i have a 2000 xj and the guy i bought it from put a 4.5 inch lift. ever since he did the lift there is a lot of play in the steering wheel. can i tighten the wheel...any suggestions?

 

if you have a lot of play in it, it could be a problem in your steering.

 

Most times when an XJ gets lifted, it is not uncommon to get some "play" in steering.

First inspect all movable parts on the front end and replace/fix any loose items.

When was the trackbar readjusted?
When was the front-end aligned?

Higher you lift an XJ, TWO things happen:

1. Trackbar pulls the front axle off-center.

2. Toe-in of tires is increased. (pigeon-toed)

To remedy #1: Get yourself an adjustable trackbar and get that axle centered.
To remedy #2: Simple front-end alignment. While its on the machine, have them re-align the steering wheel also (Put it back to running level).

IF you still have the "play", your steering box has too much slack.
This can be fixed by two different means.
A: Get new box.
-OR-
B: Adjust slack out of box.

Your steering box will need to be adjusted if you can turn steering wheel more than 1/4 turn between tires moving left and right.

To adjust slack out of power steering box:
Disconnect and remove electric fan.
Clean top of steering box.

You will find a NUT. The stud this nut is threaded onto has an allen hex inside the exposed end.
Find box wrench that fits nut (IIRC 15MM) and an allen wrench that fits in the end of the stud.

Use box wrench to loosen nut while using the allen wrench to keep stud from turning.
Turn stud 1/4 turn clockwise and hold, while tightening lock nut.

Roll down driver's window. Fire up engine, and reach in and turn wheel side-to-side and note how much slack there is. Repeat if needed

DO NOT tighten stud more than 3/4 turn. If your box needs more...time for replacement. Best to keep a little slack as adjusting the box too tight, causes premature failure.

After you have adjusted the steering box to your liking, replace and reconnect electric fan

 

you will get that feeling if the trackbar and the draglink are at different angles too.
they need to be parallel with each other so they turn evenly with each other.

you should get a drop pitman arm. it may or may not fix your problem, but it's a good idea to get one anyway.

and take it in for an alignment.

 

thanks for the answers guys. i think im gonna try to adjust the steering box, im a little short on cash

 

if the steering box needs replaced what is recommended. I would like one a little stronger and looking for a steering box brace that would work with it as well.
It is a 99 xj sport

 

durango steering box.

 

x2^^ and just wanted to subscribe

 

I would check your track bar - needs new bushings / tightning or is it still stock with that lift?

Bushings - tie rods
Control arms?

Adjust your draglink

If the above doesnt do anything it would have to be the steering box - adjust it like 1/8 of an "

 

A good thing to check as well is where the steering shaft from the steering wheel bolts into the gear box. My 1989 cherokee had that problem where the bolt on the clamp over God knows how long, worked it's way out causing about 1/3 turn play in the wheel. Solved all problems. I believe I used blue lock tight on the bolt just to be sure it did not happen again. Best way to check for it is to grab the shaft and shake it. There should be little to no play in it.

 

VERIFY!!!! Don't throw parts at it. It's real easy to see if your steering box has play. Look at the suspension/steering stuff while someone turns the steering wheel back and forth.