My steering box in my XJ is starting to go. I have some slop, and it pops a lot. I was looking at doing the durango box upgrade, but someone on a local jeep group said a steering box out of a 02 4x4 s10 is better. Something about it having dual ball bearings on the output shaft instead of a brass bushing like on a durango box.

I haven't been able to find a whole lot of info on this other than people saying the ball bearings vs brass thing and that it has better seals. Has anyone on here done the swap, or have any information on it? They also mentioned a WJ steering pump on top of the s10 box makes a nice improvement too. Any info would be much appreciated!

 

I've heard all the same rumblings but there is a major lack of info from those who've actually done it. I've spent hours searching so I'm going to bump this post to maybe stir up some more conversation on the subject.

 

Yeah, I was actually thinking about bumping this back up. Glad you did. I've only heard of two people in one local jeep club say anything about it, and they both liked it. They both said different years though from what I recall. I would love some more feedback on this.

 

Yup, I just read a post from someone who said 2002 V8 4x4 Chevy S10 Steering Box. I guess I'll give that a try here in the near future & report back.

 

well since s-10s didnt come with a v8 i think that would be a hard box to find

 

I heard 02 4x4 s10 also

BUT I also had someone say pre-96. And this is the explanation they gave me.

I've also heard the durango (or s10) box paired with the WJ power steering pump is even better since it pushes more fluid. Since I'm currently laid off, I can't mess around with this stuff as much as I'd like to, but once I get back to work, I for sure need a new steering box. I have quite a bit of slop in mine.

 

im planning a wj pump and the durango box with a PS fluid cooler as well

 

If you get a WJ pump make sure that it has the tiny cooler attached. It is supposed to be the better pump. Plus you get a cooler. They were only available with the V8.

 

The specs for the S10 box show the same input/output spline counts, as well as the same fitting sizes, and the same turns (3.3) lock-to-lock as the XJ box.
It also shows the same part number fits '95-'04 S10 4WD.


The XJ box(all years) is the same part number for '83-'94 S10 2WD or 4WD


The box for the '98-'99 Durango uses the same spline counts, and same fitting sizes, but it is 3 turns lock-to-lock, and uses a larger beefier case than the XJ or S10 boxes.

 

Good info there, I don't know why I didn't look up part numbers... I'm now wondering if they actually do use ball bearings in the later year s10 boxes versus bushings in the durango box, or if that's false info. I have heard the durango box has problems with the sector shaft jumping. I'm not sure how common that is, but I've heard of it happening a few times, and it happened on my buddies YJ

Are you talking bout the actual PS cooler that sits in front of the radiator, or is there a small heatsink or something on the pump itself?

Good idea on running the cooler. I may grab one from the junkyard in the future.

 

Good info guys. I am getting a Durango box tomorrow and should change mine out Monday. I'll do a write up on it I guess

 

The Durango pitman arm is a little longer with more drop and angle so you may want to grab that also. The Durango sector shaft is supported by a large needle bearing at the big end and a bushing in the aluminum cap at the top. The durango box has internal stops and won't turn a full 90 degrees but that is easy to change during the rebuild process. If you plan to use the box in stock form with a stock arm, you will lose serious steering angle.

 

The heatsink or whatever you call it. It is connected to the pump by a short hose, you can see it when you lift the hood.

 

I just finished up grading my steering to the 98 Durango box. Easy instal no surprises, It was a easy job.
Best news, no wondering and when I make a slight adjustment in direction I actually go in that direction. I did buy a rebuilt one, no surprises after I installed it. This is a life threatening upgrade, not the usual upgrade.
Dennis

 

Where did you get the durango box? any numbers?