Hi guys

I'm sure this is discussed somewhere, so I'm hoping someone can point me in the correct direction. I need to upgrade my steering. I'm looking for those who have experience doing so. I've look to change out the Drag Link, Tie Rod and Stabilizer. I've looked at the Rough Country set, and the Synergy Set. Rough country has a strong rep and the Synergy comes strongly recommended by a local 4x4 shop that has a strong rep. I'm looking for a "drop in" kit. I don't plan to make it over the knuckle. I'm not looking to lift the jeep further. I'M looking to replace the original setup with something that can take more abuse.

My Jeep:
'99
XJ
4.0-L
3.5 in lift
31 in tires

Any thoughts?
Any other companies to look at?

 

Honestly, for an XJ on 31s you only need to upgrade the flimsy tie rod. You can buy an aftermarket tie rod or use the V8 ZJ tie rod. Stay away from heim joint so called upgrades. They wear out and are **** to stretching. A similar sized rod end are stronger then the heims anyway

 

4.3XJ nailed it.

That's not much for lift and tire over stock equipment.

Here's a link with some more context to doing the ZJv8 tierod swap. Part #'s as well!

https://www.reddit.com/r/CherokeeXJ/...e_rod_upgrade/

 

I'll 3rd that. You won't get much benefit from changing the drag link. Slap a ZJ tie rod on there and call it a day. I will say you should have an adjustable track bar to keep your axle centered with a 3.5" lift (if you don't already).

I don't have any input on a stabilizer. Probably won't be much difference between brands other than price.

 

I threw the stabilizer in the trash within a month of buying my XJ and it's been a decade since. I personally do not understand why people like them. To me it feels disconnected; I prefer to feel the road. To each their own...

Regarding the Tie Rod, with the same lift and tires, I really like the solid bar version I got from Iron Rock: https://www.ironrockoffroad.com/prod...y-tie-rod.html

 

I have a 4” lift with all roughcountry front end parts. I got my jeep with the RC parts already. The heim joint on the track bar was worn out so I replaced it and it failed again in a year. I replaced it with a beefy rough country one with a rod end. Overall it’s been ok. I have had to replace some rod ends but generally happy. I don’t really abuse it much though.