Tie rods and steering components in my '00 XJ

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Jan 9, 2019 | 01:30 AM

#16

Rlmx

Seasoned Member

Joined: Oct 2017

Posts: 325

Likes: 15

From: NW OH

Year: 1991

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0L L6 OHV 12V

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbkd80

I have a question about replacing the majority of my front end...The job itself took me way longer than it should have, and I broke weld-nuts in the process. I had to use a Rivnut tool and replace the broken weld-nut in the frame for one of the bushings, broke a weld-nut on the frame hard mount that the track bar attaches to, and I had to remove the hard mount anyway to get the track bar off as the castle nut was just frozen on and nothing but a vise, Dremel, and big sledge would get that thing out. So...

Wondering if you torched the bolts?

Here is an overkill product... heat induction tool

Last edited by Rlmx; Jan 9, 2019 at 02:05 AM.

Jan 11, 2019 | 10:51 AM

#17

gbkd80

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Mar 2018

Posts: 69

Likes: 1

From: East Haven CT

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: 4.0L

That tool is bada$$... I think for the price though I'll stick to my torch LOL!

I got my parts yesterday - question, i was watching a great visual video on steering linkage replacement by Barricade Garage; he is working on a '97 ZJ. Is the front end the same, aside from the tie rod size/material? Also, any tips for getting the drag link off the Pitman arm with home tools or should I go get a pickle fork / some other tool?

Jan 11, 2019 | 11:45 AM

#18

PatHenry

CF Veteran

Joined: Nov 2017

Posts: 3,700

Likes: 238

From: Groton, MA

Year: 1995

Model: Cherokee(XJ)

Engine: I6 4.0L

You can rent a pickle fork from your local Autozone by leaving a deposit. I bought one for a super low price many years ago and have used it more often than I expected.

If you're replacing the drag link you can always just cut the old one off if it's giving you grief. Obviously you have to cut it at the top due to the tapered stud, but there should be enough room in there to easily get a sawz-all or dremel on it.

Jan 12, 2019 | 02:42 AM

#19

awg

CF Veteran

Joined: Mar 2016

Posts: 3,816

Likes: 725

Year: 96

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbkd80

Also, any tips for getting the drag link off the Pitman arm with home tools or should I go get a pickle fork / some other tool?

If possible, on a taper joint, like a Pitman Arm, I back up one side with a sledgehammer, then strike the other side very hard with as heavy a hammer as I can swing
Usually this pops it free in one or 2 strikes

Jan 12, 2019 | 04:26 AM

#20

Dave51

CF Veteran

Joined: Jan 2017

Posts: 3,413

Likes: 399

From: Connecticut

Year: 2000

Model: Cherokee (XJ)

Engine: 4.0

Quote:

Originally Posted by gbkd80

T...any tips for getting the drag link off the Pitman arm with home tools or should I go get a pickle fork / some other tool?

Get a pickle fork. They are indispensable. HFT has one for 10 bucks and you can hit them with a 20% off coupon. There's an HFT over in Orange on the Post Road.