okcjeeper

If you grab your tie rid or draglink and say twist it and it pops and at the joint where the TRE mounts it moves oh say a lot and that's where the popping noise comes from is that a sign of bad TRE's? I say it is just wanted to run it across the forum just to be sure.. If it is never again will I buy cheap TRE's...uhg

seed

i don't know about the popping noise but every vehicle i've ever owned has had plenty of play there,i was always told it was normal

okcjeeper

I dunno when I twist them I can hear them clunking at the tre where it mounts at say the pitman arm and the steering knucks...I mean yes some movement is ok but to much I would think is bad...I think this is a good time to upgrade to the ZJ tie rod/draglink setup...

seed

oh a clunking,if i do it on mine the two pieces clunk together as i move them,but the joints do need greased, that might stop it a little however i wouldn't say theres excessive play in mine

okcjeeper

I am just going to do a HD steering upgrade from rugged ridge or something or the ZJ ones..No more cheapo tre's..

seed

yea,go for it

BlueXJ

OKC I just did mine a couple months back and got the ZJ upgrade from Gerr. His stuff is crown but seems pretty sturdy. I have a spare set og TREs made by MOOG and have always gotten good service from that brand. Just reminding you he(Gerr) is one of our prefered vendors.

okcjeeper

Yeah I am considering both options..The Rugged Ridge is a nice upgrade and I like the crossover design a tad better, seems more geometrically accurate as to how the steering should work..

What's your thoughts on being able to easily twist the TRE's and hear a clunking at their mounting joints?

BlueXJ

Replace it. It is bad. At best it gives you loose steering, at worst it could pop apart causing a big wreck.

okcjeeper

That's what I was thinking myself..Just had to make sure my mind was on the right tract..Plus I value your experience...

BlueXJ

Thanks, I would change it and do the upgrade whenever you have the funds. But change that TRE now and use MOOG parts if you can find them.