the sleeves came with the C-Rok spacer, very good quality product

 

http://www.cherokeetalk.com/forum/f8...mp-swap-11545/

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=946090

The pump out of a 4.7 V8 GC runs a hydrolic fan off of it and is therefore an upgrade (higher volume, higher pressure) and bolts right in for a 96+ XJ.

The more I read, the more scared I'm getting for this swap. I just hear of more and more issues people are having with it. I guess we will find out.

 

That doesn't sound like too much fun

 

It's not hard, just time consuming. My box came from a junkyard with some unknown number of miles on it, so it's due for a rebuild anyways, getting a bit of slop in the sector shaft bearing.

 

yeah, I can buy a durango box used for $75 with a 1 yr warranty and brought to me...... I couldnt justify my time to save $22..

 

Alright.... I'm going to ask what no one on here seems interested to know or ask.

What makes the Durango steering box stronger (Literately)?

I know that we've all seen these side by side comparison photos and that the Durango box does look slightly larger, but am I the only one that finds it odd that they have identical output and input splined shaft sizes, yet one is revered as stronger? Considering that, wouldn't it suggest the output shaft bearing size (which is what often/always fails first) is the same? It seems to me, the only real different is a change in ratio - hence the larger worm gear case section...

I know that a lot of people wait until their XJ box is moments from falling apart before making the swap so I'd argue that the "improvements" felt are actually a product of now having a steering gear with newer, tighter, less worn guts.

I actually just replaced my steering box but elected to go with another XJ box for this reason. After doing so, I've noticed much less play in the wheel, a stiffer feel in the turn and obviously no more leaks. I run 32's on a daily driven weekend wheeled 97 @ 4.5" of lift. I'll be watching to see what, if any, premature failures I encounter but I'm guessing that if the first one made it to 160k, this one will be fine.

I'm just saying, let's look at this for what it is...

 

S14 I think I remember the XJ box is a variable ratio and the durango is fixed is one reason

 

to dispell any rumors and answer your question...

Stock XJ - Variable ratio, 3 3/8 turns L2L
'98 Durango box w/ plow option - FIXED Ratio, 3 3/8 turns L2L
'98 box w/o plow option, or '99 box - VARIABLE Ratio, 2 15/16 turns L2L


The Durango boxes are larger bore. This does not necessarily make them stronger, but provides more POWER to turn larger wheels, especially when combined with a higher pressure pump.

 

So they're both variable ratios but one has a larger worm gear, hence the lower L2L turns?

So basically the perks of this upgrade is to make turning larger tires slightly easier but you gain no additional strength in the output shaft bearings - which is where they give up first to wheeling...

I'm not hating on the "upgrade" or refuting its validity - I've just skimmed through numerous discussion threads about this swap and hardly a single person really acknowledges what they've gained...

 

Maybe someone needs to swap a Durango box onto their XJ when their stock box is working just fine and not on its last leg? That way we can see how much of an upgrade it really is from stock?

 

I do not know if the bearings are a different size, but i don't think so. The worm gear size may be the same size also, the "cut" in the worm gear is what determines the ratio.

The power piston is bigger, giving a larger surface area to push against and therefore more power output at the same pressure.

 

before the swap my box was fine. The leak had stopped and it was functioning normally. I had already picked up the box and wanted to upgrade the rest of my steering at the same time, so i did. I can tell you the difference was very noticeable, even with 235s.

 

Dukie564-do these work with the ZJ tie rod or XJ. Is there a difference? Great link. I need a set and am waiting on your suggestion. THanks for the update on the box too. I will be doing this soon but buying a new/rebuilt one. I'll have to hope I don't get a bamboozled XJ one, lol.

 

The durnago box will work with any steering setup

 

Sorry for the confusion Dukie564-I meant does the link of the TRE boot work with the ZJ TRE setup? I know they make those in different sizes for different vehicles.