My tie rod on the MJ got bent so bought a MOOG one from Advance Auto. Installed it, did my backyard alignment as I've always done. Then It started wandering all over the place. Got under it and started checking for play. You can grab the tie rod and "flex" it like a piece of plastic rod. Turn the wheel back and fourth and watch the tires bow it around. WTF? Anyone ever seen this cause that's a first for me in all the years I've fixed these things.

 

Time for the zj tie rod upgrade,

 

I'll pass on that one. Not fond of it.

 

Why not?

 

My question isn't about an upgrade, just has anyone ever seen these things flex? I've never seen one this crappy of quality before, especially from a name brand part. IF I upgrade, it will be a 1 ton setup instead.

 

A lot of tie rod are hollow so they could flex a tiny bit but that sounds like its more then a tiny bit.And being moog it should have been better made then that to me.Try a different brand or maybe upgrade to something stronger.

 

If you're in the price range for stock why not get the ZJ option for about the same price and night to day difference in strength? Seems like a waste to choose oem xj over zj tie rods

 

Xj on the ZJ tie rod. My original Tierod would bend just like you said. Never really noticed it until I finally got down and yanked it back and forth. Bends all over the place. ZJ Tierod fits like factory but thicker and completely solid for more strength.

 

Bought mine from Rock Auto for about $40 (rod, end, sleeve). Quick Steer cheapy set up but it might be worth it while you're waiting on the 1-ton set up.

 

They're all hollow OE. But that's what I mean, this shouldn't flex like that being a MOOG part. Store brand or "Amazon Specials" I can see that but not a MOOG. Just going to go swap it for another. OE is all you need down here as there are no hardcore trails or rocks, just swamp and mud. This was a weird first in my book.

 

Some moog stuff is made in china now

 

Gonna "flex" it before I leave the store this time. If it moves too much, I'll try another brand instead. In over 14yrs of working on these, it's the first I've seen this. Ive bent a few but never seen them flex like rubber.

 

Swapped it out for another one, no more flex!

 

Good to hear!

 

I'm happy you got it fixed,I'm with you i have messed with cars for years and never heard of one flexing that bad enough it wanders on pavement like that.But again some moog stuff is china made now and they use the cheapest thing you can call metal.