CastorTroy

Recently did a complete replacement of my steering system using new V8 ZJ components.

First, I can't get the steering wheel centered. If I shorten the tie rod length, the tie rods touch each other inside the adjustment sleeve before I can get the wheel straight. If I lengthen the tie rod length, once I've got it long enough to straighten the wheel, the pitman arm hits the sway bar when turning left. Whats the proper way to fix this?

Additionally, I replaced the track bar with an OEM replacement, but I am getting some popping/movement from the axle side of the track bar. It looks like the bushing is moving around the bolt. The track bar did not come with a new bolt, I reused the stock hardware. I found on another thread that they used an M10 bolt, but the bolt has an M9 shank and that can cause movement. Is that correct?

Tbone289

The adjustment sleeve on the tie rod is for toe adjustment. Your steering wheel would be centered by adjusting the length of the drag link.

Which one are you adjusting? Did you replace the drag link, or just the tie rod as most people do for this swap?

CastorTroy

I replaced everything between the pitman arm and the knuckles. I've got my toe set, and I'm adjusting the sleeve on the drag link. Best pic I have handy:

http://imgur.com/YlZJR6J

4x4jeepmanthing

Your problem is it's purple

did you start the threads evenly on both sides?

CastorTroy

Gf wants purple, gf gets purple lol

Yes the threads are even on both sides

4x4jeepmanthing

haha all good
what brand did you go with?

i run the moog v8 set up and never had any issue adjusting these. did you measure point to point on the tie rod and drag link before disassembly?

i can only think that maybe the collar is the wrong part number, or your tie rod is so out of wack that the drag link wont expand far enough.

CastorTroy

I got it to expand far enough to straighten the wheel, but after I did that, the pitman arm was hitting the sway bar about halfway to full lock on a left turn.

5-Speed

Did you happen to pull off the pitman arm at all? If so, is it clocked right? They can go back on in 4 different positions, well at least mine could.

CastorTroy

No, I did not remove the pitman arm

tech

Did you replace all the tie rods from the pitman arm to both front wheels ?

CRLAMBERTJR

I know that I've resurrected an older thread. But they are all pertinent info for others just happening on them. I just did mine. I don't remember seeing anywhere that the ZJ, long drag link was used ? I only replaced the smaller steering tie rod. The thin tube and smaller tie rod ends. I saw no reason to replace the drag link, as the OEM part, is about the same as the heavier, solid, ZJ steering tierod upgrade. The tie rod ends are the same size on both ? The Spicer or Moog tie rod end, I believe the part # was 3096L is interchangeable with the short tie rod end on the OEM, XJ drag link. Did you compare the drag links side by side? My guess is that is the problem ? I never removed my drag link, nor the pitman arm. I measured the two steering tie rods, centering the adjuster sleeve. I don't see how it would be possible to not line up right ?

CastorTroy

I used 3096L on both the pitman arm and the knuckle.

However, I used DS1310 for the drag link, which is the ZJ part. It is about 3/4" longer than DS1238, which is the XJ part. I think this was the mistake I made. I'm going to order a DS1238 and I think that will correct my problem.

CRLAMBERTJR

DS1238 👍

Dman11151994

Did swapping the drag link fix your issue?

EvanM

Cut alittle off the threaded ends to gain adjust ment.

Set drag link length with wheel at full lock right and tires steered full lock right.
Then center wheel and adjust steering wheel so its centerd while driving.

I wouldn't assume any part is a bolt on part and am willing to adjust it to work properly