Hi, went to do some work on my nephews 1998 grand cherokee 4.0 auto.. While checking different things on truck I noticed that the steering box only had two bolts holding it on and it was moving when you turned the wheel.. I removed steering box and noticed the threaded holes that the bolts would thread onto to attach the steering box were stripped and it had some cheap smaller nut and bolts installed and of course one had already broke.. My question is my buddy has a 2000 xj that he is scrapping steering box is good and I can go and pull it out if I need it ,does anybody know if it will fit into a 1998 G C 4.0 auto ?? I would like to use one with the factory bolts that go thru the frame and into the factory holes?? .. The original box from the g.c. has no threads left in the mounting holes.. thanks in advance..

 

It should fit, you will have to swap the pitman arm though.

 

Ok I have a puller so should not be to bad ,Thanks for the reply

 

A word of caution about the pitman arm. If you remove the old arm, don't install the new one until it's mounted, the travel is centered, and the steering wheel and tires are straight. My brother didn't do this and lost about 1/2 turn of steering wheel motion in one direction and binding against the stops the other.

To center the box, turn it until it stops, turn it back the other way until it stops, counting the turns, then turn it back half the turns. That will allow equal motion in both directions. Make sure the steering wheel is straight before connecting it to the box. Mount the arm loosely to the steering rod, make sure the tires are straight, and line up the closest spline on the box with the arm. If the steering wheel isn't straight after everything is back together, it can be adjusted on the connecting rod. Double check the tightness of all bolts and joints.

 

Just wanted to thank those who commented for your advice called my favorite junk yard today and they had a box with the bolt`s and pitman arm still on it for $ 50.00 off the truck.. Ran over their picked it up everything went right back together as it should and job well done no more loose steering.. Worth every penny of the 50.00 dollars .. The bolts are 7/16 x 14 grade 8 bolts and thread if you buy new had one tried it and fit no problem can buy them at ace .. Thank you again back on the road and out of my yard lol.. Bill

 

PERFECT! Down the road and headed for it's next problem.