Jooman07

I've been thinking of upgrading the steering on my '00 XJ Sport since after I put my lift on the steering has been rather crappy.

Just this weekend my drag link collar worked its way loose and began popping while turning. I tightened the bolts back up and it's fine now but I still want to upgrade it because it seems to be wearing out faster now. The tie rod ends are showing play while being turned.

I was looking at the Rugged Ridge heavy duty steering kit and was looking for some feedback on if it's any good or not from someone who is or has ran it before.

Looking at it, you are still able to use a steering stabilizer right? The mounting holes are a little different from the pics I've seen of them so far.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rg...model/cherokee

Would this be all I need to replace the drag link and tie rods? The pitman arm seems fine right now.

XJmike0122

This is the last thread it was mentioned in.
https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f67/what-steering-205396/

I'd keep looking from what I've read.

andrewmp6

Look in to the zj v8 steering swap it bolts on and is stronger then the xjs stuff.If you end up breaking that then i would upgrade from a well known company like serious off road.

Jooman07

Thanks, I searched and couldn't find anything really related. Sounds like junk after reading that.

Jooman07

I've never seen a ZJ steering setup before. I'm guessing it looks similar to the XJs except beefier? Still uses a steering stabilizer?

I might have to look into that. There are a ton of ZJs on the junkyards around me.

andrewmp6

Take a look https://www.cherokeeforum.com/f2/zj-...upgrade-22717/ and buy the stuff new used tie rod ends ain't a good idea

Jooman07

Well yeah, the end I would get from a parts house. But reading that thread it's probably still gonna be pretty cheap to get them new.

Fred/N0AZZ

All new mid 90's V-8 GC tie rod setups can be bought from AutoZone for under $100 for the better ones and are 10 times stronger than stock.

Jooman07

So any year parts would work as long as it's for a ZJ? I forgot what year the WJ's came out.

andrewmp6

zj 93-98 and make sure its from a v8 they had smaller ones on the inline 6 zj.

roadraje

I'm prepping for this project right now, as I type this the first coat of POR-15 Metal Mask is drying on the tie-rod and drag link. I purchased all the parts except the damper from here: http://www.moog-suspension-parts.com

michaelOH

X2 on the zj set up. Just did it for my 3in and 33 s up. Steering Feels much better

Jooman07

Did you get a replacement drag link and adjustment collar also? I see that they are the same but I need to replace mine anyways along with the tie rod ends on it. The ZJ parts were going to be an extra project since I'm gonna be taking stuff out always.

Jooman07

Thats the main reason I wanna to upgrade it. Ever since I lifted it the steering has been sloppy. The adjustable track bar helped some but its still kinda loose. Are you the same Michael thats on the XJOO Facebook group too? Just recognized the jeep in your avatar pic here.

michaelOH

Xj owners of Ohio? If so. Yeah that's me