Rugged Ridge Heavy Duty Tie Rod Kit

[John92YJ]

Just wondering if this is a good setup or not and how do you like it? any info would be great
Thanks

http://www.quadratec.com/products/56118_103.htm

[sebastian22]

http://www.myjeeprocks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=12525

Im saving my pennies for the JCR OTK kit...

http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/...tegory_Code=S6

[cbrazor1]

im running the rugged ridge tie rod and drag link its a good deal and very strong

[inVERt'D]

For the money, Currie's HD steering kit is strong, and fits like stock--saving you a LOT of potential headaches. Even cheaper, but a lot stronger than stock TJ--go with WJ parts.

Few of the crossover kits on the market are really complete solutions, especially in the lower price brackets. Just looking at those two kits above, I would say the same is true of those. You're likely to have clearance issues with the lower trackbar bracket and bolthead, the sway bar axle brackets, the differential housing, and possibly other things. For instance, that JCR OTK kit looks pretty, but is shown with custom, extended sway bar brackets--it wouldn't work worth a crap with the stock ones. Also, I'd bet money that center link will smack the diff cover before you can go lock to lock. Finally, the drag link is hooked to the center link via the tie rod end; take note that the hole in that TRE was intended for a steering damper, not the drag link; that design adds a weak point (long TRE), and makes it even more of a stress point.

If want to invest in a good steering system, but you don't want to get a Curry kit, either research and buy one of the top-end kits ($600.00+), or build your own. I built my own a few months ago, and I learned a few things in the process; I've learned a thing or two more wheeling it, too. Here are some tips:

1) you want heavy-duty offset TREs to mitigate clearance issues with the diff cover and track bar bolt; these are available from Poly Performance, Teraflex, and others. Unfortunately (for me), these don't seem to be available in the large "Chevy 1-ton" tapers.
2) You'll want to lengthen your axle sway bar brackets and shorten the links. Pre-fabbed brackets are also available from PP and Tf. I can provide links if you like.
3) Making the tube links is pretty damned easy for even me; you can also buy pre-fabbed links with tube ends.
4) Things may seem to clear fine on flat ground, but get one of those incomplete or half-assed setups flexed out in a tight spot, and parts will start colliding in hurry.

A final note: my as yet imperfect steering setup works a lot better than my bent-up stock one, and I don't worry much about breaking it.

[freewaydan]

Mine is from these guys, works just fine.
http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchan...egory_Code=ste

[inVERt'D]

You know, I just noticed all you guys are running YJs? Much of what I said was intended for a TJ audience. Sorry for the verbal explosion...:bonk:

[aw12345]

No worries good advice is always a good thing. I found out a long time ago that a lot of aftermarket parts failed to deliver on their promise. With Jeeps the mantra seems check flex check, to make sure it all works before it binds and breaks

[John92YJ]

http://www.myjeeprocks.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=12525

Im saving my pennies for the JCR OTK kit...

http://www.jcroffroad.com/Merchant2/...tegory_Code=S6

Ive been looking at that kit to, I like the fact that it has true 1 ton ends.

[John92YJ]

Thanks for all the reply's

[blackZZR]

I have a question
you guys with tjs switching out to heavy duty tie rods and steering, can I have your old stuff?
Really, I mean you do not need it.

[inVERt'D]

bummer, i finally threw my old stuff out a couple weeks ago... then again, i really don't think you would want it. I do have a used ProCrap steering damper you could have.

[blackZZR]

actually, I use all that told stuff everyone changes for my spares, I always have free spares

[Materdaddy]

actually, I use all that told stuff everyone changes for my spares, I always have free spares

I was going to ask the same thing... When I upgrade my steering, I'll be keeping my stock crap for spares. I just hope I don't bust my stock stuff and am forced to upgrade with no spares!

[Materdaddy]

I was going to ask the same thing... When I upgrade my steering, I'll be keeping my stock crap for spares. I just hope I don't bust my stock stuff and am forced to upgrade with no spares!

I jinxed myself:

[inVERt'D]

I jinxed myself

You made it out and back home ok--that's not really jinxed

Post up the rest of your pics and stuff Matermeister!