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**littleblackxj** · 04-13-2009, 02:29 PM

So as my jeep sits, I have almost no power steering. I figure that it is a good excuse to do an upgrade and I have seen a couple guys do it. So what exactly goes into the swap? Is it a direct bolt on or what?

finneys98xj · 04-13-2009, 02:30 PM

99 4x4 5.9liter v-8 durango box will bolt right in but get a steering brace just to be safe.

**2000XJ** · 04-13-2009, 02:47 PM

Durango swap is easy. There is a good write up some place, I'll try to find it.

**FrankZ** · 04-13-2009, 02:58 PM

You'll need to add a 1/4" spacer in addition to the OEM spacer.

Kyle · 04-13-2009, 03:40 PM

That would be an interesting upgrade, though I was under the impression that a bit of grinding would be needed to get it in.

**FrankZ** · 04-13-2009, 03:52 PM

No, just the additional spacer.

Kyle · 04-13-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankZ

No, just the additional spacer.

Sounds like a good swap to do, I will be interested in seeing that matt.

finneys98xj · 04-13-2009, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankZ

No, just the additional spacer.

No body that I have seen has put in a spacer if you used the box i metioned.

**FrankZ** · 04-13-2009, 05:39 PM

You need to take a closer look. I've done the mod, and then some. The Durango box is bigger and if you do not use the spacer you can cave-in the inner portion of the the frame rail where it mounts.

Something else to consider before stuffing the Durango box in your XJ:
Durango Steering Mod - NAXJA Forums -::- North American XJ Association

**ZackXJ** · 04-13-2009, 05:51 PM

why the durango? how better is it? or is it just because it doesnt take major modification to work?

**FrankZ** · 04-13-2009, 07:22 PM

The bore is larger so it can turn larger wheels. Important on rocks, not so much in mud.

finneys98xj · 04-13-2009, 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankZ

You need to take a closer look. I've done the mod, and then some. The Durango box is bigger and if you do not use the spacer you can cave-in the inner portion of the the frame rail where it mounts.

Something else to consider before stuffing the Durango box in your XJ:
Durango Steering Mod - NAXJA Forums -::- North American XJ Association

Again you aint got to do that mod just grind off the stops and you will be fine the above isn't required some do it some don't ask Jeeper jason how he likes his.

finneys98xj · 04-13-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZackXJ

why the durango? how better is it? or is it just because it doesnt take major modification to work?

The box is stronger and can handle bigger tires with more ease. People also do the J10 or wagoneer box swap which requier drilling.

**FrankZ** · 04-13-2009, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finneys98xj

Again you aint got to do that mod just grind off the stops and you will be fine the above isn't required some do it some don't ask Jeeper jason how he likes his.

You're missing the point of removing the inner stops. Doing so will decrease the turning radius. If the kuckles aren't hitting the stops on the axle, grinding them off is pointless.

When I installed my Durango gear box I had a larger turning radius than i did with my stock box. After removing the internal stops, the turning radius was better than the stock box.

Make sense now?

finneys98xj · 04-13-2009, 09:02 PM

I know what you were talking about earlier but it aint nessacary to do the swap, You will lose a little turning raduis on certain boxes if you dont do this but not all boxes have the same raduis. Not every box is the same! My 98 xj had a wider turning raduis than my 93. IT aint required to do the swap. YOu will also run the risk of wearing the box out quicker, the stop is there for a reason.

If you are running big tires your raduis will decrease anyway.