JCCherokee

Good morning from the east coast jeepers and jeepettes.

Stock 98 xj steering box is starting to click and pop. This is making me consider doing an upgrade. The way I see it there are several options.

Stock box
durango box
psc box (if I hit the lotto).

I don’t plan on running bigger than 35s in the future and have 31s rn so the psc seems a little overkill. But I guess my real question is how does the Durango box compare to stock. Because I have seen Mixed reviews among other threads. Just wanted to see if anyone else has any thoughts. What are you running?

thanks

robsjeep

for me, durrango box, stock pump, added a cooler on the box return line, along with an inline filter.

I wheel on 33x12.5 MT tires, the durrango box was a huge upgrade in steering ease. I also added a box brace, which you should to, stock mount can tear off the frame if over sized tires and agressive wheeling are done.

the durrango box was had at pick n pull they had several and I picked one that had the cleanest steering fluid. flushed it before install, been running good two plus years. my buddy is in process of doing same to his xj, he runs 32 tires.

from what I hear, 35 inch tires is near the point of getting an expensive steering system, custom psc, with hydrolic ram assist and such. for 33 tires the durrango is fine, I can move rocks with it, small ones anyway. If you are careful, the durrango should be fine with 35 tires too, but if you wheel aggressive, race, crawl lots of difficult boulders, a better still system is recommended$$$$$$$$$$$$.


the Durrango box is cheap, direct bolt on, give it a go, it maybe all you need, if you find later you need more, not much coin was wasted.
good luck

ELC_AMX

The "clicking and popping" you mention could actually just be your frame having cracked from steering box stress. These XJ's are known for the steering box being a weak link because it's not well supported, so if you consider upgrading your steering box then I'd consider a steering box brace to be a must-have for any sort of wheeling with larger tires.

Lots of people have had great luck with the durango box in combo with a brace from a reputable vendor, and given that you're only planning on running only 35's in the future (and for a while, at least, 31's like you have now) the durango box will serve you well and for much less money than a PSC box.

My vote is durango box with a good brace. It's a classic, well-rated setup that's popular throughout the community, and for good reason.

Happy jeeping!

JCCherokee

99 with or without the snowplow package?

White97xj

Do you have a link for the gear box brackets to reinforce the frame ? And what years of Durango ? Thanks!

4.3L XJ

The PSC and AGR boxes come in two sizes. Standard and big bore. So if you decide to go with stronger push on the drag link, make sure you get the larger bore box.

ChuckQue

Have you considered Redhead? They also say this on their website under the XJ box:

“If you are looking to convert to the Dodge Durango steering gear, please call to order.”

https://redheadsteeringgears.com/pro...gler-cherokee/

robsjeep

AGR is under new ownership (Josh). It is run by a dishonest crook. they sold me used broken junk, refused to refund, lied over the phone, over charged by credit card (the charge was much higher than the invoice. ) a horrible experience. I won the credit card dispute.
The owner was a real as$ hole to deal with, dishonest, crook. stay away from AGR, the new owner has soiled the reputation. Yeah, Josh the crook I am talking to you.

4.3L XJ

Good info to know. I just got some PSC stuff, but haven't had a chance to mount it or try it out