Got a 00 xj sport with a 4” lift. It has parts that are made for stock specs but it has more rigid springs adding a couple inches and 2” coil spring spacers and 2” leaf shackles. I replaced the front end and now that the death wobble is gone what’s left is a pretty badly worn steering box, and I was counting on using this as a daily. Can’t afford a new box so even though people are saying not to I think I gotta put in a remanufactured box in because of the time frame I’m on and lack of funds for the time being. Thing is, though it does drift around a bit as if the gears are slipping, I can still manage to drive it without too much of a problem. I do not, however, want to drive it if I’m at risk of losing steering entirely. How likely is something catastrophic like that to happen, and can it be adjusted to be tighter with the gears worn like that? Read about that but not sure if it would actually help or if I gotta just replace it. The column from the steering wheel is tight but it has a very wide range of motion without any movement in the pitman arm, like almost a quarter turn of the steering wheel. Just need to make sure its safe to drive a ways asap without going broke, any advice or recommendations welcomed.

 

I actually had to adjust the remanufactured box on our '96 Blazer because of too much play. IF YOUR SURE all other steering parts are good you can adjust the box. Make sure the wheels are straight with the vehicle on the ground. I was going to tighten in 1/8th turn increments (CW) but it only took one adjustment to satisfy me. Once you make an adjustment re-tighten the nut and test it on a full lock to lock turn to make sure there's no binding and the power steering is working properly. Test drive and see what you got. You can repeat as necessary but IF IT WERE ME and I didn't start to notice an improvement after two adjustments I'd not go further. Might be okay to go further but I've never had to. Maybe someone will reply who has.

 

You might try a Dodge Durango box from the Pick'n'Pull. It fits perfectly, but you may have to reposition the pitman arm. It's a little larger and stronger.

 

I was hearing a clunk from the steering box and was having issues with my Cherokee wondering / teeter tottering when driving at freeway speeds. Since everything on my suspension is basically new and the steering box was clunking, I went ahead and replaced the the gear with a reman from Autozone. The replacement is waaaay worse than the one I took out. Now instead of a clunk there is a poping/grinding sound when steering left and right from dead center. Also, there is a lot more play in the wheel. Funny thing is it seems like my wondering issue is gone. I have another gear on order and this time I am trying an "AC Delco" one. It seems like it should be built a little better than the Autozone but honestly, I think they are all just a crap shoot.

 

Yea not hearing good things about replacement steering boxes lately.

Dave might have inadvertently solved the issue by recommending an OEM box off of a vehicle that will work. Cruiser recommends a ZJ box I'm thinking?