AGR Box Problems

[Shawn]

I ordered a AGR Super Box 2 for my CJ7 and was kinda downed when I received it because there was a helicoil (sp) in one of the mounting ears. Keep in mind that I just dropped over $350.00 for this box. I also ordered the pump, the steering shaft, tier rods, ball joints and u joints. After the install the test ride was frighting..... The box had more that a 1/4 turn of play. I called AGR and they gave me a RGA number to return the box. A month later, and yes the jeep just sat there waiting, I received my box back. Yep, the steering was tight, however, now when I drive down the road and take a soft turn to the right the box will let go and I start going straight even with the wheel still turned. On the freeway it pulses, turn, straight, turn, straight... wicked scary. So I called AGR again and they send me a replacement box and I received it yesterday. Upon visual inspection of this box, one of the 4 mounting ears has been replaced, literally a new one was made and welded on.....:wtf: The weld looks good and I'm really not worried about it holding, I just ask myself, do they refurbish the worst boxes they can find and send them out? I went with AGR because of there reputation... was I wrong? Has anyone else experienced these issues? I'm wondering if I want to go through the pain of putting in the new box or just putting in my old one.

 

[Kiel]

I don't think I would tolerate that with a autozone box. Let alone a 350 dollar box.

 

[mbryson]

I don't think I would tolerate that with a autozone box. Let alone a 350 dollar box.

This

 

[1\4elliptic toy]

I would absolutely call and ask them if they had a box that wasn't a ghetto fabed POS they could send. I understand a refurbed box but damn, that sounds pretty lame. :-\

 

[Kiel]

aren't steering boxes cast? You know that ear is going to bust off sooner or later

 

[bobdog]

I sprung for a complete PSC hyd assist system a few years back and the quallity was top notch. The gear was new. I just looked at their web site and prices have gone up a bunch but maybe worth it after reading your AGR story.

 

[Tacoma]

I'd say it is definitely worth it to avoid AGR. I've only heard mutterings over the years but damn, how many boxes do they want you to try!?!? Some preload adjustment MIGHT be acceptable, but a sloppy box out of the uh.. box kind of isn't.

Get in touch w/Clemsonkrawler here, he's a PSC guy.

 

[Shawn]

Well I just thought I would update this thread. Over the Holiday I was able to find the time to install the replacement box that was sent to me by AGR. Keep in mind that installing this box is a total pain in the rear axle. After finally getting most of the box installed it was time to slide on the steering shaft. Unfortunately it wasn't as easy as that sounds. The splines on the new box had some flaws and the shaft splines would only slip on more than about 1/4". I decided not to remove the box but try and fix the problem with it still in the Jeep. After 2 hours of carefully filing the splines with a small triangle file I was able to get the shaft on. Filled up the pump and was ready for a test ride. The box was killer, handled like a dream. Got home after a short drive, popped the hood only to see the inside of the lower engine compartment stained with oil... Checked out the fittings wiped down the box and started the Jeep... Dam, the front input seal was leaking bad. Now, words don't even come close to describing how pissed off I was. I called AGR and wanted some a$$ on a platter, unfortunately everyone was gone for the New Years Eve weekend except for the admin. I called back on the following Tuesday and asked for the man in charge. Larry help me last time and trust me I filled his ear with disappointment. He was unhappy to hear of my problems and told me he would get me a new box rebuilt with him watch over the builder to insure it was done right. Today I received the box and opened it to see how it looked. I was surprised to see that this box also had the same mounting ear replaced as the previous box. I wonder if there is a fault with this ears strength on these boxes and they replace them.

Well, I'm going to try and replace the box again this weekend and will update this post later. This will be the 4th time I have pulled and installed an AGR box. At this point I don't think I would recommend AGR, however I will say that every time I have called AGR with a problem the customer service has been good.

 

[Greg]

Damn Shawn, that bites. I'd be tossing that thing thru their front window, just like the old Discount Tire commercial, if I was in your shoes.

Good customer service, bad product... sounds like they've had a lot pf practice.

 

[Shawn]

Ya, I'm really not a fan of bagging on vendors, but if this box doesn't work out shit will fly.

 

[Tacoma]

4th time better @4$#@!@~$$* work. Replacing steering boxes sucks, it's just a mess, and a real PITA. Hope it works out, keep us posted.

 

[Cherokeester]

Weird, I have an AGR box on my CJ7 and it has been awesome. I have had it on there for several years now with no problems. It does bother me that you are having these kind of issues though.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

The welded ear is common amongst the various box builders, the have far more 3 bolt cores in buildable shape to work with. I was leary when I first saw the welded ears but I've yet to see one have any issues.

As for the rest of your AGR woes, bummer! Hope they get you taken care of.

 

[neagtea]

YIKES!
I will have a PSC setup for sale first of the month. Box and pump.

Of note; I would check the screen on the back of the pump, it is in the relief valve assy. (I think that is what it is called) It is the assy that the high pressure hose is threaded in. I have found that some builders don't clean up after themselves very good and you will find a bunch of shavings will gather on the screen.
Sorry about the nomenclature. I didn't look at the tech drawings.

 

[mesha]

A few friends of mine have also seen less than stellar results with AGR stuff. I haven't ran them personally, but won't because of their issues. You seem like you have had good customers service though. my friends didn't.

I am interested to see how this turns out.

 

[Shawn]

I did the install Sunday, test drive was successful. However, once again the splines on the input shaft needed some filing to accept the steering shaft.

 

[Tacoma]

I had to file the teeth on my stock replacement box too... if it makes you feel any better. It's like no one can hold tolerances anymore.