Pelagius

OK Gang,
I am having to replace the steering box in my XJ. I know about the Durango upgrade and am unsure if that is the way I want to go. I am only running 31" now and only may upsize to 33" later on. I would eventually up the rest of the steering with one of the ruff stuff or B Lee sets but not sure if I should up the gearing box as well. I use my XJ for hunting and camping, so not a lot of hard core wheeling, but some of the places I go to can get a bit hairy. Opinions? Thanks Gang!

BNJeepsta

You'll get mixed opinions on the steering box. I've tried the Durango box and didn't care for it. I actually prefer an OEM unit that's in good shape. As for steering, the factory stuff is garbage and far from being a good design. The B. Lee kit looks nice but, I'm not a huge fan of heims in my steering plus, they aren't legal in every state. The Ruff Stuff 1 ton kit is really nice and definitely stout. If you want to do it on the cheap, you could just upgrade the tie rod to a V8 ZJ one, that would be fine for 31's and 33's.

andrewmp6

Yeah the zj v8 stuff is like 100 bucks new bolts on and is stronger then your stock stuff.

Fred/N0AZZ

Agree with both the above that is what I'm running stock box, ZJ tie rod setup off road 95% of the time, running 33's and now on some trails a set of 35's the last year about 25% of the time (2 sets of wheels).

Cane

for 31-33 there is no need for a 1-ton steering. i share the same opinions as people said above, but I haven't gotten around to do it yet. I'm running 32s, maybe 33s eventually and I'll definitely go v8 ZJ once I need to change. Tried to get one from the JY but they're so rusted I'll get it new from the parts store. one afternoon vs ~100$

Larry's XJ

This/\/\ used tie rods are wear items. Only sleeve is non wear, but only couple bucks. New is nice.

andrewmp6

Used tie rod ends is like a used toothbrush not a good idea.

RoyalXJ

With smaller tires I'd rather have the beefiest steering possible since you will sitting lower and hitting alot more with your steering.

Lake00XJ

I put an 01 s10 box in mine. Direct bolt in and better turning radius than the Durango box. My turning radius is the same as it was stock. Haven't gotten around to upgrading tie rod and draglink yet

Krakker

Been researching the Durango box swap, but I'm curious to know more about the S10 box swap.
What year of S10 did you get the box from??

Lake00XJ

I got it from an 01 s10 4x4. Direct fit. Seems to steer easier than before the swap and no loss of turning radius

AceWhite

I installed the Currie upgrade- about $500
Big difference in the size of the components and it works great.
I'd definitely think about upgrading the steering whenever running larger than stock tires. The system was only designed for what was stock.....

investinwaffles

Part numbers are the same for the S10 box and a 97-01 XJ gearbox.

Do you know what the difference is between the two? I want a stronger box, but the tight turning radius is one of my favorite features of the XJ.

XJlimitedx99

PN's are the same for 94 and under s10's. The newer ones have a different part number. I also am interested to hear more about this box.

Lake00XJ

Not sure. I've head people say you lose a little of that radius with the Durango one. But I can say for sure with my s10 box I still have the awesome XJ turning radius