Jeep: Power steering, yj wrangler, wrangler yj

Question
I have a stock 89 yj wrangler in great condition only 60K miles on it.  One day last week I noticed the steering had become quite stiff but it was still drivable.  I hadn't been off-roading or anything just normal city driving.  I thought the problem was the power steering pump so I replaced it today.  However, that did not solve the problem.  The steering is still tough around corners.  The only other thing I can think of is that there is something wrong with the power steering box.  Is this a common problem?  Will I need to replace the whole power steering box or can it be repaired?

Answer
When you replaced the power steering pump did you elevate the front wheels and purge the air out of the system?? If there is no air in the system and the pump is new then the steering box is likly the problem. Your jeep uses a recirculating ball steering gear and they do wear out and stop working. If you are able to still steer then the box is still working manually. Everything is repairable given enough time and money but when it comes to steering box it requires a lot of know how. you would have to replace all the seals and set up the sector shaft preload and adjustment... it is best to get a  remanufactured one or a used one. Chances are there are a lot of them in the wreckers as this is not a very common problem. FYI there is a recall on the parking brake ratchet for yj's  Have you called the dealer and had them check your vin number for any outstanding recalls? There were a lot for that year Wrangler/YJ