ZJ tie rod end will not fit on my xj
09-17-2017, 07:57 AM
#1
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Model: Cherokee
ZJ tie rod end will not fit on my xj
So I decided to upgrade the steering on my XJ by installing the ZJ tie rod. Here are the parts I ordered.
-ES3096L tie rod end
-DS1312 tie rod
ES2079S adjustment sleeve
I installed this on my 1999 XJ and the tie rod end will not fit in my knuckle!! the stud of the tie rod end itself seems to be to large for the knuckle itself. Am i doing something wrong? Any help is appreciated.
-ES3096L tie rod end
-DS1312 tie rod
ES2079S adjustment sleeve
I installed this on my 1999 XJ and the tie rod end will not fit in my knuckle!! the stud of the tie rod end itself seems to be to large for the knuckle itself. Am i doing something wrong? Any help is appreciated.
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09-18-2017, 06:08 PM
#9
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Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 HO
I personally wouldn't ever use thread locker in place of a cotter pin on steering stuff. That's just asking for trouble! I would go find a castle nut that has deeper slots so that you can use a cotter pin. And yes, they do make them!
Another (safe) option (as long as it is close) would be to grind a little off of the bottom of your existing castle nut so that the nut will sit lower and the cotter pin can be installed. Just be sure to grind it flat!
Dennis
Another (safe) option (as long as it is close) would be to grind a little off of the bottom of your existing castle nut so that the nut will sit lower and the cotter pin can be installed. Just be sure to grind it flat!
Dennis
09-18-2017, 06:27 PM
#10
Seasoned Member
So I decided to upgrade the steering on
my XJ by installing the ZJ tie rod. Here are the parts I ordered.
-ES3096L tie rod end
-DS1312 tie rod
ES2079S adjustment sleeve
I installed this on my 1999 XJ and the tie rod end will not fit in my
knuckle!! the stud of the tie rod end itself seems to be to large for the
knuckle itself. Am i doing something wrong? Any help is appreciated.
my XJ by installing the ZJ tie rod. Here are the parts I ordered.
-ES3096L tie rod end
-DS1312 tie rod
ES2079S adjustment sleeve
I installed this on my 1999 XJ and the tie rod end will not fit in my
knuckle!! the stud of the tie rod end itself seems to be to large for the
knuckle itself. Am i doing something wrong? Any help is appreciated.
The parts you mention are for what is called the drag link, and are for the
right (passenger) side of the ZJ, from the pitman to the knuckle. The
pictures in post #6 show the left (driver's) side knuckle.
09-19-2017, 04:23 AM
#12
Seasoned Member
I misunderstood something. I didn't realize the ES3096L, which is used on the drag
link at the pitman, is also used with the ZJ tie rod, the bar that connects the drag link
to the driver's side knuckle. Sorry to add confusion.
link at the pitman, is also used with the ZJ tie rod, the bar that connects the drag link
to the driver's side knuckle. Sorry to add confusion.
Last edited by BwanaBob; 09-19-2017 at 01:26 PM. Reason: Something I misunderstood
09-21-2017, 11:03 AM
#13
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Year: 1996
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.Slow
I personally wouldn't ever use thread locker in place of a cotter pin on steering stuff. That's just asking for trouble! I would go find a castle nut that has deeper slots so that you can use a cotter pin. And yes, they do make them!
Another (safe) option (as long as it is close) would be to grind a little off of the bottom of your existing castle nut so that the nut will sit lower and the cotter pin can be installed. Just be sure to grind it flat!
Dennis
Another (safe) option (as long as it is close) would be to grind a little off of the bottom of your existing castle nut so that the nut will sit lower and the cotter pin can be installed. Just be sure to grind it flat!
Dennis
09-21-2017, 04:32 PM
#15
Seasoned Member
Try exchanging the tie rod end or comparing it to another one. Could be a bad or mislabeled part. You wouldn't believe the bad luck I've had lately with parts being put in wrong boxes or not fitting by just a smidge! Does any part of the cotter key hole show? If so a smaller diameter cotter key may work. Could also be what's called "tolerance build up". That's where your knuckle is built to the thickest dimension allowed, the hole in the tie rod is drilled to the shortest dimension allowed, the ball assembly in the tie rod is built to the thickest allowed, etc. All the parts are within spec but just barely and in the wrong direction causing your problem! Happens more than most people think. That's another reason to try/compare another tie rod end.