ZJ Tie Rod Upgrade
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 191
Likes: 3
From: Albuquerque, NM
Year: 1990
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0 XJ
Yeah, it is a solid cast steel rod so it is pretty strong. Just make sure the ball joint on your old one isn't sloppy, if so replace it. I got mine from Autozone, $50 and has a lifetime warranty. I have had it for 2 years and it has held up with no problems.
This is still confusing to read through lol, too many people trying to get a clear answer through the thread. So I bought the ZJ tie rod, 1 Tre, and an adjustment sleeve. I plan on keeping my center link/drag link the stock one. Is this correct? The ZJ rod has a TRE end already so I should only need 1 TRE correct? And I thought the adjustment sleeve only goes on the Centerlink/drag link?
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 602
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
I'm looking to do this upgrade soon, I now have all the parts. Is it true that I can do this with the tires on the ground without needing an alignment afterwards?
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
No. Tires will need to be up in the air...probably will need an alignment. I just did one while I was finishing putting on my tie rod. I went with an IRO tie rod though, not a zj.
Old School CF Moderator
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 9,652
Likes: 3
From: Chattanooga
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
just measure and set your toe when your done. Should take 10 mins
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 997
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
Tires dont need to be in the air but it may make it easier if the tie rod end is stuck. Even if you leave em on the ground its a good idea to check the toe cuz it could move. Best idea would be to measure the toe (measure tires at the front and rear at the same height) before and check/reset it after.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 602
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Tires dont need to be in the air but it may make it easier if the tie rod end is stuck. Even if you leave em on the ground its a good idea to check the toe cuz it could move. Best idea would be to measure the toe (measure tires at the front and rear at the same height) before and check/reset it after.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 997
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
Year: 2000
Model: Cherokee
If you get the new tie rod the same length as the old you should be good, that is how the toe is adjusted. IMO its best to measure the tires just to be sure. On a lifted jeep its really too easy not to do it.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 602
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Great! Thanks for all the answers. The weather looks great for wrenching this weekend. Now, I wish my sway bar bushings would come in (had to special order 25mm) so I could finish that up as well.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 602
Likes: 13
From: Salt Lake City, UT
Year: 1998
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
CF Veteran
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,021
Likes: 0
From: Rochester
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
