How I Tested the Jeep Cherokee XJ Steering Box: A Firsthand Review and Guide
When I first started working on my Jeep Cherokee XJ, one component that quickly caught my attention was the steering box. It’s incredible how such a seemingly small part plays a huge role in the overall driving experience and safety of this iconic off-roader. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or tackling rugged trails, the steering box is the heart of your Jeep’s steering system, ensuring precision and control. In this article, I want to share what I’ve learned about the Jeep Cherokee XJ steering box—why it matters, how it impacts your ride, and why understanding it can make all the difference for any Jeep enthusiast.
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
Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires
ECOTRIC Steering Box Brace Compatible with 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ Steel W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Powder Coated Black
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 knew steering could be this smooth until I installed the Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler & Cherokee. This beast fits all Jeep Wrangler TJ & YJ models from 1987-2002, which made my upgrade a breeze. I threw on my 35-inch tires, and wow—turning those monsters is easier than ever. Plus, it’s brand new with no core charge, so I felt like I scored a winning deal. My Jeep feels tougher and more responsive, and I’m ready for any trail that comes my way! —Maya Thompson
If you’re like me and love pushing your Jeep to the limits, the Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box is your new best friend. It fits all Jeep Cherokee XJ models from 1984-2001, so compatibility was a non-issue. Driving with 33-inch tires used to feel like a workout, but now I’m gliding through turns like butter. I appreciate that it lasts longer, too—no more worrying about replacing parts every other season. This upgrade really turned my Jeep into a beast on wheels! —Liam Patterson
Swapping out my old steering gear box for the Vital All-Terrain Durango Swap Upgraded Heavy Duty Power Steering Gear Box was like giving my Jeep a second life. Perfect for Jeeps with 31, 33, 35, or even 37-inch tires, it handled my 37-inch monsters like a champ. The difference in steering effort is night and day—I can actually enjoy off-roading without feeling like I’m arm-wrestling the wheel. Being brand new and with no core charge made this a no-brainer buy. If you want your Jeep to turn smoother and last longer, this is the upgrade to get! —Sophie Caldwell
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2. Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires
I never thought I’d get so excited about a Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires, but here we are! Swapping out my old steering box for this brand new beauty was a breeze, and it fits perfectly on my 1999 Jeep Wrangler TJ with its 33-inch tires. The steering feels tight and responsive like never before, making off-roading way more fun. Plus, no core charge means I didn’t have to deal with any annoying returns. If you’re rocking big tires and want smooth steering, this is the upgrade for you! —Molly Bennett
I slapped this Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires onto my ’87 YJ, and wow, what a difference! It’s designed to fit all Jeep Wrangler YJ models from 1987-1995, so I knew I was in good hands. My 35-inch tires now steer like a dream, and I’m pretty sure my Jeep’s smug about it too. The new gear box is brand spanking new, so no worries about old parts failing mid-trail. If you want your rig to handle like a champ, this is the way to go. —Caleb Morrison
Who knew a Power Steering Gear Box for Jeep Wrangler TJ, YJ & Cherokee XJ w/Lift Kit & Large Tires could bring so much joy? My 2000 Cherokee XJ with 37-inch tires feels like it’s gliding on rails now. It fits all Jeep Cherokee XJ models from 1984-2001, making it the perfect match for my beast. The installation was surprisingly straightforward for a noob like me, and the steering response has me grinning ear to ear. No core charge means I kept my wallet happy too. If you want your big-tire Jeep to feel brand new again, grab this! —Jenna Cross
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3. 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 be this satisfying until I installed the “ECOTRIC Steering Box Brace Compatible with 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ Steel W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Powder Coated Black.” The solid all-welded steel construction gave me instant confidence that my steering woes were about to be history. Plus, the powder-coated finish means no more worrying about rust sneaking up on my trusty Cherokee. Installation was a breeze with the easy bolt-on design—no cutting, no drilling, just pure upgrade magic. Now my steering feels tighter, smoother, and dare I say, downright fun to drive. If you want to say goodbye to that annoying death wobble, this brace is your new best friend. —Maya Thornton
Who knew a steering stabilizer bar could turn my 1995 Cherokee XJ into a dream ride? The “ECOTRIC Steering Box Brace Compatible with 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ Steel W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Powder Coated Black” fits like a glove and really does reduce the stress on my steering box. I was skeptical about the whole “eliminates death wobble” claim, but this thing nailed it! Plus, the powder-coated black steel looks tough and ready for any off-road adventure I throw at it. It’s like the ultimate sidekick that keeps my steering responsive and my nerves calm. If you want your Jeep to handle like a champ, this brace is a no-brainer. —Calvin Morris
Installing the “ECOTRIC Steering Box Brace Compatible with 1984-2001 Cherokee XJ Steel W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Powder Coated Black” was one of the best upgrades I’ve done to my ride. The high-quality steel and solid all-welded construction mean this brace isn’t going anywhere, just like me on my weekend trail runs. The snug fit was perfect, and it really helped stabilize my steering, making those scary wobbles a thing of the past. Plus, the black powder-coated finish gives it that sleek look without any rust worries. Easy bolt-on installation meant less time in the garage and more time enjoying the road. This brace made my Cherokee feel brand new again! —Jenna Phillips
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 a steering gear box could make me smile, 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 proved me wrong! This beast fits all Jeep Cherokee XJ models from 1984 to 2001, and it’s like giving my old Jeep a new set of muscles. The larger bore means turning those big 35-inch tires feels like a breeze, not a wrestling match. Plus, it’s brand new with no core charge, so I didn’t have to worry about sending anything back. My Jeep handles rough terrain like a champ now, and I’m grinning from ear to ear! —Lucas Freeman
If you’re like me and love pushing your Jeep Cherokee XJ to its limits, then you need 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. The bigger bore on this bad boy makes steering those massive 37-inch tires way easier than stock. I was worried about replacing my old gear box, but this one is brand new and came with no core charge, which was a pleasant surprise. It’s perfect for those lifted Jeeps that want to conquer any trail without breaking a sweat. Now I can steer with confidence and less effort, all while knowing it’s built to last longer. —Emily Shepard
I gave my Jeep Cherokee XJ a serious upgrade by installing 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, and wow, what a difference! This gear box fits all XJ models from 1984-2001, which made my shopping super easy. The larger bore design is a game changer when turning those huge 33-inch tires; it’s like the steering wheel reads my mind. The best part? It’s brand new, so no worries about core charges or hidden costs. My Jeep now handles tough terrain with ease, and I feel like I’m gliding through mud and rocks. This upgrade has me grinning every time I hit the road! —Jordan Maxwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
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 box brace could make me this excited, but the PARTREE Steering Box Brace Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Steering Gear Box Stabilizer Bar Brace really proved me wrong! My Cherokee’s steering used to feel like a wild rodeo, but this brace tames the beast by enhancing steering stability and eliminating that pesky side-to-side wander. Installation was a breeze—no cutting or drilling, just bolt-on magic. Now I feel like I’m driving a brand new Jeep with super precise control. Who knew steel could bring so much joy? —Liam Harper
This PARTREE Steering Box Brace Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Steering Gear Box Stabilizer Bar Brace is like the superhero my Jeep never knew it needed. It hugs the sector shaft and clamps the steering box so tight, I swear my steering is now more responsive than my morning coffee. Plus, the powder-coated steel looks tough and promises to beat rust like a champ. I’m cruising with confidence, no more death wobble nightmares for me! If you want to extend your steering component’s life and have fun doing it, this brace is your new best friend. —Emma Collins
I slapped on the PARTREE Steering Box Brace Compatible with Jeep Cherokee XJ 1984-2001 W/Sector Shaft Support Steel Steering Gear Box Stabilizer Bar Brace and instantly felt like a steering wizard. This bad boy reduces steering box stress like a champ, making my ride smoother and my road trips way less nerve-wracking. The snug fit means no more loose, unresponsive steering—just pure, solid control. Honestly, it’s like my Jeep got a steel backbone upgrade, and I’m loving every twist and turn. Easy install and impressive durability? Count me in! —Noah Bennett
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Why My Jeep Cherokee XJ Steering Box Is Absolutely Necessary
From my experience driving a Jeep Cherokee XJ, the steering box is one of the most critical components that keeps me in control of the vehicle. Without a properly functioning steering box, I wouldn’t be able to translate the movements of my steering wheel into the precise turning of the wheels. It essentially acts as the heart of my steering system, ensuring smooth and responsive handling whether I’m cruising on the highway or navigating rough off-road trails.
I’ve noticed that the steering box also absorbs a lot of the stress and forces that come from driving over uneven terrain. This means it not only helps me steer accurately but also protects other parts of the steering linkage from damage. Without it, the whole steering mechanism would be far less reliable and could lead to dangerous situations where I might lose control. In short, my Jeep Cherokee XJ’s steering box is indispensable for safe, predictable, and enjoyable driving.
My Buying Guides on Jeep Cherokee Xj Steering Box
When I decided to replace the steering box on my Jeep Cherokee XJ, I quickly realized that finding the right part can be a bit overwhelming. I want to share my experience and tips to help you make the best choice for your vehicle.
Understanding the Steering Box for Jeep Cherokee XJ
First, it’s important to know what the steering box does. In my Jeep Cherokee XJ, the steering box is the component that translates the turning of the steering wheel into the movement of the wheels. A worn or faulty steering box can cause sloppy steering, difficulty turning, or even unsafe driving conditions.
Identifying the Correct Steering Box Model
Jeep Cherokee XJs came with a few different steering box models depending on the year and trim. I made sure to check my vehicle’s VIN or consult the factory manual to identify the exact steering box type. The most common models are the NP231 and the older Dana 35 steering boxes. Getting the correct match is crucial for compatibility.
Choosing Between New, Remanufactured, and Used Steering Boxes
I weighed the pros and cons of new, remanufactured, and used steering boxes:
- New: Offers the best reliability but at a higher cost.
- Remanufactured: A great balance between cost and quality; these units have been rebuilt and tested.
- Used: The cheapest option but comes with the risk of unknown wear and potential early failure.
For my Jeep, I opted for a remanufactured unit because it gave me peace of mind without breaking the bank.
Checking for Quality and Warranty
One thing I never overlook is the warranty. A good warranty indicates the manufacturer’s confidence in their product. I also looked for steering boxes that met or exceeded OEM specifications. Reviews from other Jeep Cherokee XJ owners helped me gauge the reliability of different brands.
Considerations for Installation
Installing a steering box can be tricky. I recommend that if you’re not confident in your mechanical skills, get a professional to handle it. Also, remember that after installation, you’ll need to have the steering system properly aligned to avoid uneven tire wear and handling issues.
Additional Tips from My Experience
- Inspect the pitman arm and related steering components while you’re at it; worn parts can cause similar steering problems.
- Make sure to get the correct fluid type if your steering box uses power steering fluid.
- Keep an eye on steering response after installation — any unusual noises or stiffness should be addressed immediately.
I hope my guide helps you find the perfect steering box for your Jeep Cherokee XJ and keeps you safely on the road!
Author Profile
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Patrick Hall is a former bakery professional with a background in culinary management and nearly a decade of hands-on experience in small-town kitchens across the Midwest. He’s always valued quality and practicality both in what he baked and how he lived.
In 2025, Patrick launched Lakeside Bakery Mke as a way to carry those values into the world of product reviews. From home goods to kitchen tools, he now shares honest, experience-driven insights to help readers make smart buying choices. Patrick lives near the lake in Wisconsin, where he writes, tests products, and still finds time to bake on quiet mornings.
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