Steering upgrade on an '01
 

Not sure if this has been asked before, so MODS feel free to move or delete or whatever you have to do. I am considering going to 1/2 ton steering to take out play when on the road. I read on another forum that my '01's steering was somewhat beefy, but not the TREs(?). If I go with a cheaper upgrade like the rugged ridge will I find any improvements, or should I go with something like the JCR for more money? What about the zj steering? I have read somewhere that the tie rod is the same, but what about the ends? Thought I would put this here before getting flamed on another site. Anybody have any suggestions? I am really looking for those with real world experience, so those guys who have this stuff installed please feel free to chime in.

If you are going to upgrade go with a good 1 ton setup like Rugged Ridge..Currie makes a solid setup, JCR does as well..Just depends on how much you wish to spend..I plan on eventually adding the Rugged Ridge or ZJ setup on my 91...Both are the same price just need to see what kind of TRE's it uses..I'd actually prefer rod ends like the RE Track Bar uses whcih are johnny joints..

The Currie setup says it is for up to 4" of lift and was initially made for a TJ, or so I have read. It looks beefy though, I just don't want to have to do this 2x. I thought you would chime in okc, I had read your replies when the other guy asked about the rugged ridge. The thing I like about it is that you don't have to reem anything, plus it is cheaper than JCR's. But, JCR's has some real good feed back and they say you don't need a steering stabilizer. With the reeming though it seems like more for me to mess up. IDK! Anybody else?

You shouldn't need a stabilizer if you have a solid steering setup..I would assume the reeming is required since the stock ones are a tapered and JCR's aren't. Me unless you do some heavy rock crawling I'd go with rugged ridge..that's just me...On your 01 I don't think a ZJ setup would be an upgrade since yours should have the beefier stock steering..

A lot of people are starting to switch to the new WJ setup which is pretty sweet. But for the money you might as well swap in a D44 in my opinion.

Thanks for the advice guys. okc if I switch mine out, you interested in it? Also, congratulations on 2k posts okc! Any more thoughts, anyone? Keep it comin'.

I am actually leaning more towards the Rugged Ridge setup..I like the design a bit better then the stock XJ setup...Less then $200 and it's a bigger beefier setup then even the ZJ design..If you get the Rugged Ridge let us know how it works out.

The Rugged Ridge setup is great I run that on my ZJ.

A cheep upgrade for most is to use a V8 ZJ set up.

Now on the JCR setup there is a down side, if you are off even a 1/32 of a inch when over drilling for the tie rods, your screwed it will death wobble your fillings out.

The WJ set-up is the best long term setup but it's can be pricey to find all the right parts...

i already bought JCRs 1 ton steering. I have only heard good things about it. they feel pretty tough. ill let you guys know what i think when i put it on

I'm not saying it's a bad kit, cause it's not all great stuff from them guys, just if not installed perfect it can cause issues...

Im going to put the Grand V8 tie rods on my 01. The XJ still has a hollow connecting rod from left to right. The Grand set up is a solid rod, yes the tie rods are the same. I thought about a 1 ton upgrade, but i would rather carry a spare tie rod and break one, then take a chance on breaking a spindle that had to be reamed.

What is all included in the steering kit from Rugged Ridge because my steering is not what it should be I have to have a OME stabilizer to keep it from death wobbling. I have an 01 also and I'm trying to beef up the suspension for cheap.

tie rod ends, drag link and tie rod, basically everything to replace the stock stuff..

How much is all that from Rugged Ridge?

If I remember right it was under $200