I have a '97 XJ with a Rubicon Express 3.5 inch lift and 31 inch tires on a 15x8 inch wheel with 3.75 inch backspacing. I've noticed my steering has been getting a little loose/unresponsive and I'm starting to get a little bump steer. My Jeep is my daily driver and I want it to be stable and responsive while driving in the city and on the highway. So my question is what are some steering upgrades? Should I stay with the stock Y link set up and get upgraded parts or go with a crossover set up? Are there any other options? Are there any good kits I should look into? If so I'd like something that has minimal fabricating/modifying, such as re-tapping/reaming a few holes.

Thanks, Justin

 

Honestly the best thing to do with a 3" lift is just make sure everything is tight. Yes there are kits out there, but they all boil down to three basic types. Over the knuckle kits that use a different type of Y link set up that are notorious for tie rod roll. Heim kits that use exposed joints that can stretch and will certainly wear giving you clicking and looseness you already have. Full high steer. Good stuff, but expensive. First adjust your steering box so it is tight but not so tight it becomes hard to turn. There is an adjustment screw and lock nut on the top for this. Second, make sure all ball joints and tie rod ends are tight. Third, make sure your track bar is tight on both ends and you will have it

 

Having 3" and 32" I had a tie-rod bend.
I went with iron rock off-road tie rod, one beefy unit.
No more vague steering, the stock Xj/TJ tie rod is a hollow .060 wall tube and anyone that has changed tires should replace that thing before they hurt someone.
Another option, hit your local salvage yard and get all the steering links from a V8 ZJ, they're 2x stronger, than stock, tie rods and everything is beefier.

just for reference this was my old ZJ yea, I added a second steering damper that thing was a DW *****. I replaced everything on it chasing that monkey.

 

Unless you find a super nice looking one, just get a new tie rod. V,-8 zj , solid rod , not tubular like xj
You already have worn out used parts JMHO.