I just saw that my power steering gear box is leaking fluid and would like to replace it. I have read some posts on upgrading to a 1999 Dodge Durango gear box and it seems to be that the only reason is to be able to withstand larger tires 35+. Someday I would like to have that size tires, but I digress. Can I just order a 1999 Durango gear box from www.rockauto.com (here: http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/more...nid=603&jpid=0) Is there a difference between with snow and without snow package? Is it really worth it?


Thanks in advance

 

The answer to that question is inside your noggin. Be honest, are you ever really going to go that big? Maybe, but probably not. Pop on a fresh one and add the spacer/brace while you have it off. Then pop on a steering box brace and you can handle a whole lot of tire and still use the stock box.

http://www.jcroffroad.com/product/XJSTSPC.html


http://www.rustysoffroad.com/jeep-st...-brace-xj.html

 

If he needs a new one mine as well upgrade it, its a lil more $ and its bolt in so why not. Im almost positive you need the one without the snow package, But dont hold me to that. You can also look into Hydro assist, if you drill and tap your own box you can do it pretty cheap.

 

This.

Im in the same boat OP and i thought about doing the upgrade but really, it depends on your jeeps future plans. Im gonna go stock and DEF get the new spacer for sure. I just got 32 X 9.5 wide tires and the stock box handles them great

 

But why replace something that has clearly already failed, with the same product. I did, and it was a stupid desicion. I couldve went with the durango box for like 20 bucks more. Though I dont beat my self down too much for it as i plan full hydro after I swap axles

 

My jeep is an 01. My steering box is the original one. Pretty sure 14yrs is a good track record. But hey potato, potatoe, to each his own

Ps, the only reason my steering box started leaking was that my last adjusted tracbar failed causing the pitman arm to push on the output shaft of the steering box, breaking the seal. Thats where my leak is from. If i didn't drive 200 miles with a failing TB I would not need a new steering box

 

Thank you so much. Makes perfect sense. This is what I am going to do. Just put a stock box back on, so no more leaks, and then in the future I can place the stabilizer on there.

 

my 98 still has the orginal box w/ 140 k miles , still pushes 33's around off road w/ ease. i did the brace & the spacer bracket .

 

I'm still running my stock box with 38s and while it probably doesn't love it it works. I considered a Durango box but you loose a little bit of turning radius and mine needs all the help it can get.

 

What I don't understand is why people seem to think the Durango box is an upgrade. The output bearing and shaft size are identical (goes to show why you can reinstall your pitman arm). What fails on the XJ steering box is that very same output bearing....

 

bigger bore size. Apparently it is firmer. Ive heard both sides. Some people love it, some say they feel no difference. Me, im standing behind doing a stock box, with jcr HD spacer, or equivalent.

 

Has to be from a 4x4 v8 durango

 

Exactly, which does not improve what fails on the OE box.
That's what I'm running - stock remain and steel spacer.

I've heard, but again that has no influence on the strength of the box where it's needed.

 

i did the swap. i feel like the difference i felt was from having a new box that wasnt about to blow.

but i also up graded to a wj power steering pump and added a ps fluid cooler in the mix as well.

 

My box has a small leak and I debated getting a Durango but after reading thread after thread ill stick to my stock replacement.