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best XJ steering Solution

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Old 12-14-2009, 11:41 PM
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Default best XJ steering Solution

What do you guys think?

Looking at the rusty's kit on sale for $200

Don't have the money or a over the knuckle o something that cost $500

Here is the link;

http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchan...gory_Code=SALE
Old 12-15-2009, 09:50 AM
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At that price you are in the realm of buying 1 ton TRE's and tubing, and jamb nuts. Yes you would have to buy a reamer, but it would be a better and stronger mod then buying that.

I ran that on my now truggy for 2 trail rides before I decided it sucked. Just my opinion and how I would handle it and spend my cash.
Old 12-15-2009, 06:38 PM
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This system will only work well on non lifted rigs. You have a wishbone system now with the drag link going all the way to the knuckle. By changing it and putting a lot of angle on the drag link, it will rotate the tie rod back and forth and give you very sloppy steering. You need to stick with the original design, and stay away from heim joints, they wear out and get sloppy too.
Old 12-15-2009, 07:14 PM
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I'm at the same point & the best bang for the buck is do it yourself. But I have a similar ? With a Rough Country lift kit their 4.5" LA X- series I was planing on buyin a JKS tie rod & replacin worn ends is that a fairly solid deal? Experience wheelin newbie like to do light rockin & mudin with some beach ridin for vacation which it does great now stock.
Old 12-15-2009, 07:25 PM
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If you are looking for the cheapest alternative, then go with the ZJ V8 steering. Much stronger, available at wrecking yards and retains factory design.
Old 12-15-2009, 08:52 PM
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I have that same Rusty's cross-over linkage.Was $275? when I got it.I would NOT get it again if I had a choice. Jeep steers totally different and the alignment shop had a party after I picked it up.Not to mention the tie rod ends are small.This is just my opinion,but I would go a different route. Stay with a factory style set up,maybe a beefier linkage that was mentioned earlier.I'd like to see some other opinions also.
Old 12-16-2009, 10:23 AM
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Look for an over the knuckle system... that using 1 ton tre's, or find some one willing to make one for you.
Old 12-16-2009, 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by cubanchris81
I'm at the same point & the best bang for the buck is do it yourself. But I have a similar ? With a Rough Country lift kit their 4.5" LA X- series I was planing on buyin a JKS tie rod & replacin worn ends is that a fairly solid deal? Experience wheelin newbie like to do light rockin & mudin with some beach ridin for vacation which it does great now stock.
I looked at the JKS website. This would be a good alternative. It just replaces the tie rod going from the drag link to the driver side knuckle. It retains factory tie rod ends and geometry.
Old 12-16-2009, 11:01 AM
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JCR offroad or Currie are good setups IMO!
Old 12-16-2009, 11:34 AM
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yeah i like my JCR OTK. yes the knuckles need to be reamed out, but its super strong and has zero tie rod roll.
Old 12-17-2009, 02:34 AM
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ok thanks or the input,

what about an upgraded tie rod(lager diameter) and a ZJ drag link, and possibly a dual stabilizer kit For a temporary Fix until i can save up For a one ton/over the knuckle? Just lookin For somthin sturdy untill im out oF college
Old 12-17-2009, 09:34 AM
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I have heard the rugged ridge steering was pretty good.
Old 12-17-2009, 09:53 AM
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Originally Posted by bryanboonern
I have heard the rugged ridge steering was pretty good.
i ave the rugged ridge set up thats almost like this one and i have no complaints with it , i like it alot http://4wheelonline.com/jeep/Rugged_...s.97733.259592
Old 12-17-2009, 09:56 AM
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i traded something for a near new rusty's upgrade setup and had to replace the tie rods when i installed it, but at least rusty lists the part numbers on his site, including moog parts.

anyways, i took the rusty's setup and sleeved it with some 1 9/16x.120 wall dom and replaced the rod ends with some moog ends and had to replace two already under warranty.

next year i will pick up some weld in bungs and 1 ton chevy tie rods and build a stronger setup using the same dom tubing. i have lots. lol.

but the rusty's works fine, just a little wimpy. i'm afraid of bending it up from just steering it.

but for a nice strong setup, that curry setup is beef. my buddy has it on his zj. i'd trust it over rusty's upgrade kit.
now rusty's OTK setup is beef, but he uses heim joints. i'm not a fan of heims on steering setups, personally....
Old 12-19-2009, 03:14 PM
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so anyone have any complaints about the ruggid ridge setup?

its on sale for 175 till the end of the month too.

thinkin on goin with that unless i hear anything bad about it, maybe ill add a dual stabalizer kit too, do they really make that much of a difference?


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