When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Thanks for the info and insights! Im also wondering about the hubs since my XJ is an 87. Might have to pull an 87 and a 99 hub off the shelf at work to compare.
Did you end up doing this swap? I just got the steering components from a V8 WJ and was curious if your steering geometry was ok after the swap with the high steer knuckle?
I'm in the process of building up a HP Dana 30 (to replace the LP Dana 30 in my '01) and I'm using WJ knuckles. When I welded the spacers onto my WJ knuckles, I used 308 stainless wire and TIGed them. I've heard of others using steel wire, but I chose to pre-heat (in oven at 500 degrees F for 1 hour) and use the 308SS and then let cool slowly (30 mins in oven at 500 degrees F and then turn off oven and leave until cool) just to make sure everything went smoothly. Everything went flawlessly.
I'm in the process of building up a HP Dana 30 (to replace the LP Dana 30 in my '01) and I'm using WJ knuckles. When I welded the spacers onto my WJ knuckles, I used 308 stainless wire and TIGed them. I've heard of others using steel wire, but I chose to pre-heat (in oven at 500 degrees F for 1 hour) and use the 308SS and then let cool slowly (30 mins in oven at 500 degrees F and then turn off oven and leave until cool) just to make sure everything went smoothly. Everything went flawlessly.
I haven't gotten that far (waiting on parts to show up) but I plan to move it up and out (towards the passenger's side). I'm looking at doing something like this:
I haven't gotten that far (waiting on parts to show up) but I plan to move it up and out (towards the passenger's side). I'm looking at doing something like this:
Looks like a really tight fit! I am still not sure what I am going to do. I have the knuckles, tie rod and drag link from a WJ but not sure if I have the time or money to do the swap. I can just keep my y link and get a one ton kit for $450.
Looks like a really tight fit! I am still not sure what I am going to do. I have the knuckles, tie rod and drag link from a WJ but not sure if I have the time or money to do the swap. I can just keep my y link and get a one ton kit for $450.
From everything I've read (and logically looking at the WJ vs XJ setup), relocating the trackbar is a requirement to prevent bump-steer. However, it's not that difficult (there's lots of different ways people have done it).
From everything I've read (and logically looking at the WJ vs XJ setup), relocating the trackbar is a requirement to prevent bump-steer. However, it's not that difficult (there's lots of different ways people have done it).
Yeah the bracket is only like $30 but you have to weld it on (I don't have a welder) and then you need a new track bar which the ones I have seen are about $175.
So from what I have seen it will cost:
$60 for the hub spacers
$200 for lower ball joints
$30 for the Track bar mount
$175 for a track bar
Total: $465
Can you run the stock WJ steering on an XJ? or does it run into things, ect?
I can see how that would make things more difficult/expensive.
Originally Posted by Pinoy59
Can you run the stock WJ steering on an XJ? or does it run into things, ect?
As in WJ steering on an XJ knuckle? WJ steering arms are separate and thus need the WJ knuckle, but I would think it would work on an XJ with WJ knuckles. However that doesn't solve the trackbar issue.
I can see how that would make things more difficult/expensive.
As in WJ steering on an XJ knuckle? WJ steering arms are separate and thus need the WJ knuckle, but I would think it would work on an XJ with WJ knuckles. However that doesn't solve the trackbar issue.
No, the WJ steering once the knuckles are on the XJ. Is there a clearance issue or something like that?
No, the WJ steering once the knuckles are on the XJ. Is there a clearance issue or something like that?
Again, can't confirm because I haven't gotten there yet. However I can't imagine there would be an issue since that's equivalently what the end result is once the WJ knuckles are on the vehicle. Most people just use either 1-ton or rod ends (I'm using rod ends) rather than stock Jeep arms.
WJ axle is wider, thus you can't use the steering from it on an XJ axle or else your tires will be pointed away from each other, I have heard of people cutting it shorter and sleeving it then welding it all back together and using it.
I reused the tie rod from my xj 1ton steering. Youl just have to set toe width is Basically the same despite what people say that havent actually done the swap.
You always have to match draglink and track bar. Doesnt matter if its xj wj 1ton or geo metro parts.
I reused my entire 1ton steering sleeved the 1.5" draglink and trackbar with 2" tube. Tie road is as it was onnthe xj knuckled
Steering is much better. Can drive with one Finger on the freeway and get almost no flex steer.
Braking isnt improved much running all new calipers and pads. 8.25 has Discs and also not much improvement over drums the brakes work plenty good enough but definitely isnt the reason to wj swap.
Better steering angles with positive precise fun steering is.
I did not weld the spacer found no need to.
Also drilled wj rotors to 5x5.5. Running spicer wj balljoints. 2001 hubs I think. I made the caliper spacers
mock up parts.
pulled wj knuckles all brake parts for Luke 50 bucks at junk yard..
Wj steering Was one of my best upgrades reworked track bar at frame and axle Was a fun project with very noticable improvement
Doesnt flex steer Before wj knuckles actually broke a xj knuckle after this photo was taken kicked off the wj chromo axles shes pretty broken running on pretty much all winch to get out.
Do lots of research then ounce you think you have it figured out do more research
03-19-2018, 10:41 AM
