Bolt on Upgrade for your Jeep (XJ) Cherokee Power Steering

[@nextweeksadventure]

New info I've just received is heater hose could fail. I've ordered correct hose and will make a short video asap to talk about the correction. I apologize for the confusion in this. I was mislead in my hose choice.

[@theatomproject007]

BTDT on a project where I had to relocate my divorced power steering reservoir to a different location and used what I thought was oil safe hoses. Needless to say that while it doesn't "leak" it sure likes to "sweat" all over the parts around the reservoir.

[@rcguymike]

​@@theatomproject007 it's probably dissolving gunk into the oil, do you have a filter anywhere? 😬

[@javedjames299]

Did you make the new video?

[@nextweeksadventure]

@@javedjames299 yes check the playlist. I put that video out right after this one.

[@danieldrake7090]

Im running 35's on my XJ. Installed the WJ pump and an oil cooler on the return side. Works fantastic for the last year. Oh ya, the oil temperature before the cooler was around 200 degrees. Now it's around 150 degrees in the summer.

[@keithbishop4656]

This man has held a flashlight for Dad before!

[@nextweeksadventure]

Worse.... Older brother

[@grenobel]

You should drill out the internal restrictor port on the XJ high pressure coupler. If you look at the inside of the WJ coupler, it's a much larger diameter than the XJ coupler. The restrictor on the XJ coupler can be safely drilled out to match the WJ coupler's internal diameter for even better flow. Also, heater hose isn't oil or pressure resistant since it's designed for coolant vs hydraulic fluid. 1/2" transmission cooler hose is a much better application for this. Power steering fluid won't break down trans cooler hose and it will withstand up to 400psi.

[@wadeleach9476]

I used the Edelmann elite power steering filter for a step down from 1/2” to 3/8” return line. I used your advice on the Edelmann 1/2” hose. It worked perfectly. I only used maybe 4” of it, but no one in town had 1/2” power steering hose. Then I just used the old 3/8” hose from box

[@NorEastBeast]

What kind of PS hose adapter fitting (step down) for 1/2-3/4 to connect the 1/2 hose to the 3/4 PS hose?

[@bspizzledizzle]

Great write up. I used this to install my lares WJ pump with a new steering box. All I had to do different was slightly sand the fitting on the WJ reservoir to use the power steering hose.

[@rickybobby1055]

You can also use the steering box out of a dodge durango. Did that to my 98 xj and it works great. Better tighter turning radius too

[@mercedescherokee6853]

Bought a used durango box and drilled and tapped it for hydro assist, no more leaks and a stronger box!

[@blownaway4371]

​@@mercedescherokee6853 What year/s Durango?

[@ronaldsummey469]

Just finished this couple days ago on my 1ton swapped xj with hydraulic assist steering i did drill the hole 5/16 and i didn't touch the spring. This made a big difference one finger will turn the 37x12.50 x17 maxxis rzr mt's no problem. Worth every penny considering the other pumps out there and the price difference is huge.

[@erikp2510]

Which hole

[@ronaldsummey469]

@Erik P I don't exactly know what the part is called but it's the peice that the high pressure line goes in. That also threads into the pump and has the spring under it.

[@traviswilson9180]

getting ready to do this same upgrade to my 2001 xj. You can also upgrade the steering gearbox with a 1999 dodge durango V8 non snow plow gearbox its a direct bolt on also but you also have to change the gearbox mounting bracket with a JCR or an Ironman 4x4 Fab. Great video thanks......

[@ingluv]

After I did the Durango steering box upgrade, i have seen that it may not be a true upgrade, I have been very happy with mine, but supposedly it has bronze bushings instead of roller bearings for the sector shaft. Also, I found a minimal loss in turning angle at full turn but that isn't really an issue for me. The tires rubbed the LCAs a little at full turn, so that was almost a plus. Just wanted to mention what I found with my install. There is a lot of information online.

[@kenskens69]

I have used my connected to the top fitting forever, no problem, and the high pressure just used the wj line to the same connection to the steering box

[@villa50bis]

Thank you for your detailed work, the day that I need to do this I’ll raise my celebratory beer to you!

[@nextweeksadventure]

Make sure to watch the update video. A mistake was made but corrected. The pump is still going strong with no issues or leaks.

[@05glisedan]

Perfect timing. Discovered this morning a small split on the pressure hose. Lost lots of fluid. Ordered from Rock Auto - Lares 12762 pump - Lares 298 magnetic filter - Gates high pressure and return lines. Thanks for sharing info on fitting for the high pressure hose. I didn't know about that... Cheers

[@xjyj2248]

How's pump working out for you so far?

[@05glisedan]

​@xjyj2248 @7:17 fitting. For some reason the xj fitting would leak. Perhaps I slightly messed up the threads during install. Ended up replacing with stock xj pump. Didn't have time to play with it at that time. I'll work on it later this year.

[@ol_gunner13b40]

My XJ's got 33's for over 100k miles and never a hiccup from my OEM power steering pump. If it ain't broke, don't fix/upgrade it.

[@dustinlerch9272]

Get yourself a new spacer and a brace; I can turn mine with a pinky now.

[@jethro9341]

How are you gonna empty every pocket with that mentality?

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

I was thinking the same thing when this video popped up in my feed. I've had 33s on mine for 5 or 6 years now with the same pump. I did sleeve and plate the 'frame' where the steering box mounts when I beefed up the front end for a winch bumper. My steering has always been very good.

[@eagleone5456]

I've got 31s and 213k miles and my pump is tired but not dead. Gonna keep running it but nice to have this upgrade in the toolbox

[@Goodfellow7711]

@@dustinlerch9272explain

[@redtango75]

I run that same under hood light set up. Walmart fluorescent and zip ties. 👍🏻

[@mortenjohansen4120]

I did this swsp on my 2000 xj. But we had to cut/splice the valves from the wj and xj pumps in order to connect the high pressere line.

[@3727don]

Being a newbie, how does one cut and splice the valves?

[@kameronwes170]

I did this upgrade on my 96 with no hitches, but I used the other return line. I've been running it for 2 years now and I haven't had a single issue.

[@IronGunner10]

Good info. Thanks, fellow xj brother

[@comanchefun1612]

Good video man I appreciate it, I’m in the process of gathering parts/information for a hydro assist.

[@blownaway4371]

Did you ever finish the hydro-boost

[@tonydrummond3709]

Going to order one of these for my 2000 xj

[@michaelhunt4853]

I would be willing to bet pumps internally are the same its the pressure regulator which you swapped and rpm they spin that makes the difference. But, nice video keep it up.

[@MrMrsregor]

yea, i bet you are correct.?.. I might just pull a pressure regulator from the salvage yard and try it out... are the xj and wj pullies the same diameter ?

[@nextweeksadventure]

You swap pulleys from your old one to the new one from parts store. Cant say for sure on any size difference.

[@michaelhunt4853]

Yes but is the v8 crank pulley the same size as the i6. I know ford used the same pump for several vehicles and pulleys were matched. That way pressure and flow were good at idle and wouldn’t over heat at high rpm’s. But if you pump was shot just a new pump might be a huge difference

[@gero195]

Durango steering box next on the list , small cooler , inline filter on return JEEP ! JUST EMPTY EVERY POCKET sir.

[@davidjeep6543]

that 2on clamp on the bottom should make short work of you radiator hose ,slick that open quick

[@markwaldorf5140]

Thank you for this extremely helpful video! I successfully performed this swap a month ago on my XJ, and also replaced the box with a new BlueTop. It turns like butter. HOWEVER, I seem to have lost all return-to-center. I did the fitting drill out, but am not running hydro assist. Could this be the problem with the no-return-to-center? I’m thinking of going back to the pick-apart and nabbing another XJ fitting to see if the restriction or lack of with the WJ pump is the reason for the centering issue.

[@ryzen2381]

@6:08 heater hose definitely does not work the best. It swells and turns into goo when used with trans fluid (and motor oil). Then when it starts to leak the cooling fan blows it all over the rest of your rubber components ruining them as well, motor mounts, cab, and inner sidewall of your tire. Worst part is that liquid rubber slime will get on your skin anyime you reach into the engine bay making working on your car miserable as no amount of scrubbing gets it off your skin. Spend the extra money and buy the transmission cooler hose rated for atf.

[@nextweeksadventure]

@@ryzen2381 yep I cought this mistake and made a follow-up video for it.

[@7t2z28]

Keep an eye on that return hose, it will eventually fail. The material that heater hose is made of is not intended for use with oil. It will eventually soften and rupture.

[@7t2z28]

Doh, he actually did post a follow up video explaining the hose issue.

[@nextweeksadventure]

I admitted my mistake fixed it and made a follow-up video.

[@ArialStacy]

great video period did you ever look up how many how much more pressure the

[@deadspeed6679]

Honestly drilling out the flow restriction helps

[@jakeshaffer7572]

You should drill out the pressure side fitting to a 1/8 hole

[@wjonthetrail]

You can drill the hole a little bigger but be careful not too much or you will lose your pressure Only increase by a 1/8” of a inch overall diameter But the best results will come from just adding a shim underneath that spring increasing the pressure a thin washer works wonders Then I would recommend a cooler be placed in line As you will be working the pump harder creating more heat The cooler will help and give you a little more volume of oil to work with

[@lol123321123321]

Do you have more details? What size shim and where to install? I'm using a 8 row transmission cooler for my power steering so I'm not worried about over heating the p/s fluid. I drive a manual. I driller my p/s pressure line out just marginally so it flows better but better steering when bound up comes from higher pressure, not flow.

[@wjonthetrail]

@@lol123321123321 to increase your pressure on any pump You add more pressure to the bypass or relief valve Some have different sizes spring to use Others have a screw and lock nut ware you lose the lock nut and turn the screw in compressing the spring to the desired pressure For steering pump they have a spring with different thickness of washers or shims But if you are adding a hydraulic cylinder to your system a little more volume will help But pressure is the key It’s the difference in turning your wheel with your fingers or both hands There are several videos out there on this Bleeping jeep has a good one

[@lol123321123321]

@@wjonthetrail Thanks. I was more curious on what to use as a shim on a factory jeep xj power steering pump. My stock pump or replacement didn't have one so I'm curious what you used. Thickness, O.D. And I.D.

[@seanmacdonald8476]

Thanks for the vid! Have you seen the ironman4x4 steering brace? I just replaced my steering box and am slowly adding parts to see what's making what difference. First box, next brace, and finally if I'm not satisfied I will throw in the WJ pump I snagged from the JY. If I install I will go with the same no drill method you did for the high pressure fitting. So much conflicting info out there it's hard to navigate, will be interested to see more of your experience

[@nextweeksadventure]

I've looked into the brace system but I've heard its needed for 35in tires. I run a 33. At some point I'll probly add one just to be safe and not rip the front end apart just in case.

[@seanmacdonald8476]

@@nextweeksadventure For real, IMO if you're wheeling it and you don't have frame stiffies then the brace is a no brainer even with 33's the weight of the vehicle is what's going to put all the pressure through the drag link onto the box while you're bouncing. Have you gotten the thing crossed up yet since the swap? Lots of people report blowing high pressure lines. I went with duralast for that juicy warranty lol even tho I'm going to likely buy another to carry as a spare

[@nextweeksadventure]

@@seanmacdonald8476 I've got frame stiffeners on mine. I'm more worried about the track bar drop bracket getting torn off more than the steering box honestly. I've flexed it out but haven't really got it really jammed up yet. Fingers crossed everything stays together. But as for now it's all working good.

[@seanmacdonald8476]

@@nextweeksadventure Sweet, this was the first vid of you're I found just by searching for WJ pump stuff, will have to catch up on the other vids thanks again for the content

[@xjyj2248]

you don't need it for 35's, I'm running that steering box brace with 31's@@nextweeksadventure

[@jeremyhanna3852]

I have had no problems with the stock pump going out no funny noises just leaking from the front shaft in a about 3 wks

[@rcguymike]

Don't forget to update this description with info from 2nd vid/link👍

[@nextweeksadventure]

Holy cow I forgot.... Thanks for the reminder!!!

[@kp7100]

Hello. Is there a torque setting for the pulley? And when you swapped the fittings for the high pressure line, do you have to add any sealant? If so what kind. Thank you

[@nextweeksadventure]

If it had a torque setting I didn't do it. I just tightened it on to how it looked when I took it apart. No I did not use any sealant on the fitting. So far no issues or leaks. Just make sure to watch the follow-up video. I used the wrong return hose which can lead to issues. I corrected it in the 2nd video.

[@kp7100]

@@nextweeksadventurethank you for the reply. I was reading on the forums about adding a barbed fitting. But on your video all you did was swap the high pressure hose fitting from the XJ pump and used the house and double clamped. Which your video is the route I want to go to

[@jdsilvaca]

You can't use heater hose. You need to use power steering or transmission hose.

[@nextweeksadventure]

I swapped it out. Also made a follow-up video discussing my mistake so others could correct it.

[@xjyj2248]

How is everything running running with your power steering pump?I upgraded my ps box a while ago to a durango steering box now i finally have a leak in the ps reservoir. Going to upgrade I am thinking of doing this

[@nextweeksadventure]

Still works fine. Make sure to check out the revised (update) video. I was given wrong info and changed the return line. Apparently power steering fluid will destroy the hose I used first. Also hows the Durango steering box? I've heard about this but never thought deeply on doing the swap.

[@xjyj2248]

great to hear! I did that one as well, but i already run an oil resistant silicone return line right now, just need to get the larger i.d. size. I really like the durango box, ive had no issues with it. add the ironmanfab4x4 brace too, i run that with 31's and again no issues at all @@nextweeksadventure

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

How is this holding up? As others have stated, vacuum caps and heater hose are not rated for power steering fluid. Have they deteriorated and started leaking yet?

[@nextweeksadventure]

So I did find out about the hose and corrected it. Also made a follow-up video on that. So far everything is holding up fine with no issues.

[@benjaminreinhardt259]

Right on. Didn't intend to be the 'keyboard warrior' type. Was genuinely curious how the hoses were holding up.@@nextweeksadventure

[@nextweeksadventure]

@@benjaminreinhardt259 no worries. I do this to try and help people with projects. If something goes wrong or doesn't work I let people know. Thanks for watching and taking time to comment.

[@JeepFreak1941]

You could of just drilled out the high pressure fitting on the pump to the next size and put a washer under the spring to increase the pressure and flow and saved money on buying a different pump

[@nextweeksadventure]

Never heard of doing this. Unfortunately for me a new pump was definitely needed. By the time I got home from my offgrid trip in CO this poor thing was screaming louder than a baby on a plane. Thanks for the tip!

[@wjonthetrail]

About the only reason you would need extra volume is if you added hydraulic assist cylinder So more volume is what you would get BUT TO MUCH AND YOUR PUMP WONT BE HAPPY IT WILL JUST FOAM YOUR OIL BUT ADDING A SHIM OR DIFFERENT SPRING TO INCREASE YOUR OPERATING PRESSURE CAN BE VERY BENEFICIAL

[@randalblack518]

Would this work on a ZJ?

[@fearnobeer-ns3om]

Wonder what itll do for the one tons

[@kevinarmstrong7469]

I've read that you have to have a 97+ high pressure fitting? Will the earlier years not work?

[@nextweeksadventure]

Mine is a 98. You will have to swap your original port into the new pump. I'm not 100% sure if the older models are different than the 98 but I think they are the same. This new pump is only different in size due to running the ps and a fan which requires more flow

[@jeremyhanna3852]

If your xj is pre 1994 with the power steering pump that tightens the belt none of this will work for you the bigger tank will not fit in the belt adjuster and cant use the smaller tank on wj pump

[@phl_knives]

THANK YOU! I was heading to the junkyard tomorrow for Jeep and Honda Pilot parts. This popped up on my feed and thought maybe I'd snag a pump for my 91 XJ. I thought the tensioner integrated into the older model pumps would be an issue. Thanks for confirming this. I was scrolling comments to see if anyone asked this.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

@Artisanlocal if you can find a 96 and up 4.0 in a zj the hole front engine drive will fit the older 4.0 and the belt tensioner is much better

[@carldietz9767]

Heater hose is not compatible with power stearing fluid!

[@stevebibey3473]

Will this work in a 92 and what year of WJ did you buy

[@nextweeksadventure]

Oriellys Part number is listed in description. It's for a 2001-2004 with the v8 motor. I can't say 100% that it works for a 1992 but I believe it will. Keep your receipt if it dont.

[@stevebibey3473]

Thanks

[@williammontano7854]

Would this be a 1 for 1 swap on a grand Cherokee that runs the 4.0 instead of the V8?

[@nextweeksadventure]

The v8 and the I6 use different pumps.

[@djsuretay1]

What type of fluid did you use

[@nextweeksadventure]

Regular power steering fluid from Oriley's

[@djsuretay1]

@@nextweeksadventure question I picked up a 1994 used power steering pump does any of the pulleys that you know of have any splits in the pulley where the serpentine belt goes

[@nextweeksadventure]

Unfortunately I don't know the answer to this. I'd search parts stores websites to see what part numbers for the years match. Also see if it has pictures.

[@JeepnJ89]

haha my steering makes that fart noise too

[@nextweeksadventure]

Hahahah nice! Glad I'm not the only one.

[@jeagerx2146]

What bracket mount do you use to hold the pump

[@nextweeksadventure]

Factory

[@JamesMcNamara-j1g]

I keep finding xj upgrades that use wj parts. Is there a reason to start with an XJ, versus the WJ?

[@nextweeksadventure]

Price/availability. I believe the wj is more expensive to mod. I'd build one for sure. The xj is just a cheap solid unit and thats why more people like them I guess.

[@DJKittrell]

Did you use the standard 3/8-16 bolt that comes with most puller kits to install the pulley? I cannot get it to thread in for the life of me. It threads into the XJ pump no problem. I even happen to have a 2000 WJ in the garage and it won’t thread into that ps pump either. I am stumped.

[@nextweeksadventure]

So what I did was screw in one of the tiny adapters into the pump then screw the larger stud with the end for your wrench over the top of the smaller one. Then you screw the "nut" looking piece all the way down till it hits the pulley. Slap a socket on it like the video making sure to use a screwdriver to stop the pulley from spinning and giver the beans to set the pulley. I hope this makes sense. If not drop me an email [e-mail] and I'll try to send pics to you.

[@DJKittrell]

@@nextweeksadventure Thank you for the quick reply. I do know how to use the installer. The problem I am having is the "tiny adapter" you are referring to is typically a 3/8-16 bolt, which I have no issues screwing into the old XJ pump. However, it will not thread into the WJ pump I swapped in, nor the pump on my actual WJ. Do you recall what pulley kit you have? I can look it up to see if maybe it has more adapter sizes than the one I have. I've had no issues using it on an XJ or ZJ, but it just doesn't seem to want to work for the WJ.

[@nextweeksadventure]

@@DJKittrell the puller kit is from Harbor Freight and its item#63068 and yes its the 3/8-16 adapter. I remember it was a little sketch but it held. Its a rather loose fit.

[@DJKittrell]

@@nextweeksadventure Well crap, that's not gonna do it. That size will only grab a thread or two and it won't go in straight. Back to the drawing board, thanks for the info!

[@nextweeksadventure]

@@DJKittrell can you try running a tap in it to clean up the threads?

[@lol123321123321]

What year jeep grand cherokee wj v8 pump did you use?

[@nextweeksadventure]

Part number for oreilly auto is in description. Its for a 2001-2004 grand cherokee with the 4.7ltr v8

[@matthall2916]

Can someone tell me what year of wj? I got a decent built xj with 36in tires and my poor stock pump is not happy.

[@nextweeksadventure]

In description I put Oriley's part number for pump used. Part # 733-29105 its for the v8 model wj. Go on website and put it in search bar takes you right to it.

[@ajh5838]

Will the high presure line from the wj fit?

[@nextweeksadventure]

It's been a while from doing this but for what I remember no. The fitting is different on the pump.

[@slyjeeper]

Would this work on a Renix jeep?

[@nextweeksadventure]

I can't say with 100% confidence it would but I'd assume so. The renix is just a different design motor (head, intake). I believe the accessories are still the same.

[@weshawkins7165]

What year grand Cherokee for the pump?

[@nextweeksadventure]

2001-2004 with the v8

[@MayoXJ88]

Use a swivel and u don’t have to take the res off

[@xjyj2248]

This upgrade doesn't work for my 95 XJ. Now I have an extra Lares WJ power steering pump. I should have done a little more research

[@RichardBuck-ty1eg]

If you're in AZ I will buy from you

[@BUKWulfSh0t]

Will this work on my 97 xj? It's manual transmission

[@nextweeksadventure]

Type of transmission has nothing to do with the power steering so yes it will work.

[@BUKWulfSh0t]

@@nextweeksadventure im having misfire on cylinder 3... just replace the timing chain and distributor ... also spark plugs and including wires. Any idea what it might be?

[@nextweeksadventure]

If it was mine I'd start by verifying spark at the plug on cyl 3. And work my way back to distributor. Could be a bad plug gap or loose plug wire. If all checks ok now your checking injectors. Unhook injector wire harnesses at injectors and see if idle changes and check for correct voltage.

[@BUKWulfSh0t]

@@nextweeksadventure thank you for replying!! Really need the help

[@slantedperspective]

I have a XJ pump on my WJ. Ironic...

[@nextweeksadventure]

🤣 is it a v8 wj? If so how do you run the fan now?

[@slantedperspective]

@@nextweeksadventure yeah it's a 4.7 V8 , and I got rid of that bull crap stupid dumb over heating piece of junk garbage --- okay I'll stop. I put a clutch fan and a electric fan on it and got better gas mileage ironically lol , basically I blew up my power steering pump stuck on a mountain on a cross country trip when I desided to deviate off the garmon trail and I was stuck and doin the wiggle to get out of the snow and the pump locked up on me so I drove literally 3000 miles without power steering and no radiator fan , so I went back to a steel pulley xj pump (that wouldn't shatter on me on a mountain)

[@nextweeksadventure]

@@slantedperspective breakdowns in the mountains are never fun.

[@slantedperspective]

@@nextweeksadventure fun fact a zip tie across the crank pulley to the water pump will last you exactly 30 mi and then if he replace it it'll last another 30 mi on the highway

[@dustinlerch9272]

At first I said “modification doesn’t mean bolt on” And then I realized for an XJ this is basically plug and play so nevermind.

[@robpgreat5724]

I'm seeing the same part number for 1999 and 2000 but different from 2001 and 2002 which are the same. which are you using all using ?

[@DJKittrell]

The 1999-2000 WJ has a mechanical radiator fan. The pump you want is from a 2001-2004 V8 Grand Cherokee, which has the hydraulic radiator fan.

[@darronfletcher1297]

Bolt on means take off and bolt new back on. Your title should say don't do this, there are better upgrades. I believe the Dodge Durango bolts right on and is a real upgrade and can run one ton axles. Look into that swap before committing to this one. I'm not sure but radiator hoses get soft when oil runs through them. I would check to make sure power steering fluid won't degrade the hose. Also I've ran 6 years on 33's with my stock power steering pump. It's my daily driver and rock crawler. Been to Moab many times, I've got 4.56 gears, lockers, the whole package. I have not needed to make the upgrade. When I do I'll look into the Durango upgrade. If it's not broke don't upgrade with iffy KZbin I need a video this week recommendations.

[@nextweeksadventure]

I believe the swap your talking about is the Durango gear box swap. The power steering pumps are not the same so thats not a option. The power steering pump swap I did is exactly what bolt on according to your definition is. Old broken unit off new better unit on. I also made a follow-up on my mistake with the hose. I make videos to show people ideas for their own projects and help them make decisions on what route they wish to take. Nice try showing up to shit on my channel but you can keep floating down the stream trolling along. 👍

[@OverRunnerFab]

Seems like you know what’s up! Why don’t you start making videos?

[@CynthiaHill-f3s]

Walter Summit

[@davidchappelle6480]

If EVERYTHANG from a WJ is a upgrade for a XJ... WHY get a XJ???? 🤣

[@richtyler8034]

Awesome great video

[@Alexmufasa-hz6vb]

This upgrade work on the 88 xj ?

[@cameronwebb3959]

Would this fit my 92 XJ?

[@nextweeksadventure]

So the oem replacement pumps between the 92 and 98xj are different. I think its something to do with the pulley and you will need to swap them onto new pump. Maybe if you get the newer upgraded pump off the grand Cherokee v8 and also get a pulley from a 98xj I6 it would work?? I'm not 100% on it so keep your receipts in case it doesn't work out. But in theory I sound like I'm on to something...