ZJ tie rod upgrade

[JC123]

I've ordered the parts and plan to replace the tie rod, drag link and steering damper this weekend.

I've read mention of this and just want to confirm with those who have done it: do I need to paint the new components before installing (I ordered Moog parts from Rock Auto) and should I apply some anti-seizure lubricant to the sleeves or tie rod ends before installing?

thanks all.

I'll report back after the install.

 

[Cudabnu]

I painted mine

 

[TJ_2000]

Yes. You do need to paint them.

 

[JC123]

Thanks for confirming.

 

[derekmac]

Yes to the painting and antiseize.

 

[skrelnik]

Yes, 100%. I used this stuff and it came out very well.

http://www.vhtpaint.com/high-heat/vht-roll-bar-chassis-paint

 

[TJ_2000]

Any old Rustoleum will be 100% ok.

 

[Sj's TJ]

Any old Rustoleum will be 100% ok.

I used Rustoleum on mine and it turned out great.


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[Serbonze]

I used POR-15 and wish I would have just sprayed it with Krylon or Rustoleum.

 

[Ol Blue]

What happens if you don’t paint ? Rust I’m assuming ? 6 plus months slight rust on spots I have rubbed.

 

[zebra12]

@Squatch battleship gray.

 

[JMT]

You must paint them. Either paint the threads lightly or do something or else they will rust

 

[Ol Blue]

You must paint them. Either paint the threads lightly or do something or else they will rust

Do you think I could paint it with it installed ? I goofed and focused on installing correctly and spaced the whole painting thing. I did use antisieze on the threads if that accounts for anything.

 

[JMT]

Do you think I could paint it with it installed ? I goofed and focused on installing correctly and spaced the whole painting thing. I did use antisieze on the threads if that accounts for anything.

Yeah, I’d degrease, rough up with sandpaper, wipe down with alcohol till it’s clean, prime with self etching primer and use a piece of cardboard behind while painting, then topcoat using the cardboard agin to limit overspray.

 

[Squatch]

@Squatch battleship gray.

Yep. That's what I'll be doing mine in (I think the Rustoleum color is called "Machine Gray"). Should contrast nicely against the black axle housing.

 

[KCsTJ]

Im installing my ZJ upgrade this weekend ad well.
Ill be prepping and painting the tie rod as @JMT suggested and i am applying a thin layer of axle grease to the tie rod threads prior to installing the sleeve, for rust prevention and ease of installation and adjustment if needed later.
Im using antisieze on the 2 sleeve bolts.

 

[JMT]

Wherever you use anti-seize, reduce torque 20% from spec. Anti-seize lubricates the threads and you will stretch the threads if you don’t reduce.

 

[KCsTJ]

Wherever you use anti-seize, reduce torque 20% from spec. Anti-seize lubricates the threads and you will stretch the threads if you don’t reduce.

Thanks for that reminder @JMT! , thats a very important detail

 

[JC123]

i'm in the middle of the tie rod replacement but can't get the old tie rod, tie rod ends and drag link loose. current status is wheels are on, castle nuts at the tie rod ends and drag link are off and steering damper is disconnected from the frame (still connected to the drag link). So hardware is off but I can't get the parts free. Since I'm replacing everything I'm not too worried about damaging existing parts. So far have tried hitting the side of the tie rod ends with a 1 lb hammer but nothing is budging. could use some advice.

thanks

 

[KCsTJ]

i'm in the middle of the tie rod replacement but can't get the old tie rod, tie rod ends and drag link loose. current status is wheels are on, castle nuts at the tie rod ends and drag link are off and steering damper is disconnected from the frame (still connected to the drag link). So hardware is off but I can't get the parts free. Since I'm replacing everything I'm not too worried about damaging existing parts. So far have tried hitting the side of the tie rod ends with a 1 lb hammer but nothing is budging. could use some advice.

thanks

Did you use a tie rod end puller?
I am doing my zj tie rod upgrade tomorrow, after i rent my puller from a local auto place.