Ive noticed the steering joint on the engine side of the fire wall looks kinda weak. I examined it again today just to make sure I wasnt nuts and it is mighty small and weak looking, especially for a Rubicon. Any other opinions on this? I would hate to have that fail on the highway.

 

It is massively strong, back in the old days the steering column-to-steering box hookup was by a RAG-JOINT. This was a rubber / fabric circle that had bolts running thru it to connect the steering together. It was extremely rare to see a bad ragjoint, usually on a high-mileage clunker. These new u-joint shafts are much better. They are sealed units, and yes they will seep a little bit.

 

I would guess that the linkage above the power steering mechanism doesn't have to take much torque to do what it does. I don't have to exert much pressure on the steering wheel, even when rock climbing.