Well I got my sporty back and it runs good, but now I am having issues with my power steering. It feels like it is kindof sticky when turning, it used to turn really smooth. Has anyone had issues like this and what did you do to fix it? Is it the power steering box itself?

Could be the pump, the fluid level or the fluid itself. It could also be a loose belt. But I suspect that would squeal when you turn the wheel. I'd say check the fluid level, then try changing the fluid. Those are cheap steps to do. If that isn't the fix and the belt is not slipping, I'd say it's the pump. Keep us posted on your progress...

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />

Is there a way to check the gear oil in the gear box? or is it a sealed unit?

The steering box only has power steering fluid in it. There's a pressure line that comes from the pump to the box. And there's a return line (low pressure) that goes from the box to the reservoir. The other line that comes off the reservoir is the return line to the pump. If your system was drained during the engine swap, you may have air in the lines and pump. You can work the air out by turning the steering wheel from left to right with the engine running. You need to turn it all the way to each limit, repeatedly. That will work the fluid through the pump and gear box, forcing the bubbles into the reservoir, where they will be released from the system. Just make sure you keep an eye on the steering fluid level and top it off as needed during the process. If that's not the cause, you might have a problem with your pump. Are you getting any noises from under the hood when the steering gets sticky?

I cant hear any noises at all when turning the wheels.

So are you getting partial power steering with some intermittent sticking of the wheel? Or are you getting no power steering at all? The pump should be making a faint whine sound when you're turning the wheel because the fluid is being pumped through the gear box to assist. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />

So are you getting partial power steering with some intermittent sticking of the wheel?

This is what I am getting.

I'm kind of stumped. I've seen pumps cause that type of problem because, though they still work, they lose pressure intermittently. The drop in pressure causes the wheel to feel like it's sticking or suddenly harder to turn. If you have a problem with the gear box, it might feel more like a mechanical resistance, where the pressure loss feels more like surge, of sorts. The thing that gets me is that pumps usually make sounds that correspond with the pressure drops and harder steering. Have you considered changing the fluid in the system. You can get a gallon of PS fluid at Autozone or O'Reilly's for $14. That's enough to do a complete flush and fill several times over. I know because I've drained and refilled my system at least 3 times and still have a good bit left in the jug. It's a cheap test - much cheaper than buying a pump or gear box. Another random thought... Have you checked the steering linkage assembly to see if any of the joints look bad? That can be another source of mechanical resistance if one or more of the parts are worn.

Food for thought... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" />