So..I've replaced all my TRE's, HD tie rod, new drag link, new track bar, and aligned. My track bar and drag link are just a couple of degrees off from being parallel, running 5" lift, 32" tires. Have a JCR steering box brace and frame stiffener. Problem is my steering is very loose. It follows every little dip in road, and won't return to center. Pump whines a little, running Lucas fluid. I have a lot of play in steering shaft going into box ( new shaft also). Any suggestions? Does box need adjustment? Do I need a new pump? If so what are the upgrades parts (Durango box, but what yesrs?)? Thanks. Wife drives it daily, so I hear about it daily! Fyi..It's a 99 Classic, 4.0 220,000 mi. Thanks

 

Sounds like you need to replace both the box and the pump. At 220,000 miles, the box doesnt just need some adjusting, it needs some replacement. Especially if there's play. Try that first and then lets see how your steering is doing

 

Bought a Durango box yesterday. Just by turning it by hand I can tell it's more responsive than my XJ box. You could grab the steering shaft on the XJ and rotate it half a turn before the Pitman arm moved. Tried the tightening thing the night before...don't recommend it! Read the D-box was THE upgrade, so for $50 I'll give it a try.

 

Also, my steering pump is not that old. I put a cooler on it while I was in there messing with box. That and new fluid took whine away.

 

Got D-box on, not bad. Turns lock to lock, doesn't bump steer as bad, but still seems loose, but better. I'm sure it'll handle my 33's better. We'll see in a couple of weeks on the next trail ride.

 

Still wandering. Checked caster and I'm at 3.5/4.0 degrees....gonna guess that is probably the issue, since EVERYTHING else has been replaced.