A few question about XJs, plz help

[jeepfreak1020]

So ive test driven a couple of Xjs, and they all have had lifts, and the steering wheel was not right, it was off a couple of degrees. Is this something thats bad, or is it commen with lifts on XJs?? And also is it commen with the 4.0s for the transfer case to leak?? Also, how long will the 4.0s run, b/c one i test drove had 175,000 miles on it, and i dont want to have to replace a bunch of things if i buy it??

 

[ColoradoJeepXJ]

The steering wheel is very easy to adjust. Transfer case should not be leaking. If taken care of, a 4.0L could go 250,000 miles.

 

[Stang5lgt]

Yeah you can adjust the drag link to fix the steering wheel. Was there Slip Yoke Eliminater kit on the T case? If there was no SYE kit then that might be why it was leaking. My 4.0 motor has 190k and Jeep has 218k on it.

 

[YELLAHEEP]

Steering wheel centering is adjustable...... well sorta. Depends on how much lift and what steering components on the axle are being used.

If you're running 4" of lift or less, then it "should" be possible to straighten the steering wheel by turning the drag link out several more turns..... but you have to understand that this can be a weak spot in the steering linkage the farther (less threads in the adj. sleeve) you turn it out.

Anything over 4" of lift with stock steering and you're not going to be able to straighten it - the drag link just isn't long enough.

Aftermarket steering linkage systems should be engineered to allow for plenty of adjustment for most lifts to get your steering wheel straight.

T-case leakage is fairly common and fairly easy to fix if you do some research on how to split the case and put it back together. But, for the most part, most XJ's develop leaks all over eventually. Most are easily fixed - the oil pan/rear main seal being the worst of them.

175K miles isn't bad for a decently maintained XJ.

Feel free to post up links to XJ's you're thinking of buying and we all can offer some advice - point out possible issues.

 

[RTicUL8]

After replacing my steering gear box, I noticed that my steering wheel was not centered. I simply detached it from the gear box and rotated it to the correct position.

Not sure if that was the right way of doing it, but it worked.

===

My '88 has 301K miles on it when I sold it.
I still see it on the road.

===

 

[Frank Z]

After replacing my steering gear box, I noticed that my steering wheel was not centered. I simply detached it from the gear box and rotated it to the correct position.

Not sure if that was the right way of doing it, but it worked.

===

My '88 has 301K miles on it when I sold it.
I still see it on the road.

===

How'd you manage to do that? The intermediate shaft has a flat that lines up with the flat on the gearbox input shaft.

 

[Kittrell]

How'd you manage to do that? The intermediate shaft has a flat that lines up with the flat on the gearbox input shaft.

I think he means he detached the drag link, turned the wheel, then bolted(adujsted) the drag link back on.

 

[DutchVDub]

T-Case leaks are easy to fix. I had a 4.5" lift w/o a SYE and it never leaked or gave me vibrations.

175000 miles ain't too bad. My 99 had 160000 and the 92 I just bought has 180000. I think the 92 actually runs better than my 99 did. Make sure you get a 91 or newer as its a H.O. 4.0.

88 and Up
-NP231 T-Case

91 - 99 are the best years for XJ's.
-AX15 5spd
-190hp High Output motor

92 and up
-Dana 30 is non-disconnect (earlier ones are too if they had a NP 242 T-Case)

95 and up
-Dana 30 comes with stronger 297 U-Joints

97 and up
- Chrysler 8.25 is upgraded to 29-spline and is more common

2000 and up
-crappy arse low pinion Dana 30