe seemed to have a lot better handle on it. This was all related to ram-assist systems, but included purchasing a reman'd box. Haven't heard any complaints about Howe at all personally.