Hi Guys,
Ok, 1998 Cherokee sport 4wd 4.0. Over the years my steering has developed about 6-inches of play. about three in each direction from relaxed center. I purchased a new/rebuilt steering gear box from autozone about a year ago. I've been replacing parts ever since trying to eliminate the play which still existed after the swap. There is nothing left to replace. There's a ton of play in the steering and adjusting the worm screw doesn't seem to do anything but making the steering tighter. it doesn't take away the slop/play. I've never run into this before and cant seem to resolve it. Is it possible that the rebuilt box had the same problem I was already having? is it possible that I purchased a bad "new" box? Please help.

Thank You,
John

 

Stock or aftermarket tie rod and drag link

 

Some stuff was replaced long ago and other stuff was replaced yesterday. I did steering shock, center link bar and pivot end, wheel bearings and axle u-joints all yesterday. I'm wondering if the frame is flexing where the steering gear bolts on. I'll have someone move the steering wheel later while I look over the frame. I just cant figure what else it could be.

 

Rebuilt boxes can be all over place. Too tight, too loose, and everywhere in between. Adjusting them doesnt always help. Check the framerail where the box mounts, and on the other side, facing the tire. Just seen a video last night where a guy had steering issues and found his frame was cracked just behind the sway bar mount. Your steering box brace isnt cracked or missing, is it?

 

when i first replaced the box with a used one that goofy triangle bracket was broken. I replaced it. The frame is looking awful suspect where that's all bolted on. I can see the pitman arm move with I mess with the steering shaft from the wheel under the hood. Its just that it takes so much steering to get the wheels to turn. now I just need a 220v extension cord so i can reach the jeep from the outlet to run my welder.

 

After you plate the frame, go get yourself a 99 Dodge Durango V8 w/o plow package steering box even from a junkyard. I think they are even still available new.

 

But you still haven't answered the question. All OEM type parts?

 

What's the advantage? Better turning ratio, stronger?

 

It is a slightly larger heavy duty unit that fits in the same place as the OE box. All you may have to do is reposition the pitman arm. It reduces the steering effort and I think it has a different steering ratio.

99xjlove has a build thread on the forum where he is using one as well as the Viper coil setup. It's in f51, I believe. Technical write-up/ How to section posted 09-03-2008