I rebuilt my 01 cherokee steering way back, and can share my experiences.

The durango box has a larger internal cylinder. I think you want the non-plow type. I recommend a grand cherokee (WJ?) steering pump, it pumps more volume because it was also feeding a hydraulic radiator fan. Finally, theres a brass insert on the outlet port of the pump. you can bore that out, but only go up a few drill sizes, not the whole way.

 

I recommend a grand cherokee (WJ?) steering pump, it pumps more volume because it was also feeding a hydraulic radiator fan. Finally, theres a brass insert on the outlet port of the pump. you can bore that out, but only go up a few drill sizes, not the whole way.

If theres a leak, is it necessary to replace the pump as well? Or would swapping the gear box likely fix the problem is that's the source of the leak?

 

Yeah it appears to be the box that's leaking, pump seems fine. Is replacing the box something that is best left to a shop or is it pretty simple?

 

Not too difficult, just make sure to bleed the air out before you start the engine.

 

You can send your box to West Texas offroad and have them rebuild it. They can also port it for assist down the road. They have a write up on their site for the pump mod. They ported my PSC gearbox for hydro assist and have been running assist with the stock pump for years now without issue.

 

Go with box first

My TJ is a 2001 with 6" lift and had terrible steering when I bought it. Links are now all Currie and that made it better. It had the Durango non plow box and the shaft twisted when rock crawling. I replaced it and it happened again. I upgraded to a PSC heavy duty box, pump, and remote resevoir. No more problems and I have been to MOAB and the Rubicon. No more damaged parts.

 

My TJ is a 2001 with 6" lift and had terrible steering when I bought it. Links are now all Currie and that made it better. It had the Durango non plow box and the shaft twisted when rock crawling. I replaced it and it happened again. I upgraded to a PSC heavy duty box, pump, and remote resevoir. No more problems and I have been to MOAB and the Rubicon. No more damaged parts.

I'm going with the JKS track bar and Currie currectlync for sure. Im thinking of doing Durango for now but if I have issues with it down the road (dont wheel much) then I'll go to the PSC. Do you feel like the Durango is fine for everyday driving?

 

I actually live out in west Texas for work but the jeep is in Florida. I looked into having them do it but hadn't heard if it was worth it over going with a Durango or something similar. I would go PSC but honestly I just dont wheel enough to make it worth it right now. Do you like what they did? Feel like it would be worth it for them to rebuild my stock box?

 

I've had two Durango steering boxes in my 2000 TJ. Both lasted about 5 years, possibly because they were remanufactured units. I'm not unhappy with them. However I doubt I will do a 3rd. Ive been eyeing the PSC option for awhile.

 

One has to make his own decisions. The Durango box was fine for the street but rock crawling ruined both boxes. The PSC has made a Moab trip and did the Rubicon also last year and is still tight and straight.

 

Yeah I believe I've decided on the Durango for now, and go PSC if it breaks down the road. I dont plan on anything that serious for quite some time. What's the best place to get the Durango? I found it on Amazon for $300 (minus $150 core return but I can't return the jeep core).

 

Have you tried locally like Napa? I don't remember the stock box being $300.
If you're paying that much you might as well get a redhead.

 

Yeah, it's about the same from them. With NAPA I may be able to return the jeep core without them noticing, but if they dont accept it it's still $300 if you dont get the core refund.

 

My gearbox leaked a few years ago, stop-leak will hold it off for a month or two but it will start to leak again, this might get you by for a bit if you want to upgrade your other components. I went with a remanufactured box and haven't had any problems since although I don't put many kms on my Jeep in a year.

The ZJ tie rod upgrade is also an option, I haven't done it yet but will be considering it seeing as I'm going up to 35s soon.

https://www.stu-offroad.com//steering/zjtie/tierod-1.htm

 

They didn't switch to the other gearbox until '03 I think?

When I search a 98 gearbox it comes up way cheaper than a '00 on rockauto.

 

I did find one alternative on rock auto, about $135. Which is much better!

 

Anyone know the Durango box ratio? Stock box?

Anyone considered AGR box (255352)?