I ordered some stock replacement parts for the front end of my 99 XJ... then l got under there and saw that the PO had replaced the OEM bits with aftermarket stuff. Instead of returning the parts l ordered l decided to use the ball joints and tie rod ends that came with the set but I'm having trouble identifying this doglegged passenger side rod end (outlined).

Anyone recognize this setup? Can l bust that end away from the steering knuckle and replace it without having to locate and buy the whole piece? What's that end link called? A ball joint? All the tie rod ends l can find are the standard fare; straight, threaded on one end, and unservicable (short of greasing or replacement. I got a new OEM style drag link with the "kit" l bought, but putting it in would require chasing down the other factory spec parts to go with it... this Jeep is a daily driver and I'd like to get it back on (and off) the road as soon as possible. Thanks.

 

Yes... I'm replying to my own thread. Hopefully someone can use this information.

It looks like a Rugged Ridge piece, part of their HD crossover steering mod. At $65 it's only a few bucks more than the Chinese stock unit NAPA was offering. That's right, NAPA's Chinese made ball joints and tie rod ends would've set me back over $300... I'm not impressed. Hell... even O'Reillys has MOOG components. NAPA has gone downhill, I'm afraid.

 

It depends on what Line you buy.
The PCC line is the cheaper version. No idea who makes them or where.
Could see where next time I am in the store. Assuming the country of manufacture is on the box.
The NCP line on the other hand I am pretty sure are Federal Mogul. Pretty sure the same people that make Moog parts.
But again would have to look at a box to see the country of origin so....
A lot of Napa stuff is rebranded stuff made by companies we know.
But will be the first to admit that their stuff is pricey.
Oh and to anybody that might buy chassis parts from Napa. Buy the NCP line. Period.

 

[QUOTE=Ralph77;3660498]It depends on what Line you buy.
The PCC line is the cheaper version. No idea who makes them or where.
[7/QUOTE]
Unfortunately, the Chinese pieces were all they had available. IIRC, the tie rod ends were USA made and the ball joints were Chinese... l may have misspoke earlier.
I worked at a NAPA store for a couple of years, back in the dark ages of racks of paper catalogs and CRT (green on black) computers... all of the counter guys took some level of pride in their knowledge and the quality of the parts we sold. Our store had a machne shop and we could make high pressure hoses to your specs.. We used to say, "If you need a chrome plated cobra-head shift ****, go to Autozone. When you want to fix your ride, come see us... ". Maybe not so much anymore. I'll still take their electrical parts over just about anyone else, but they'll be the first one's crying when online shopping forces smaller bricks and mortar stores to shutter. It's too bad, really.