ZJ Steering Upgrade: Steering Damper Won't Fit

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BT2018

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Joined
May 9, 2018
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Location
NC, USA
Hey Gents,

I did the ZJ steering upgrade on my 2004 TJ and everything went smoothly enough except for getting the new Monroe steering damper on the bolt just doesn't quite line up with the hole on the drag link. I was able to force it through and thread the castle nut on, but can't get the cotter pin on. Can someone take a look at my pics and offer a recommendation on how to finish this job?

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I think I ended up using my old bolt.
I had the same issue with the new bolt not wanting to go all the way in.

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The steering stabilizer stud bolted to the drag link is a taper fit and will bottom out.
Have you determined how much more to tighten the castle nut before you can see the hole in the stud ?
If you cant determine how much more until you see the hole in the stud; remove the nut and count the treads from the out edge to the hole; so when you reinstall the castle nut you can determine how much more to tighten before the hole appears.
 
If I remember correctly, the ZJ drag link has a different angle of bend at the stabilizer mounting point than the TJ drag link.

When I did mine I used a TJ drag link with the ZJ tie rod.

The solid ZJ tie rod is where you get the strength advantage over the hollow TJ tie rod.

The drag links are both solid and the same, strength wise.
 
dla said:
If I remember correctly, the ZJ drag link has a different angle of bend at the stabilizer mounting point than the TJ drag link.

When I did mine I used a TJ drag link with the ZJ tie rod.

The solid ZJ tie rod is where you get the strength advantage over the hollow TJ tie rod.

The drag links are both solid and the same, strength wise.
Click to expand...

I believe that's the answer. When I did mine it was just the ZJ tie rod attaching to the TJ drag link.
 
Thanks for the feedback Gents. I believe I've worked it out. Got another question though. Is this meant to be a threaded grease point or do I just use a needle with my grease gun to grease this joint? There are no threads on it.

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BT2018 said:
Thanks for the feedback Gents. I believe I've worked it out. Got another question though. Is this meant to be a threaded grease point or do I just use a needle with my grease gun to grease this joint? There are no threads on it.
Click to expand...
The zerk should self-thread, although they're easy to strip.
I would use a low profile one in that location.

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Link said:
Mine has a regular grease fitting there.
Click to expand...

My old one has a regular fitting there too, which is why I asked. I have read that sometimes Moog messes up on manufacturing these parts. I future maybe they may have forgot to thread this part.
 
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