Low buck steering upgrade

[HillBillE]

Here's a low buck steering upgrade for TJ's, YJ's, XJ's and ZJ's (ZJ's with the 4.0L)

The parts we're beefing up are the ones in yellow in the pic below, labeled 'tie rod':


By using OEM parts from a Grand Cherokee ZJ with the factory V8, you can really beef up the tie rod.

On the Jeeps with the 4.0, the tie rod consists of 5 pieces: 2 TRE's (Tie Rod Ends), 1 tie rod tube, and 2 adjuster sleeves.

You can swap in the tie rod set up from a V8 ZJ, and almost double the size of the tie rod!! (note: the drag link is the same size in both the 4.0 and the V8 rigs)

There are a couple of differences in the tie rods besides size:

1: the ZJ V8 tie rod is made up of 3 pieces instead of 5. 1 long TRE (inner) 1 adjusting sleve, and 1 short TRE (outer)

The taper on the TRE's are the same, so there is no drilling or reaming needed, truly a 'bolt on' mod.

What you will need:

Two ways to do this:
1: Find a V8 ZJ in the junk yard, and grab the tie rod. Hope it's in good shape.

2: Buy the parts new.

For buying the parts new, here's the part #'s (note: these are all MOOG** brand numbers)

*DS1312 Front, steering, inner, LH: @ connecting rod $80

This is the long TRE, goes from the drag link to the adjuster sleeve

*ES3096L Front, steering, outer, LH $42

This is the 'short' TRE, and goes to the driver side knuckle.

*ES2079S Sleeve, adjustable $26

This is the adjustment sleeve, it connects the long and short TRE's together.

So, for a $148 in quality parts, you can get a beefy steering upgrade, using OEM parts that you can get at most any auto parts store!

Size comparison: Stock 4.0L tie rod (XJ/TJ/YJ) = 11/16" or 17MM or 0.6875
........................Stock ZJ V8 tie rod..............= 7/8" or 22MM or 0.875

BONUS! The V8 ZJ tie rod is solid, not a hollow tube like the 4.0L OEM one.

I have been running this set up on my XJ for almost 4 years now, and the PO had it on for a year or so before I bought it. I have had zero problems!

Another added bonus here: The TRE at the pitman arm, and the one at the driver side knuckle, are the same part#! Easier to carry one spare TRE.

** I listed MOOG numbers becuase that's what I use. MOOG and OEM parts seem to be the best for severe duty.

[19delta]

ive been needing to do an uppgrade, thanks for the info

[ColoFreeJeeper]

This is always a good upgrade. I did mine in Moog right before Camp MJ Rocky Mountain last year. Works great.

IMG_0168.jpg

[mdcmn7]

I did this on my XJ and it worked great, easy bolt up. The ZJ tie rod is beef compared to the XJ one.

I got the adjusting sleeve at the pick and pull for like $5, and kept and eye out for a %20 off sale at autozone. Got the whole set up for less than $100 shipped to my door