first of all, the steering wheel has about a total of 1/4 turn worth of play, but almost every time i turn the wheel past the sloppy section theres a loud pop coming from either the steerin column or somewhere in the trac bar, i can't figure it out, ive put it on a lift to check it out, but it only happens when there is weight on the truck, and i just can't figure it out... anybody have any suggestions?

 

maybe a bad balljoint?

 

Get someone to help you and have them turn the wheel while you watch the steering system and I get you will hear or see what's popping..

I am guessing tre's or ball joints..or a bind somewhere.

 

ya i was kinda thinkin tire rod ends, but i guess i just have to check it out really thoroughly... are steering pump problems common on xj's?

 

No, the power steering pump is a sound long lasting piece of equipment. Most troubles in the steering result from cheap incomplete lift kits. The track bar has problems or the tierods get worn from bad angles.

 

i had a popping noise in mine too when turned the wheel just a little.
it turned out to be the track bar -motor mount top bolts at the frame.
the bolts were bottomed out on the threads, all it needed was a washer and it tighten right up noise gone!

 

I have heard many noises from XJ's over the years and from what your describing I would start looking around the track bar frame mount, steering box mount area, I have seen the frame mount break and have seen and repaired many frames at the steering box, there is also a aluminum plate between the box and frame that is known for breaking... have someone rock not turn the steering wheel back and forth while you look at everything.