Steering Box Clunk

[BALTANAKT]

Hey Guys,
Searched but haven't found any answers.

Discovered yesterday my 91 XJ is clunking inside the steering box.
No, its not a cracked bracket - Have BadDadFab bracket.
No, its not the shaft - Just replaced it.
No, there are no loose bolts - Just tightened everything.
No, there are no worn out joints - Just replaced everything.

If sitting at a stop and I jiggle the steering wheel back and forth I hear a clunk coming from the box in either direction.
Also worth mentioning is my steering requires more effort than it used to so probably needs a new pump,

Anyways, My guess is the steering box is worn out or needs to be adjusted. Curious if anyone has any expertise in this area?

 

[Black1990jeep]

It is good practice to replace both gearbox and pump at same time, plus flush the hoses. Debris from a failed pump can ruin a gearbox, and visa versa. I installed an inline filter on the steering fluid line. Magnafine brand filter.

You running stock tires or big ones? the Dodge Dakota truck has a larger gear box which is a direct fit in the XJ I run that but I have 33 x 12.5 inch MT tires. Check the year models of the Dakota to assure which ones fit. It is a fairly well talked about gearbox upgrade on the forums for use with big tires. I also added a steering fluid cooler.