Hello, replaced my steering pump and gear box and now can't get the steering shaft back on. It seems impossible. It won't even get started to where I can use a hammer and tap it on.

What year is your XJ?

2001. Forgot to add that

I assume no one knows anything.

I don't know about a 1999, but I recall on my 1989 that the shaft is keyed and only inserts with it rotated to the correct position.

I have rotated the gear on the box 360 degrees and nothing. Must be an issue with the gears on the box.

What brand? I've seen lots of issues with Cardone remanufactured. I still need to swap out the one I put in mine because it howls when it's cold.

Got it from extreme terrain. I believe it is from Detroit axle.

Then perhaps you can be a bit more descriptive with the problem, maybe a pic or two.

Is the shaft too short? Too long? Can't align with the box shaft? Can't fit over the box shaft?

What exact steering box did you buy (source, part number etc,)?

The bolt in the clamp must be removed in order to insert the clamp onto the shaft.

Then why are you here?

Maybe I missed it because it seems pretty obvious but have you measured (with dial calipers, not a yardstick) and counted splines on the shaft on the old and new boxes?

You assume too much...Like this being a tech line with members just waiting for you and your 25 year old vehicle problem to be solved within hours of your post with such a vague description...
Here's something we know :
1...You'll be sadly disappointed with the speed of answers/repairs if this is your only ride...
2..Detailed questions lead to detailed answers..
3.. Getting it on there enough to beat it on with a hammer might not be the best plan so keep investigating...
There's plenty of knowledgeable members here so a little respect goes both ways and carries the thread tone through the whole process...