I went to replace all the worn out ends on the tie rod, center link and track bar.
The track bar bushings were easy to find. Got those.

But, then for the rest of it I kept reading that it's better to just replace both the tie rod and the center link from stock. And, that looks a lot simpler too.

But, I'm not lifting this jeep anytime soon. We don't have much to spend on this Jeep lately and I'd just like to keep her running well. And, most of these replacement kits are for lifted jeeps or are just insanely expensive.

The one I found that's somewhat affordable is the Rugged Ridge. But, the reviewers at amazon mention a dead spot in the steering it creates that makes it dangerous for a jeep that needs to go on the highway or around town like ours does.

Can anyone help us out and point us in the right direction please? It's my wife's Jeep now and she drives it all over town and the steering is getting all sloppy. (Underneath you can hardly see the ends where the boots have exploded and there's old grease everywhere.)

The rods we have (I think) are probably fine for now. Tell me?

We'll take the Jeep camping this summer. But, with a 4 year old I don't think we'll go that deep or anywhere offroad even. Sadly, not this year.

So, how do I figure out what ends I need for these rods? Or boots? Or which take boots and which take bushings? Or, can I swap all the greasy bushings for poly boots?

Or, is there a decent quality budget tie rod/center link kit out there somewhere? Google has let me down this time.

Many Thanks

 

Also, yes I have read the sticky about junkyard swaps.

In this case, because I'd have to get new ends anyway, it seems wise to just get new parts.

However, what if I got a new replacement tie rod for a ZJ V8, as mentioned in the budget build thread as a bolt-in part?

Could I then buy a center link replacement for a WJ and bolt that in? Would those fit together anyone?

 

If your ball joints are shot, replace them. New boots wont fix the slop. The brand "Moog" seems to be the brand of choice around here. Does your steering have too much play?? If so, you'd probably need to adjust the steering box.

I hear the 95 V8 ZJ tie rod are beefier, solid shafts & Better for bigger tires. Opposed to the stock hollow XJ shaft. It should be a direct swap.I'd like to do the V8 ZJ tie rod swap too, but I'm not sure if you could use the ZJ the Drag Link as well.

 

Check out this thread.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/zj-...upgrade-22717/

 

If your steering has too much play, you need to determine what components are worn and replace them. Do not attempt to adjust the steering box!

You will almost certainly need three TREs and a drag link. I can't advise re upgrades for stock steering but my opinion is that quality stock replacements will be fine for the driving you have described. Others will probably have differing opinions.

 

The steering box can indeed be adjusted, however if you do not know what your doing it can end poorly.

As suggested, figure out what is worn and out of spec. Replace all worn parts, and realign it.


As for the best, direct bolt in parts, v8 grand cherokee parts work well. Better than stock XJ stuff, and direct bolt in.

 

"It's my wife's Jeep now and she drives it all over town and the steering is getting all sloppy. (Underneath you can hardly see the ends where the boots have exploded and there's old grease everywhere.)"

This is DANGEROUS, repair it correctly or park it before something bad happens.

 

Uh oh. That's what I was worried about. So, so far there's one vote for "it won't break off and kill anyone" (another thread) to the quote above about it being dangerous... and from a CF Veteran too.

Guess I better err on the side of caution and get her fixed asap. thnx everyone

 

That's the closest thing to an actual answer to my questions. thanks!

So, three TREs (I'll have to look up what those are...maybe the boots) and the drag link.

Do I need the whole drag link, or can I just replace the end that goes to the pitman arm?

Update: I got bored and the idea kept bugging me so I went ahead and tried adjusting the steering box. It finally tightened up the steering but wouldn't return to center so per Radi's advice in another thread I put it back about where I found it. Not quite though. And, the steering is slightly better now.

The weird thing is, all the play is not happening underneath as you'd expect, like where the drag link boot is busted at the pitman arm.

No, all the play is happening where the rod coming from the steering wheel enters the steering box. I can grab that bar (what's it called?) and turn it about a half turn either direction with my hand without the pitman arm moving a bit.

 

Ahhhh, Tie Rod End. TRE Got it. Thanks.

 

Subbed

 

A worn track bar can also cause slop in steering.

 

Okay so after some more research I'm even more confused about these linkage parts.

I'm looking at this diagram:
http://www.jeep4x4center.com/jeep-st...herokee-xj.htm

#20 is listed as a Tie Rod Kit - This part in Haynes is called the Center Link.

#24 is listed as a Drag Link Kit - This part in Haynes is called the Tie Rod.

Can anyone please explain what is going on with all these different terms?

And, I'm going to replace those ends as soon as I figure out what to order. But, nothing down there wiggles. It's the steering shaft that seems loose between the steering wheel and the steering box.

The adjustment didn't help much. Does that mean I need a new box?

 

I dont have the picture, and dont feel like searching for it.
So ill describe the best I can.

Your tie rod runs from your drivers side knuckle and attaches to the drag link near the passenger side.
The drag link runs from the pitman arm coming off your steering box to the passenger side knuckle.
The track bar runs from a frame mount on the drivers side to a mount on the passenger side of your front axle.

Check all your ends.. drop the TB, make sure the hole on the axle end isnt wallowed out.

Id just go for a zj tie rod (will run you about 50 bucks brand new if you get it from advance auto and use an online coupon (if your interested in this pm me..ill try to find the code for you). Then just replace the tre's on your drag link.

The XJ and ZJ drag links are the same.. its the tie rod which is bigger on the ZJ.

 

So what does that take care of ? I ask because my steering is vary sloppy and I would like to fix it