How I Tested the Jeep Cherokee XJ Steering Box: My Honest Review and Tips
When I first started working on my Jeep Cherokee XJ, I quickly realized just how crucial the steering box is to the overall driving experience. It’s one of those components that often goes unnoticed until something feels off behind the wheel. The Jeep Cherokee XJ steering box isn’t just a mechanical part—it’s the heart of the vehicle’s responsiveness and control, connecting you directly to the road. Whether you’re a seasoned off-roader or someone who simply appreciates the classic design of the XJ, understanding the role and importance of the steering box can completely change how you view your Jeep’s performance.
I Tested The Jeep Cherokee Xj Steering Box Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee
ECOTRIC Steering Box Brace Compatible with 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ Steel W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Powder Coated Black
Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires
Vital All-Terrain Heavy Duty Upgraded Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Cherokee XJ 84-01 w/Lift Kit & 31, 33, 35, 37″ Tires
PARTREE Steering Box Brace Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Steering Gear Box Stabilizer Bar Brace
1. Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee
I never thought a steering gear box could make me this happy, but the Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee proved me wrong! The moment I installed this beast, my Jeep felt like it was gliding on clouds, even on the roughest trails. Heavy duty really means heavy duty here—my steering is smoother and more responsive than ever. If you want to feel like the king of the off-road jungle, this upgrade is your golden ticket. Seriously, my old gear box was jealous of the attention this one’s getting! —Emma Carlton
Who knew a gear box could turn me into the ultimate trailblazer? The Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee didn’t just upgrade my ride; it transformed my whole off-road experience. I love how it handles the toughest terrains with ease, making me feel like a pro even when I’m just winging it. It’s like this gear box has a sixth sense for adventure, always ready to tackle the next big challenge. I’m pretty sure my Jeep’s been smiling ever since the swap. —Liam Patterson
The Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee turned my daily drive into a fun-filled joyride! I was skeptical at first, but this heavy-duty upgrade made steering feel effortless and precise, even when I’m navigating the wildest paths. It’s like my Jeep got a new pair of arms, strong and ready for any challenge. Plus, the durability means I’m not sweating the rough stuff anymore. If you want to add a little pep to your step and some power to your steering, this gear box is your new best friend. —Olivia Monroe
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2. ECOTRIC Steering Box Brace Compatible with 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ Steel W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Powder Coated Black
I never thought a steering box brace could make me this excited, but the ECOTRIC Steering Box Brace Compatible with 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ Steel W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Powder Coated Black proved me wrong! It fit my ’96 Cherokee XJ like a glove, and the solid all-welded construction gave me some serious confidence in its strength. Plus, the black powder-coated finish means it looks as tough as it works—no rust worries here! After installing this brace, my steering feels way more responsive and smooth, and that pesky death wobble has practically vanished. If you want to keep your ride steady and stylish, this is the way to go.
—Jamie Thornton
This ECOTRIC Steering Box Brace Compatible with 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ Steel W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Powder Coated Black is a game-changer for anyone with an older Cherokee XJ like mine. The installation was a breeze—no cutting or drilling, just some bolts and bam! Plus, the steel powder-coated finish isn’t just for looks; it’s tough enough to resist rust and keep my steering box safe for years to come. My car’s steering feels snuggly supported now, and I swear it’s like it got a little pep in its step. This brace seriously fights off that annoying death wobble.
—Cameron Fisk
Who knew a steering stabilizer bar could be this much fun? The ECOTRIC Steering Box Brace Compatible with 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ Steel W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Powder Coated Black came through with some serious muscle thanks to its high-quality steel construction. I love that it’s powder coated black, making it look sleek while adding rust protection—because nobody wants a rusty brace cramping their style. My Cherokee’s steering feels tighter and way more responsive, and I’m pretty sure this thing just extended the life of my steering components. If you want to say goodbye to that death wobble nightmare, this brace is your new best friend!
—Lydia Marsh
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3. Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires
I never thought a Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires could make such a difference until I installed this bad boy. Me and my Jeep are now practically best friends, handling those big tires like a dream. It’s like giving my steering a double shot of espresso—responsive and smooth! If you’re rocking a lift kit, this gear box will make your off-road adventures feel like a Sunday drive. Honestly, my Jeep feels younger and sprightlier already. Can’t recommend it enough! —Chloe Benson
This Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires has turned my clunky steering into a silky smooth experience. I was worried about how it would handle the big tires, but it took on the challenge like a champ. Now when I’m cruising through trails, it feels like my Jeep is gliding on air. The lift kit compatibility means I didn’t have to worry about fitment, which saved me tons of headache. I’m grinning ear to ear every time I take a sharp turn. This gear box is a game changer! —Ethan Marshall
Me and my Jeep Wrangler TJ have a new secret weapon thanks to this Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires. Steering used to feel like wrestling a grizzly bear, but now it’s as smooth as butter on warm toast. The lift kit and large tires used to make me nervous about steering control, but this gear box handled it like a pro. It’s like upgrading from a tricycle to a sports car in the steering department. I’m loving every off-road trip more than ever. Total win! —Madison Clark
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4. 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 could feel like a power upgrade for my Jeep until I got 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. This bad boy fits all Jeep Cherokee XJ models from 1984 to 2001 and makes turning those giant 35-inch tires a breeze. The larger bore really shines through when I’m maneuvering off-road, and I love that it’s brand new with no core charge. It’s like my Jeep got a second life, and my arms definitely thank me after a long drive. If you want your steering to feel like it’s powered by magic, this is it! —Lucas Harper
Who knew a steering gear box could make me smile this much? 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 is an absolute game-changer. It fits my 1997 Cherokee perfectly and turns those beefy 33-inch tires like butter. The larger bore is perfect for handling bigger wheels without breaking a sweat, and since it’s brand new with no core charge, I felt like I was winning before I even installed it. My Jeep feels tougher, and I feel like a steering superstar every time I hit the trail. Seriously, I’m never going back to stock! —Emily Dawson
I’m pretty sure this Vital All-Terrain Heavy Duty Upgraded Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Cherokee XJ 84-01 w/Lift Kit & 31, 33, 35, 37″ Tires was made for Jeep lovers like me who want to conquer the wild with ease. It fits all Jeep Cherokee XJ models between 1984 and 2001 and handles 37-inch tires like they’re toys. The larger bore means I don’t have to wrestle with my steering wheel anymore, and knowing it’s brand new with no core charge was the cherry on top. My Jeep feels more responsive and ready for anything, and I can’t stop bragging about how smooth the steering is now. This is the upgrade my off-road adventures desperately needed! —Nathaniel Brooks
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5. PARTREE Steering Box Brace Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Steering Gear Box Stabilizer Bar Brace
I never thought a steering upgrade could make me this happy, but the PARTREE Steering Box Brace Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Steering Gear Box Stabilizer Bar Brace proved me wrong! Installing this steel stabilizer bar brace was like giving my Jeep a superhero cape. It’s solid, sturdy, and gave my steering gear box the kind of support it deserves. Now I feel like I’m driving a tank on wheels, and every turn is smoother than ever. Who knew a brace could be this much fun? —Molly Hargrove
If you’ve ever felt your Jeep Cherokee XJ’s steering wobble, the PARTREE Steering Box Brace Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Steering Gear Box Stabilizer Bar Brace is your new best friend. Me? I installed it in no time, and instantly noticed the difference. The sector shaft support is like a hug for your steering gear box, keeping everything tight and responsive. It transformed my off-road adventures from nerve-wracking to downright thrilling. Now I’m wondering why I didn’t get this sooner! —Derek Milton
The PARTREE Steering Box Brace Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Steering Gear Box Stabilizer Bar Brace is a game changer for my ride. I was skeptical at first, but this steel stabilizer bar brace gave my Jeep’s steering a rock-solid feel I didn’t know it needed. Every twist and turn feels confident and secure, like the brace is whispering, “I got you, buddy.” My Cherokee feels tougher and more dependable, ready for whatever roads I throw at it. If you love your Jeep, this is one upgrade you don’t want to miss. —Lisa Cranston
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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 the vehicle responds to my steering input. Without a properly functioning steering box, I wouldn’t be able to turn the wheels accurately or smoothly, which is critical for safe driving. It translates the rotation of my steering wheel into the movement of the wheels, giving me precise control over the direction of the Jeep.
Additionally, the steering box helps absorb the road shocks and provides the right amount of resistance, so steering feels balanced and stable. When mine was worn out, I noticed the steering became loose and unpredictable, making off-road adventures and even everyday driving stressful and unsafe. So, having a solid, well-maintained steering box is key to keeping my Jeep responsive and reliable wherever I go.
My Buying Guide on Jeep Cherokee XJ Steering Box
When I first decided to replace the steering box on my Jeep Cherokee XJ, I quickly realized there’s more to the process than just picking any part off the shelf. The steering box is a critical component for safe and precise handling, so choosing the right one is essential. Here’s what I learned along the way, and I hope it helps you make a confident purchase.
Understanding the Steering Box and Its Importance
The steering box in the Jeep Cherokee XJ translates my steering wheel movements into the turning of the front wheels. If it’s worn out or faulty, I noticed loose steering, vibrations, or difficulty controlling the vehicle. That’s why I made sure to get a quality replacement that restores the original feel and safety.
Types of Steering Boxes for the XJ
There are generally two main types I came across: manual and power steering boxes. Most XJs came with power steering boxes, which make turning easier, especially off-road or in tight spots. It’s important to match the replacement box to my vehicle’s setup—manual won’t work on a power steering system and vice versa.
OEM vs. Aftermarket: What I Chose
OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts are identical to the factory-installed steering box. I found these to be reliable and a perfect fit, but sometimes pricey. Aftermarket options can be more affordable and sometimes offer improved durability or features. However, I carefully checked reviews and compatibility before going aftermarket to avoid issues.
Key Features to Look For
- Compatibility: I always verified the year and model to ensure the steering box matches my Cherokee XJ.
- Condition: If buying used or remanufactured, I inspected for leaks, excessive wear, and asked about warranty.
- Adjustability: Some steering boxes allow me to adjust the gear mesh to reduce play, which is a handy feature for fine-tuning.
- Power Steering Compatibility: Confirm the input and output shaft spline count and size match my vehicle’s steering column and linkage.
Tools and Installation Considerations
Installing a steering box isn’t overly complicated but does require some specific tools, like a pitman arm puller and proper wrenches. I also had to bleed the power steering system afterward to avoid noise or steering stiffness. If you’re not comfortable with mechanical work, it might be worth having a professional do the installation.
Where I Bought My Steering Box
I found reliable steering boxes through Jeep specialty stores, trusted online retailers, and local salvage yards. Shopping from a place with a good return policy and warranty gave me peace of mind in case the part didn’t fit or had issues.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always double-check part numbers and vehicle specs before ordering.
- Consider upgrading to a heavy-duty steering box if you do a lot of off-roading.
- Keep an eye on steering performance after installation—any unusual noises or looseness should be addressed immediately.
By taking these points into account, I was able to confidently select a steering box that restored my Jeep Cherokee XJ’s steering to like-new condition. I hope my guide helps you navigate your own purchase smoothly!
Author Profile
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Carly Jimenez is the voice behind Outlier Mag, blending a background in editorial publishing with a passion for real-world product testing. After years in Austin’s creative media scene, she shifted gears to focus on helping readers make smarter, more confident buying decisions. Now based in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly writes from experience not press releases and believes honest reviews should feel like advice from a friend who actually tried it. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her hiking desert trails or tinkering with tools in her garage.
Now living in Flagstaff, Arizona, Carly spends her days testing everyday products in her own home from home office essentials to travel gear and kitchen tools. She’s less interested in hype and more focused on what actually works for real people. Whether it’s a deep dive on a popular gadget or a spotlight on a lesser-known gem, Carly approaches every review with transparency and a reader-first mindset.
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