Radi

They are just another house brand, I believe auto value/bumper to bumper auto parts owns the Parts Master name. Probably no better or worse than any other store brand. I'd probably run them on a street Jeep but go for Moog or another first-tier name for offroad or heavy duty use.

Driver X

I replaced all my steering with auto parts store replacements (AutoZone and O'Reilly).

The ZJ tie rod is a definite upgrade. The adjuster sleeve and TRE on the driver side and at the pitman arm are the same (only if you do the ZJ upgrade). The drag link is the same for XJ, ZJ and TJ. The XJ and TJ share the same tie rod and TRE where the ZJ will be an upgraded part.

There isn't much to the steering system, and with it being a daily and not lifted I don't see a reason to put a $400 steering system in there. Or a Durango box either.

I do have one suggestion though. Do not buy the TRE or adjuster sleeves from O'Reilly Auto. I have replaced the pitman arm side twice already and their adjuster sleeve keeps rusting from the outside in. I have since switched it with the sleeve and TRE from AutoZone (same part, lifetime warranty). Also, I have replaced my drag link from AutoZone three times over the year. But I do wheel mine and I don't think their parts can handle it. The warranty comes in handy, but it does get annoying replacing parts that shouldn't need to be replaced. If possible, buy Moog.

vandelden21

I hear that. If you dont mind my asking what all did it cost as of. Ball joints. u joints. Zj tie rod.Tre. Sleeves. Drag link.

I got quoted 650 at oreillys but the quote seemed weird to me.

Driver X

I just did the steering. I pulled the axle yesterday to replace the UCA bushings and remove the old arms. I haven't done the ball joints or u joints yet, bit those are on my list.

I think the steering was around $120 or so. The ZJ tie rod is the most expensive part.

vandelden21

Im getting ready for a lift so just doing everything while its apart.

lucknuts

That's why this has taken so long for me to figure out. I've been scratching my head for a year because nothing underneath is loose, even though some of the bushings have cracked and the grease comes right out when I try to add some.

The part that wiggles is that steering shaft (I think it's called). I finally noticed when messing with the steering box.

So, whew that wasn't easy but you guys saved the day again. Thanks. I love this forum.

So, does anyone know if I need to replace anything else while I'm replacing the steering box?

Like maybe that shaft? Or some seals or something I'm unaware of? New bolts or something?

lucknuts

That's good to hear. Hey you guys would probably freak out to hear this but instead of lifting this Jeep I've been pondering actually trying to lower it a little, make it more stable on the highway.

If I had the cash I might even make it a lowrider that can raise up or lower, ha. maybe even hop around.

vandelden21

...delete your account. The day I see a low rider xj will be the day I commit a act of vandalism lmao. Jk. But for the love of god please dont

Gee oh Dee

There was a guy here trying to drag frame.

I don't think it ever got anywhere.

To each his own. There is a fugly one around me with 22s. But its theirs.

Driver X

There are other alternatives to make it handle better. Especially in stock form. OE replacement springs, upgrade shocks and sway bar, upgrade bushings, offset wheels and better tires.

If you had the cash to bag or hydro the XJ, please give me the XJ and mod a mini truck or full size. I would be glad to daily yours and finish mine lol

lucknuts

lol, funny stuff. I'm kidding, don't worry. Knew that would freak you guys out.

But, (I'm not going to do it) I was wondering later on whether or not those hydraulics for the hopping cars might be useful for offroad vehicles too. Like, what if you got a little stuck and could raise or lower a part of the jeep? Or here's a funny thought, you could bounce your way out of trouble. hehe

Radi

Steering shaft connects the end of the column to the steering box. There are some joints and a collapsible section in the shaft, is that loose? There should not be any slop in the steering shaft, movement at the steering wheel should carry down to the steering box input exactly. The plastic collapsible section has been known to wear out and get loose, often makes a popping sound when you turn that you can feel in the steering wheel. The joints can also wear. Might be worth a once-over if you are seeing wiggling there.

lucknuts

That's exactly what's happening with the popping, and it feels like it kind of "slips" when it pops as my wife described it.

Thank you Radi, so (I'll have to check for sure later on) does that mean that we might be able to just replace the shaft? Or, the worn out bits? Ha, I didn't notice anything plastic on it when I last looked. Maybe it fell off. I'll be able to check once the wife gets home and I'll let y'all know.

vandelden21

Just throwing it out there. One of my wheeler xjs had about 6 inchs of play I. The steering shaft like up down side to side if ibgrabbed it Never popped and had tight steering and sold it before I started to worry and I have no idea how long it was like that.

vandelden21

To be honest becase I have explained so many different issues I would take it to a mechanic to diagnose shouldnt cost much if you fix it yourself. That way you are not chasing your tail and I speak that from experience what could take them an hour may take you or someone else a week