ZQ8 Quest

Aeroking

Aeroking

e.i.
I have been on a 5 year quest for a ZQ8 steering box that isnt sloppy as f&#%.

I am currently running box number 7. This is my 5th junkyard pullout Z box, and ive had 2 parts-store reman boxes.

The box i have right now is the best so far, but its still very loose. I get 1/8 turn in either direction at all times when steering. When holding a steady turn (like in an interstate cloverleaf) the truck lunges out, then pulls back in, then lunges out again with a steady position on the wheel.

Looking back now, i guess this isnt an information post, more like a vent.

I'm using a Jeep solid shaft, Moog tie rod ends, edelbrock billet adjusters, and i replaced the bushing at the base of the column. I've checked the whole system on a lift, and all of the slop is in the box.

I've read the bad review on the AGR boxes, but at $40 a pop from the junkyards i am approaching the cost of an AGR. Opinions? Anyone else have excessive play in their ZQ8?
 
dgoodhue

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: ZQ8 Quest

My ZQ8 steering box seems to dead spot on the center. I have been planning to swap the stock box, it's just not a high priority.
 
dgoodhue

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: ZQ8 Quest

I do not think rebuilding the ZQ8 is going to resolve the issue. My zq8 box was out of 24k truck. It has been numb in the middle of the steering since day 1. My truck has new moog idler, steering arms, solid tie rods ends, & solid steering shaft.
 
P

Poconojoe

Donating Member
Re: ZQ8 Quest

Are you sure the idler arm is set up correctly? Sounds more like bump steer issues then a loose box.
 
Aeroking

Aeroking

e.i.
Re: ZQ8 Quest

Poconojoe said:
Are you sure the idler arm is set up correctly? Sounds more like bump steer issues then a loose box.
Click to expand...

yeah, the idle arm is tight. I put the front end on alignment plates and spun the steering wheel side to side, and traced the slop down to the steering box itself. I then jacked it up, removed the centerlink, and put a dial indicator on the pitman arm to see how much steering input was needed to move the idle arm.

I dont want to try another ZQ8 box. I may try an AGR, even though members seem to hate them. Last resort is i still have my original steering box with the standard ratio.
 
D

Damian

Member
Re: ZQ8 Quest

Just have it rebuilt. I've read so many reviews about AGR, and the majority of them aren't good. Anywhere from leaking right out of the box to horrible customer service to get the problems solved. $250 for a rebuilt box from a company that I have yet to read any bad reviews about seems like a winner to me.
 
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Damian

Member
Re: ZQ8 Quest

dgoodhue said:
I do not think rebuilding the ZQ8 is going to resolve the issue. My zq8 box was out of 24k truck. It has been numb in the middle of the steering since day 1. My truck has new moog idler, steering arms, solid tie rods ends, & solid steering shaft.
Click to expand...

Tighten up the adjustment a little at a time and that should help you. That adjustment screw us for over the center since that's where most of the worm gear is. But being that the box only has 24k miles on it doesn't mean it's still not old.
 
dgoodhue

dgoodhue

BuSTeD 4.3
Re: ZQ8 Quest

Damian said:
Tighten up the adjustment a little at a time and that should help you. That adjustment screw us for over the center since that's where most of the worm gear is. But being that the box only has 24k miles on it doesn't mean it's still not old.
Click to expand...

I did the zq8 in 2004, it came out of a 2000 so it wasn't old. DaveP claims that isn't an adjustment screw to reduce the dead spot of the steering box.
 
X

XMOJOX

Donating Member
Re: ZQ8 Quest

I have an AGR box in my Ty. One of the best upgrades I've ever done. I think most of those reviews are old. Maybe they've improved the quality in recent times.
 
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Damian

Member
Re: ZQ8 Quest

dgoodhue said:
I did the zq8 in 2004, it came out of a 2000 so it wasn't old. DaveP claims that isn't an adjustment screw to reduce the dead spot of the steering box.
Click to expand...

Adjusting it helped my over the center a little bit. It's always worth a shot, and it's free to try.
 
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bigmileage

Member
Re: ZQ8 Quest

FYI GM boxes are adjustable - have been since the beginning of time. There is a bolt on the top with a jam nut. You can make it tight using that, don't go too tight or you'll hate it. It's a trial and error type of adjustment.

I've always just adjusted mine and never replaced one.
 
Aeroking

Aeroking

e.i.
Re: ZQ8 Quest

Just had a spirited highway drive next to a camaro, and I was sawing the wheel to keep it in my lane. 4k in OD, wasn't much fun. I'm definitely going to pull it out and put the stock box back in.
 
Mingus

Mingus

Member
Re: ZQ8 Quest

You might check on a Lee box. I have heard rumors that they aren't building them anymore but I'm not sure. I have one in my '66 Cutlass. I had read that AGR boxes were hit or miss so I went with a Lee and I love it. Awesome feel and no slop.
 
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