I got 2 XJ's a 99 Sport and a 96 Limited and the feel so different in the steering? Both have the same wheels and tire size if anything the 96 has a 2" lift the 96 is light to drive no excess play steers good light and easy the 99 though? is stock no lift it is heavy to steer? no excess play in the steering although could do with a wheel alignment but just feels heavy?
Both power steering pumps seem to be working fine and they both have the same steering damper I did grease the 99 thinking it might be dry? Could it be something like the steering box is adjusted too tight? or the power steering pump is weak they are like chalk and cheese to drive?
thanks for your input

 

same tire pressures?

Does the steering wheel feel slow to return to center after a turn with the wonky one also?

 

Same problem. my 99 steering is tight. Compared to all other xj's I have driven. The pump has a small leak. It doesn't return to center as well as I would like. But to me every xj I have driven was like that. All others had what I would call power power steering. This takes a little force. Drives great though.

 

two things to check. Play in the steering box and loose joints or bushings. You will find both by sawing the steering wheel back and forth while looking at all components. You might have to remove the efan to look down on the steering box. The steering arm should move immediately when the sector shaft is rotated