Hello,

I recently installed a 4.5 inch lift kit and front frame stiffeners on my 98 Cherokee at the same time. This required me to remove the steering gearbox. After putting everything back together, it is impossible to get my steering wheel oriented correctly with the pitman arm straight by adjusting the drag link. If I get the steering wheel straight with tires pointed straight then the pitman arm is offset to the side and the Jeep will not turn as sharp to one direction or the other. So I think when I put the steering gearbox back on I must have put the slip joint on the intermediate shaft on 180 degrees off from where it should be. My plan is to remove the steering box again and turn the steering wheel 180 degrees, then reconnect the gearbox. Does it matter which way I turn the steering wheel? Are there any “stops” in the steering column or wires that would get twisted by turning it too much one direction or the other? I’ve never taken apart a clockspring so I don’t know how that would be affected. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

You got a clock in your steering wheel??? weird.

get the wheel lined up correctly, else the turn signals wont cancel properly. make sure the gearbox is input shaft is at center of travel, wheels straight ahead, then replace the steering wheel to straight ahead.

 

It's not that easy. My 98 steering wheel doesn't index like that. It definitely has a fat spline that only allows it to go on one way.

If your track bar isn't adjustable, you probably need an adjustable one. I was able to relocate mine by drilling a hole about an inch over, but I'm on at 3" of lift. 4.5 probably requires an adjustable track bar.

Then get your wheels straight, drop the pitman arm, adjust the tie rod adjuster sleeve until the pitman arm lines up with the gearbox, and reinstall.

 

That is correct, you cannot do that. The sector shaft will only connect in one position. So first thing is to make sure your axle is centered. Then after that use the adjustment on the drag link to lengthen it until your steering wheel is in the correct position. Are your front tires towed correctly?

 

clock spring, all Xj that have cruise control have one for the switches mounted on the steering wheel. And I think there is a limit on how many times you can rotate steering wheel if you have a clockspring.

 

I have an adjustable track bar. The axle is centered left/right. I’m not talking about moving the sector shaft. The pitman arm is also indexed and only goes on one way. On the shaft that runs from the steering box to the wheel there is a slip joint that comes apart under a rubber boot. It came apart when I removed the bolts to the steering box. It’s a circular shape with large flats on each side. I think I can slide it back apart and rotate the shaft(on the steering wheel side) and put it back together.

 

OK then, you should have told us that. You had a 50/50 chance to get it back correctly, so get her done

 

Just an update. I slide steering box down and lower end of the steering shaft down and away from the upper end of the shaft, then tuned the steering wheel 180 degrees and slid the box back into place. This fixed all my issues. The turn signals still work correctly and self cancel as needed. Thanks everyone for the help.