I have been having some problems with my XJ lately... I replaced the drag link, all 4 tie rod ends, and the tie rod sleeves to try to fix the problem (wandering all over the road, bump steer) but it didn't help... I took it to an alignment shop and they said that the steering box has about 1/2" play in it. I was wondering if there is any way to adjust the "slop" in the box... The tech at the shop said he thought there was, but neither he nor I have been able to find any instructions... Any suggestions???

 

Have a similar issue and have replaced the tre's and track bar...So I am going to watch this..may give me ideas...I am planning on replacing axle shafts and u-joints, unit bearings and ball joints next week so we will see how that helps.

 

mine does the same thing all my joints are good and i still have the problem after looking closer my sterring stablizer is totally blown out (you can see down into where the piston moves) i getting a new one soon and it should solve the problem

 

it wont.

the only true solution is to get a new steering box, BUT you can tighten the sector shaft (little allen bolt on top of the box) BUT it will wear the box out faster, make your steering tighter at highway speeds and the wheel wont return to center as easily or at all afterwards.

 

lets put it this way: the steering stabilizer is NOT part of the steering system. it's only there to help reduce shimmies. replacing it or even removing it entirely will not affect the way your steering works. in fact to properly diagnose your steering, the stabilizer should be removed so it does not mask the problem.

check out your trackbar, ball joints, and wheel bearings. the steering box could be the culprit. you could replace it with a oem box or upgrade to the dodge dakota/durango box.

 

On some steering boxes, there is an allen or standard head setscrew held in place by a jam nut. Adjustment of that helps with the "Feel", or "sloppiness" of the steering, but it doesn't adjust for play...

 

heck I'd say it's a good time for a Durango steering gear box upgrade.

 

How much would the durango upgrade cost? Would it be a good idea to get a box from a salvage yard? New ones are over 700 bucks...

 

99% of us go with a salvage yard box

 

JY is your friend.. I plan on the steering upgrade since I know mine is going bad..

 

x2!!