I'm not sure if caused by lift as I did as soon as I got my xj, but my steering wheel seems seems to have spot when pointed straight that does nothing. I can move 10-15 degrees either direction and the wheels don't turn ... Normal or a concern ? I just replaced ball joints, u joints , discos , shocks , coils , Lcas and track. So most of steering components are new.

same happened to me when i put my 3 inch lift in and thought it was a trck bar but put a new one in and im still looking for answers (stabilizer shock?).....

Definitely a concern. Is this still the stock steering setup (inverted Y?) or is it some aftermarket OTK? If its stock, there is no excuse for that (some of the aftermarket set-ups create geometry that combines with components to create a "dead spot" over the center). You need to get a helper to turn the steering wheel in the "dead zone" while you identify the first point in the system where things that should be moving are not.

Condition of steering box?

it is the stock box, i had it off when I replaced the spacer in the frame, looked alright but I guess it could have play in it. there is 220,000 on it

issues you had before lift that you may not have known about only get more noticeable after lift. having a lift magnifies problems. check tie rods and ball joints. steering box and track bar frame mount locations.

If all your bushings, tie rods, trac bar are good, it is likely your steering gear box with 227k miles. I replaced my steering gear box and it was like driving a new car the steering was so tight.