So when I got my xj it came with steering problems, everyone told me to buy a steering system so I bought a rugged ridge HD system which included a tie rod, tie rod ends, a drag link, and a steering damper. I did my test drive after it was installed (except for the damper), and its creaky when I steer and while it does turn, when I make small turns like trying to take it a few feet left to move out of the way of something, the steering wheel moves and my wheels don't. I'm not very good with cars so I'm kind of lost at this point.

Edit: when I tried adjusting my steering box everyone talks about the Allen key part, the screw in my steering box is a flathead, is it a different kind of steering box?

 

One of the mods to the steering system is the use of a Dodge Durango steering box. Some have the slotted adjuster depending on the manufacturer. XJ replacements could be the same but I've not seen one.
If I were you I'd be getting your XJ to someone who knows steering systems and geometry. A frontend alignment/repair shop would be a good choice. Where are you located?

 

some of them had a slot for a screw driver. It is OK

 

I'm in South Jersey

 

Looked up Globex Performance in Toms River, NJ. Honestly that rugged ridge kit is pure junk. would of been better to go with a V8 ZJ tie rod and new stock drag link.

 

So are you saying I should get rid of it? It wasn't super cheap for my type of budget, would kind of suck if I had to get something else.

 

So, when you turn the steering wheel a little the wheels don't turn UNTIL you turn the steering wheel a lot? If that's the case, I would look to fit a new steering box into your budget with a new, aftermarket steering box brace/spacer. Adjusting the boxes is really just a temporary fix.

 

I'm just saying be prepared for those rod ends to go bad fairly quick and order them in advance from rugged ridge because you can't buy them anywhere else.

 

you need to have someone turn the wheel as you watch every joint and figure out where the most free play is at.

To me it sounds like installation error as problems showed up after upgrades, could be loose nuts on tie rods

Youl probably be chasing your tail if you start changing parts.

Good luck

Yes steering box has a adjuster to get rid of alittle free play but its not recomend to adjust to much as box may be wiped out after fiing with adjuster.

 

I tightened all my bolts to the max on the new steering system, now there's a smaller amount of play but its there.

 

Where is the free play.

Track bar play can be perceived as steering play

 

The pitman arm tie rod end was one of the places that was loose and of course that helped when I tightened it, but I'm new to cars, I bought this to learn and that's definitely what I'm doing but I'm not sure how to pinpoint the play.

 

Pay attention to EvanM's advice.

 

I recently replaced the steering linkage in my '96 after having a bit of death wobble and free play in the steering. Having my wife work the steering wheel I found that the ball stud at the frame on the track bar was worn. Replaced it and no more d/w wobble but still too much free play in it for me even with no other visual movement at the other ball studs. After removing the rest of the linkage I discovered that all of the other ball studs except for one had no tension on them at all. Replaced the rest of that linkage and all is good now. My point is that even though you see no movement in the linkage at the steering wheel doesn't mean there is no problem with the linkage. Also new parts don't necessarily mean good parts. You may want to remove the linkage a test the ball studs.