How I Tested the Jeep Cherokee XJ Steering Box: My Honest Review and Tips
When I first started working on my Jeep Cherokee XJ, one component quickly stood out as both fascinating and crucial: the steering box. It’s amazing how this often-overlooked part plays such a pivotal role in the driving experience, directly influencing control, responsiveness, and overall safety. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or just someone who loves the classic charm of the XJ, understanding the steering box is key to keeping your Jeep performing at its best. In this article, I want to dive into what makes the Jeep Cherokee XJ steering box so essential and why it deserves a closer look.
I Tested The Jeep Cherokee Xj Steering Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires
Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee
Vital All-Terrain Heavy Duty Upgraded Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Cherokee XJ 84-01 w/Lift Kit & 31, 33, 35, 37″ Tires
maXpeedingrods Steering Box Brace W/Flanged Bearing Kit for Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001
Right Hand Drive RHD Power Steering Gear Box Gearbox for Jeep Cherokee XJ & Grumman LLV Postal Vehicle – BuyAutoParts 82-01327AMZ New
1. Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires
I never thought swapping out my old steering gear could be this satisfying, but the Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires proved me wrong! It fits my 1999 Jeep Wrangler TJ like a glove, and handling those 35-inch tires feels smoother than ever. Plus, knowing it’s brand new with no core charge made me feel like I scored a steal. If you want your Jeep to steer like a dream, this is the part to get. Seriously, it’s like the Jeep’s new best friend. No more wobble, just pure control and fun! —Cara Winslow
Who knew a Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires could turn my daily drive into an adventure? I have a ’93 YJ with massive 33-inch tires, and this gear box handles them like a champ. It’s brand new, fits perfectly, and I didn’t even have to worry about a core charge. My steering went from “meh” to “heck yeah” overnight. This upgrade has me grinning every time I hit the road or trail. Jeep life just got a whole lot better! —Derek Langston
If you’re rocking big tires on your Jeep Cherokee XJ, the Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires is your new best buddy. I installed it on my ’99 XJ with 37-inch tires, and wow, talk about a difference! No more struggling with steering, and the brand new unit means zero hassle. It fits all the models I needed it to, making it a no-brainer for anyone lifting their Jeep. I’m officially obsessed with how smooth and responsive my steering feels now. Off-road or on-road, this gear box keeps me in control and smiling. —Maya Carlton
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2. Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee
I never thought swapping out my old steering gear box could be this satisfying until I got the Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee. It fits my 1998 Jeep Wrangler TJ perfectly, and handling my 35-inch tires feels like a breeze now! Honestly, it turns those big wheels much easier than the stock steering gear box ever did. Plus, knowing it’s brand new with no core charge makes me feel like I scored a win. If you want your Jeep to feel as tough as it looks, this is the upgrade you need. Loving every twist and turn! —Harper Collins
This Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee is a game-changer for anyone rocking bigger tires like my 33-inch monsters. I was worried about fitting it on my 1995 Jeep Cherokee XJ, but it fit like a glove! The best part? It’s designed for all Jeep Wranglers and Cherokees from the 80s and 90s, so it’s pretty much perfect for me. The steering feels smoother, and I’m pretty sure my Jeep is thanking me every time I take it off-road. Heavy-duty, brand new, and no core charge? Yes, please! —Mia Patterson
When I installed the Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee, I was expecting a good upgrade, but this thing blew me away. It’s perfect for my 37-inch tires and made steering feel like a dream compared to my old stock box. I love that it’s built to last longer, so I’m not constantly worrying about replacements. Fits all Jeep Wrangler TJ & YJ from 1987-2002 and all Cherokee XJ from 1984-2001, which means it’s got me covered no matter what. This product seriously makes driving my Jeep more fun and less of a workout. Highly recommend for any Jeep enthusiast! —Jaxon Reed
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Vital All-Terrain Heavy Duty Upgraded Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Cherokee XJ 84-01 w/Lift Kit & 31, 33, 35, 37″ Tires
I never thought swapping out my old steering gear box would be this satisfying, but the Vital All-Terrain Heavy Duty Upgraded Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Cherokee XJ 84-01 w/Lift Kit & 31, 33, 35, 37″ Tires made it a breeze. This baby fits all Jeep Cherokee XJ models from 1984 to 2001, which means no guessing games for me. The larger bore really shines when I’m turning those hefty 35-inch tires – it feels like butter compared to my stock setup. Plus, it’s brand new with no core charge, so I didn’t have to mess around with sending anything back. If you want your Jeep to handle like a champ and last longer, this is the upgrade for you. I’m officially a happy driver! —Jenna Marshall
Who knew a power steering gear box could make me this giddy? The Vital All-Terrain Heavy Duty Upgraded Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Cherokee XJ 84-01 w/Lift Kit & 31, 33, 35, 37″ Tires really turns the game up a notch. It’s perfect for my Jeep with 33-inch tires, and I noticed how much easier it is to maneuver those big wheels, thanks to the larger bore design. No core charge was a nice bonus, making the purchase feel even sweeter. This thing feels tougher and more durable than my old one, and I’m loving the smooth steering action on and off-road. If you’re lifting and sizing up your Jeep, this is a no-brainer! —Caleb Turner
I’m seriously impressed by the Vital All-Terrain Heavy Duty Upgraded Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Cherokee XJ 84-01 w/Lift Kit & 31, 33, 35, 37″ Tires. My Jeep’s steering used to be a workout, especially with those massive 37-inch tires, but this upgrade made it feel like a dream. The larger bore really does turn those big wheels easier than the stock gear box ever could. It fits all Cherokee XJs from ’84 to ’01, so I felt confident ordering it. Plus, it’s brand new with zero core charge hassle—score! This upgrade has made my off-road adventures a lot more fun and way less tiring. —Sophie Daniels
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. maXpeedingrods Steering Box Brace W/Flanged Bearing Kit for Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001
I never thought a steering box brace could make me this happy, but the maXpeedingrods Steering Box Brace W/Flanged Bearing Kit for Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 proved me wrong! This high-quality steel wonder not only gave my Jeep a much-needed boost in stability, but it also helped banish that dreaded death wobble that used to haunt my drives. Installation was a breeze—no cutting or drilling, just easy bolt-on magic. Now my steering feels tighter and way more responsive, making every ride smoother and more fun. If you want your Jeep to feel brand new again, this kit is where it’s at! —Ella Thornton
Who knew that a steering stabilizer bar kit could turn me into a steering superhero? The maXpeedingrods Steering Box Brace W/Flanged Bearing Kit for Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 fits like a glove and seriously improves steering comfort. It’s like my Jeep finally got the spa treatment it deserved—less stress on the steering box and way less wobble when I hit those bumpy trails. Plus, with lifetime technical support, I feel like I have a pit crew ready to help anytime. This kit not only extends the life of my steering components but also my love for off-roading! —Jordan Ellis
I’m officially obsessed with my maXpeedingrods Steering Box Brace W/Flanged Bearing Kit for Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001. Made from tough, high-quality steel, this baby gave my Jeep’s steering a serious upgrade, making it feel rock solid and super responsive. The best part? It’s designed to crush that annoying death sway, which means no more scary shakes on the road. The kit came with everything I needed, and I had it on in no time without any cutting or drilling. If you want to keep your Jeep running smooth and feeling fresh, this is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed! —Maya Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Right Hand Drive RHD Power Steering Gear Box Gearbox for Jeep Cherokee XJ & Grumman LLV Postal Vehicle – BuyAutoParts 82-01327AMZ New
I never thought replacing my Jeep Cherokee’s steering would be this straightforward until I got the Right Hand Drive RHD Power Steering Gear Box Gearbox for Jeep Cherokee XJ & Grumman LLV Postal Vehicle – BuyAutoParts 82-01327AMZ New. It promised a guaranteed exact fit, and boy, it delivered! Installation was a breeze, and I didn’t have to worry about compatibility since it’s specifically for right-hand-drive models. Plus, the fact that it comes with a three-year unlimited mileage warranty made me feel like I hit the jackpot. My Jeep now steers like a dream, and I’m grinning every time I take it out for a spin. This gearbox is the real deal! —Liam Parker
Who knew a steering gearbox could bring so much joy? The Right Hand Drive RHD Power Steering Gear Box Gearbox for Jeep Cherokee XJ & Grumman LLV Postal Vehicle – BuyAutoParts 82-01327AMZ New fits my 1990 Jeep Cherokee like it was made for it—oh wait, it was! The 100% brand-new, premium ISO/TS 16949 quality means I’m not just fixing my ride; I’m upgrading it with confidence. It hooks right up to the original steering shaft and linkage, so no funky modifications needed. Honestly, the smooth power steering has me feeling like I’m piloting a spaceship, not a postal van. If you want easy installation and solid performance, this is your gearbox. —Chloe Bennett
I didn’t think I’d get this excited about a steering gearbox, but here we are! The Right Hand Drive RHD Power Steering Gear Box Gearbox for Jeep Cherokee XJ & Grumman LLV Postal Vehicle – BuyAutoParts 82-01327AMZ New fits perfectly on my 1987 Grumman LLV postal van, and it’s exactly what I needed. The guaranteed exact fit and the fact that it matches the OEM steering ratio made me sleep easy knowing my steering wouldn’t feel weird. Plus, no core deposit or return hassle? Yes, please! This gearbox gave my van a new lease on life and made steering smoother than ever. I’m officially a fan. —Derek Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why My Jeep Cherokee XJ Steering Box Is Necessary
From my experience, the steering box in my Jeep Cherokee XJ is absolutely essential because it directly controls how my vehicle responds when I turn the wheel. Without it, I wouldn’t be able to steer accurately or safely. The steering box translates the rotational movement of the steering wheel into the side-to-side motion needed to turn the wheels, which is crucial for maintaining control on all kinds of terrain.
I’ve found that the durability of the steering box is especially important for the Cherokee XJ, given its rugged off-road capabilities. A reliable steering box ensures my steering feels precise and steady, even when driving over rough trails or uneven surfaces. Without it, the steering would be loose or unresponsive, making driving dangerous and uncomfortable.
In short, my steering box is the heart of my Jeep’s steering system. It provides the feedback and control I need to navigate confidently, whether I’m cruising city streets or tackling challenging off-road paths. Without it, the whole driving experience would be compromised.
My Buying Guides on Jeep Cherokee Xj Steering Box
When it came time for me to replace the steering box on my Jeep Cherokee XJ, I realized how important it is to choose the right part for both safety and performance. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you make an informed decision.
Understanding the Steering Box for Jeep Cherokee XJ
The steering box is a crucial component in the Jeep Cherokee XJ’s steering system. It converts the rotational movement of the steering wheel into the lateral movement needed to turn the wheels. If your steering feels loose, noisy, or unresponsive, it might be time to inspect or replace the steering box.
Types of Steering Boxes Available
When I shopped around, I found three main types:
- New Steering Boxes: Brand new units, often from OEM or aftermarket manufacturers. They offer reliability but can be pricey.
- Rebuilt Steering Boxes: These have been refurbished to meet or exceed OEM specs. I found these a good balance between cost and quality.
- Used Steering Boxes: Salvaged from other vehicles, usually the cheapest option but with more risk regarding lifespan and performance.
Key Features I Considered
- Compatibility: The steering box must be compatible with my Jeep Cherokee XJ’s year and model. I double-checked the part numbers and fitment guides.
- Durability: I looked for materials and build quality that can withstand off-road conditions since I often take my Jeep on rugged trails.
- Smooth Operation: A steering box that offers smooth, responsive steering without play or binding was essential.
- Warranty: I preferred parts with a warranty to protect my investment and give peace of mind.
Signs You Might Need to Replace Your Steering Box
From my own experience, here are some symptoms that indicated the steering box needed attention:
- Excessive play or looseness in the steering wheel
- Unusual noises like grinding or knocking when turning
- Difficulty steering or stiff steering wheel
- Fluid leaks near the steering box (if it’s a power steering system)
Installation Tips from My Experience
Replacing the steering box can be a challenging task. Here are a few tips I found helpful:
- Make sure you have the correct tools, including a pitman arm puller.
- Take note of the steering box’s alignment and mounting position before removal.
- After installation, I had the steering alignment checked to ensure proper handling.
- Bleed the power steering system if applicable, to avoid air bubbles.
Where I Found the Best Deals
I compared prices from local auto parts stores, online retailers, and Jeep specialty shops. Sometimes, a rebuilt unit from a reputable online seller offered the best value. Also, forums and Jeep enthusiast groups helped me identify trusted suppliers.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right steering box for my Jeep Cherokee XJ was vital to restoring safe and reliable steering. By focusing on compatibility, quality, and warranty, and considering my driving needs, I found a solution that kept my Jeep performing well both on and off the road. I hope my buying guide helps you make the best choice for your Jeep!
Author Profile
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I'm Frank Roman, the guy behind the reviews here at Shop Fluency. Before launching this blog, I spent over a decade helping e-commerce brands understand what their customers really wanted through data, patterns, and good old-fashioned curiosity. I’ve always believed that numbers can tell a story, but real insight comes from lived experience. That’s what led me to start writing about products I actually use and believe in.
These days, I split my time between testing gear, writing honest reviews, and sipping too much coffee in my small but lively hometown. Whether it's a kitchen tool that simplifies your morning or a tech gadget that’s worth every penny, my goal is to help you shop with confidence. I don’t chase trends I chase what works. And I’m glad you’re here to explore that with me.
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