I recently installed a "new" Crown steering box from Quadratec on my 97 Jeep XJ which only has 1.5" Old Man Emu springs in the front (and an adjustable track bar already), and after counting the rotations, comparing it with my old box, I can only determine that the indexed/flat spot spline is the opposite of what it should be. The only way to connect the steering shaft to the box with the box being "in the middle" is with the steering shaft bolt facing 180 degrees down vs straight up. If I try to adjust the drag link sleeve to correct the steering wheel, I'm left with limited rotation going left and way too much rotation going right.

So, first question - am I wrong/crazy? Could this box in fact be "upside down" from the factory?

Second question - what's the best way to fix this? I'm okay risking the clock spring and have read something about being able to rotate part of the steering shaft at the slip joint so the collar that connects to the steering box can remain the same. Or, do I really need to get a new steering box with the correct orientation? I drove it around when the steering was completely upside down and got full rotation left and right - it drove fine and has been bled of air so I'd rather not replace it again if I don't have to.

 

I am working on my steering gear right now. When I removed the bolt between the gear and the coupler I was lying on the ground. Maybe the last one was wrong and this one is right.