Steering purchases...

XJ_Mike

Member
Joined
Feb 11, 2013
Location
Arden
Okay everyone, last thread I'll make for awhile, I promise. :p
I like the price, read good reviews (on their lifts atleast), and like the fact it says it has rear brake line extensions (one less thing to buy.) All I should need with this, is new endlinks correct? I'm looking into this 3" lift using my tax refund $: http://www.rustysoffroad.com/jeep-s...its/rustys-xj-cherokee-3-spring-pack-kit.html I have to have new leafs, and this seems to be the most complete, cheapest spring pack kit out there.

However before I add more to the problem, I already have that really loose steering feel. My TRE's are shot, but the actual tube itself is corroded on the threads, might as well replaced the tie rod and ends with something more stout. My drag link (I'm assuming thats the name, I've looked at a million different pictures and I feel like people call it different things which is frustrating to a Jeep noob. I'm talking from the pitman arm down to the left) is also shot, might as well get something sturdy too. My question is, I've read alot of bad reviews on the Rusty's steering parts, particular their "tie rod conversion" package that "dances" for the tie rod/drag link:
http://www.rustysoffroad.com/jeep-s.../rustys-jeep-xj-tj-yj-tie-rod-conversion.html

I'm not trying to spend nearly $300 bucks on new stuff that looks sturdy, but in reality will mess up with ease. Heard good things about Iron Rock Offroad tie rod:
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...=IROR&Product_Code=IR-SHDTR&Category_Code=XST

HOWEVER, WHO MAKES A GOOD DRAG LINK? I was preffering the same company & possibly a kit where both are included. Surely someone out there makes a good setup for this, without being $400+. No, I'm not getting a ZJ setup either. None of the junkyards around here have any of either piece from them, ever. Gave up on that. I need something that will work with that 3" lift. I know I need endlinks too, probably going to get these, being considerably less than JKS:
http://4x4.fatbobsgarage.com/jeep-cherokee-xj-front-quick-disconnects-1984-2001-p8050.aspx

Thats all I got for now. I never would have figured trying to find a 3" spring pack lift and some steering accessories could be such a difficult decision/ordeal. Don't wanna buy crap steering parts that are gonna wear out quickly, yet dont wanna spend $500 for over the knuckle kits. What would you do? :confused:

Mike
 
Ironman4x4fab check it out. I ran the Iro and while it was nice it was a pita to adjust.
 
The guy I bought my axles from for the axle swap I did had done the WJ OTK steering on the D30 I installed. I'm sure it wasn't easy swapping it all over but I can say that the setup is very nice and has good response. I don't have a drop pitman arm but so far no noticeable bump steer. I also picked up a synergy track bar and brace and that seems to have cured the creaking, popping and and other scary noises I was getting when turning my 33's on concrete and the like.
 
XJ_Mike said:
I'm not trying to spend nearly $300 bucks on new stuff that looks sturdy, but in reality will mess up with ease. Heard good things about Iron Rock Offroad tie rod:
http://www.ironrockoffroad.com/Merc...=IROR&Product_Code=IR-SHDTR&Category_Code=XST
Click to expand...

I will fill you in on the Iron Rock Tie Rod

  • Spot on with finding this as a low cost upgrade. Everyone has had experience with the flimsy noodle that the xj is originally equipped with. Hollow tube, weak, etc. I went from that to a, junk yard pull, V8 GC tie rod and it was pure beef compared to the old tie rod. Bolt that on and the steering becomes very tight, even with the tie rod ends that I left on there. I wheeled hard with that tie rod for about two years and it was solid. Eventually I started to notice some bending at the sleeved of the rod on the drivers side end. That is the reason I went to the IRO tie rod. No sleeve, solid tube.
In the scheme of things I would say that the GC V8 tie rod have the exact same benefits(make steering tighter) but the IRO tie rod has a step up with no break in the rod. But don't convince yourself that the IRO tie rod won't bend. I have seen some of them frowning and smiling under jeeps because of hard impacts. Wheel smart and you will spend a whole lot less in repairs and be much more happier about it.

Lift Kits

I am biased on this section just because when I decided to lift my jeep my budget was tiny and it has performed with no flaws three and a half years later. I installed a Rubicon Express short arm lift kit Add A Leaf, 3.5". Super easy. I cheaped out on shocks and ordered rustys :poop: but if I were wiser I would have just got some stock shocks off a 4 door JK(perfect fit, great in ride quality + CHEAP) which I have on my jeep now.

This is everything I have put together on my jeep
Don't rush to rusty's for anything really. Some extra money for a better quality really pays off.
my build thread if you are curious
http://www.nc4x4.com/forum/index.php?threads/93-xj-build.73880/
 
Right on. Going to be looking into upgrading this stuff asap, need to give the ole gal some TLC, seriously... lol.
 
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