Expert: Kevin Pilotte - 10/16/2008

Question
Hi Kevin, I recently purchased an '81 CJ7 w/258-6 4sp. It has alot of issues, most of which I've got straightened out. The steering gear box is shot! Someone adjusted it to the point that the locking nut is missing and they used a piece of coat hanger to hold the adjustment screw in place. Can you tell me if box might be a generic box used by other vehicles that I might find in a junk yard cheaper than buying a new or reman. one from a parts store? Another issue I haven't resolved is the fuel and temp gauge fluctuation. When I start it up the temp and fuel gauges immediately go to hot and full hot. Now here's the kicker, the windshield frame is all rusted out, when it rains water runs down under the dash all over everything. After a good rain the gauges do exactly to opposite - cold and empty. Is it possible that over the years water has gotten to the CVR and is causing this problem or do you think it is something else causing this?

Answer
Visit you local salvage yard and ask to see their interchangability book. In it you can see what year Jeeps use the same steering gear box.
I would sugggest removing the gauges and inspecting the circuit board for corrosion. Clean the board and contacts, replace the CVR, and fix the water leak.