Drag link hitting tie rod

[06TJ35's]

I had a slight dw so I checked the front suspension. Drag link bushing on passenger side needs to be replaced. When checking the bushing I noticed my drag link makes contact with my tie rod. I have no idea what brand steering kit is this since it was installed by the PO. Can this be fixed?
There’s a listing for a used currie steering for $200 I can pick that up if it’s not fixable.(He’s only selling because he changed to 1ton steering)

 

[Camhabib]

I'm sure someone who actually knows something (aka not me) will chime in, but it looks as if someone just welded a drag link mount on your steering knuckle and put the tie rod where the drag link should have gone. Can't imagine the benefit to this but, as I said, I'm sure someone does.

 

[06TJ35's]

I'm sure someone who actually knows something (aka not me) will chime in, but it looks as if someone just welded a drag link mount on your steering knuckle and put the tie rod where the drag link should have gone. Can't imagine the benefit to this but, as I said, I'm sure someone does.

That’s what I’m afraid of that someone modded the steering knuckle and I won’t be able to go the currie route if this can’t be fixed.

 

[Camhabib]

That’s what I’m afraid of that someone modded the steering knuckle and I won’t be able to go the currie route if this can’t be fixed.

Your tie rod looks to be currently mounted to the correct spot for your drag link, it's just the tie rod is way long and your drag link doesn't have the mount for the tie rod halfway through. Doesn't seem like anything was removed, just unnecessary stuff added.

 

[Goatman]

I'd go to the ZJ steering setup. 1 ton strength and fits in perfect. A low cost high strength upgrade. And you can eliminate that cob job.

 

[bobthetj03]

Looks like this setup,
https://offroadonly.com/shop/steeri...n-for-jeep-wrangler-tjljxjzj-left-hand-drive/

 

[LukesfirstJeep]

I don't know what brand drag link you have, but on my Jeep the bend is on the other end. Can yours be flip around?

 

[Fouledplugs]

Looks like this setup,
https://offroadonly.com/shop/steeri...n-for-jeep-wrangler-tjljxjzj-left-hand-drive/

Damn, good eye. I believe that to be the exact, "kit."

 

[Sj's TJ]

Looks like this setup,
https://offroadonly.com/shop/steeri...n-for-jeep-wrangler-tjljxjzj-left-hand-drive/

It sure does, but the OP might be running a drop pitman arm because that bend in the product photo is way higher up.

 

[Fouledplugs]

It sure does, but the OP might be running a drop pitman arm because that bend in the product photo is way higher up.

@06TJ35's Can we get a couple clear shots of the pitman arm at different angles?

 

[bobthetj03]

By chance have you lowered the jeep when you purchased from the PO? That steering setup is really meant for 6" lift + setups.

 

[06TJ35's]

It sure does, but the OP might be running a drop pitman arm because that bend in the product photo is way higher up.

I agree it looks higher in the photos.

@06TJ35's Can we get a couple clear shots of the pitman arm at different angles?

By chance have you lowered the jeep when you purchased from the PO? That steering setup is really meant for 6" lift + setups.

Yes the PO had 6” lift that tore up almost all of the Control arm mounts. Recently just changed to currie 4” lift and the Savvy 1.25” BL just shipped out to me.
You found the problem

 

[bobthetj03]

Welp, there you have it. Unbolt that contraption and get the Currie steering setup. Bet you could sell that ORO steering and recoop some coin.

 

[06TJ35's]

Welp, there you have it. Unbolt that contraption and get the Currie steering setup. Bet you could sell that ORO steering and recoop some coin.

Just contacted the guy selling the currie steering. Hopefully someone wants it that would help me a lot. Thanks for the help glad it’s an easy fix.

 

[xxdabroxx]

I would be concerned the existing tapered holes in your knuckles have been drilled out and may no longer work with the stock style steering.

 

[bobthetj03]

Definitely worth checking when and if you remove that steering. Went thru this same scenario with a fellow forum member who was lowering his TJ back to stock. The PO who installed that ORO steering drilled the knuckles and for whatever reason had conical sleeves in the holes. He had to buy new knuckles to return it back to stock steering.

 

[06TJ35's]

I would be concerned the existing tapered holes in your knuckles have been drilled out and may no longer work with the stock style steering.

Definitely worth checking when and if you remove that steering. Went thru this same scenario with a fellow forum member who was lowering his TJ back to stock. The PO who installed that ORO steering drilled the knuckles and for whatever reason had conical sleeves in the holes. He had to buy new knuckles to return it back to stock steering.

Exactly what I was afraid of. I’m going to pass on the currie steering he said one of the TRE needs to be replaced. To replace all the ends will be $389.46 before taxes and shipping. The ZJ upgrade is less pain in the heart for me. Plus I need to figure out if the knuckles are drilled first.

 

[bobthetj03]

Exactly what I was afraid of. I’m going to pass on the currie steering he said one of the TRE needs to be replaced. To replace all the ends will be $389.46 before taxes and shipping. The ZJ upgrade is less pain in the heart for me. Plus I need to figure out if the knuckles are drilled first.

The ZJ steering is a good choice that won't sting the wallet as bad. Yeah, just pop off one of the tie rods and make sure the hole in the knuckle is still tapered and you should be fine.

 

[DrDmoney]

The ORO U-Turn doesn’t use those cheesy little Heim joints, it uses rod ends. I think someone copied it, that looks dangerous. Are the brackets welded to the knuckles?

 

[mrblaine]

I'd go to the ZJ steering setup. 1 ton strength and fits in perfect. A low cost high strength upgrade. And you can eliminate that cob job.

If the ZJ is one ton strength, why is the drag link the same size as the stock TJ draglink?