This might involve OEM tech as well but I thought I would try here first.

My rig-01 XJ

My mods-Rusty's 6.5 lift, 33s, 4.56 gears, IRO track bar and steering, drop pitman, RC sway bar discos, RC steering stabilizer, magic discs and pads, rebuilt HP 30 (everything is new knuckle to knuckle except the shafts).

Use-Future DD, hunting, and Expedition Rig

I had 4wheelparts do a complete LA alignment this last week, everything seems alright for the most part. They tightened eveything under the front end. Still some driveline vibes but that is another topic.

As far as the steering is concerned, seems to be 1-2" play at the center. Kinda sketchy driving but controlable. Almost like there is a dead spot at the center or no resistance. I have no problem turning my 33s, is it possible I need to turn down the power steering pump? I hear a slight wine fromt he pump when I am turning, wouldn't hear it if the radio was on. I'm going to have the wife jump in today and turn the wheels so I can check and make sure the steering box isn't moving around. Other than that I am kind of lost other than the pump is junk.

If this is normal I am looking for recommendations for a HD pump. Something that will offer a tight resistance from knuckle to knuckle without overly amount of force.

Thanks for the help

 

Sounds like a worn out steering box to me. Look there while you have your wife turn the wheel.

 

Look at the durango gear box as an option. In the meantime you can adjust the worm gear on the stock steering box......but you need to look up specifics(search function) because you can actually do more harm than good if your not careful. Also make sure that your stock steering components arent shot(tre, ball joints, track bar bushings, control arm bushings, ect.). You may have a combo of a bad steering gear box and worn steering components.

 

Something else to look for is any up and down rotational movement in the tie rod when the steering is turned. I've not seen IROs steering but if the tie rod sort of rotates up and down when the steering is turned it translates into a lot of travel in the steering wheel to pick up that slack. At least that was the case on my '98 XJ with over-the-knuckle steering. Had to replace the bushings at each end.

 

Shouldn't be a bushing issue. Everything is brand new. I'll snap a picture when I am taking a look at the steering box and looking into the Durango pump.

Thanks

 

Looks fine, just feels light.