Need ZJ steering conversion help

[AndyG]

My 06 Rubi has the Zj conversion , but needs freshened up .

I need the Moog part numbers for all the ends...the one at the pitman arm (called the inner ) the drag link itself , and each end of the tie rod .

I went through the ZJ thread, and got some info, but didn't see all I needed.

I'm swapping my good, tight front end linkage on my 03 to the 06, and putting all new parts on the ZJ set up and putting it on my 03 , knowing I plan to keep it .

 

[Chris]

Per this thread:

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/zj-tie-rod-conversion.2373/
You need these parts:

• ES3096L Tie Rod End (x1)
• ES2079S Adjusting Sleeve (x1)
• DS1312 Tie Rod (x1)
• DS1430 Drag Link (optional incase you decide you want to refresh your drag link as well)

 

[06TJ35's]

Per this thread:

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/zj-tie-rod-conversion.2373/
You need these parts:

• ES3096L Tie Rod End (x1)
• ES2079S Adjusting Sleeve (x1)
• DS1312 Tie Rod (x1)
• DS1430 Drag Link (optional incase you decide you want to refresh your drag link as well)

Can you update that thread and give people the option of buying the XJ moog drag link? Part number DS1238. It’s the same correct? Looks like the TJ moog drag link went up by almost $3 last time checked and the XJ went down by $4. The difference between the two is $35.

 

[rasband]

Yeah, @Chris 's list is what I did:

edit - rereading your post, I am not sure on the pitman arm + sleeve there. I think it's the same sleeve and tie rod end

 

[2006TJ1]

This is for a full refresh. Pick and choose the parts you want/need.

I didn't make this, another member did but I don't remember the user so feel free to claim credit.

 

[AndyG]

Thank you guys.... you always exceed expectations.

 

[Chris]

Can you update that thread and give people the option of buying the XJ moog drag link? Part number DS1238. It’s the same correct? Looks like the TJ moog drag link went up by almost $3 last time checked and the XJ went down by $4. The difference between the two is $35.

The XJ drag link is indentical to the TJ drag link, there is no difference between them, only the tie rod.

That thread already has the link to the optional DS1430 Drag Link.

 

[06TJ35's]

The XJ drag link is indentical to the TJ drag link, there is no difference between them, only the tie rod.

That thread already has the link to the optional DS1430 Drag Link.

I know it’s optional if you want a new drag link but what I’m saying is the TJ moog drag link DS1430 is $90.78 and the XJ drag link DS1238 is $55.57. They are both the same forum members can save $35 by buying the XJ moog drag link. I wouldn’t want someone to spend an extra $35. Would you?

 

[Chris]

I know it’s optional if you want a new drag link but what I’m saying is the TJ moog drag link DS1430 is $90.78 and the XJ drag link DS1238 is $55.57. They are both the same forum members can save $35 by buying the XJ moog drag link. I wouldn’t want someone to spend an extra $35. Would you?

Interesting. If they are identical, I wonder why they have different part numbers.

The odd thing is Amazon also says DS1238 won't fit a TJ. Not that Amazon hasn't been known to be wrong, but my experience is that a part manufacturer will use the same part number for a product as long as it is identical.

Can anyone verify with 100% certainty that the Moog DS1238 drag link fits our TJs?

 

[Fonz54]

Looking at the Moog site there a few slight differences.

1238 - Stud Center to end 30.180" vs 1430 at 30.170"
1238 - Rod Thread M22-1.5RH vs 1430 at M22-1.5-6RH
1238 - Stud Diameter top = .553 vs 1430 at .554
1238 -Stud Diameter bottom = .625 vs. 1438 at .626
1238 Length = 30.180" vs 1430 at 30.380

All other specs are the same. The only thing that makes me pause is the M22-1.5-6. What does the six indicate? Perhaps a call to Moog would solve the mystery.
Lou

 

[Not_Invented_Here_]

Interesting. If they are identical, I wonder why they have different part numbers.

The odd thing is Amazon also says DS1238 won't fit a TJ. Not that Amazon hasn't been known to be wrong, but my experience is that a part manufacturer will use the same part number for a product as long as it is identical.

Can anyone verify with 100% certainty that the Moog DS1238 drag link fits our TJs?

Chris, I believe the ZJ drag link has a different angled hole for the steering dampener to hook up to. It's not identical based on what I've read.

 

[Not_Invented_Here_]

Yeah - here's the post in the write-up thread.

 

[Chris]

Chris, I believe the ZJ drag link has a different angled hole for the steering dampener to hook up to. It's not identical based on what I've read.

Okay, that's what I was thinking. There clearly has to be some difference, otherwise they wouldn't have two different part numbers. So now the question is whether or not it will work on the TJ. I don't see why it wouldn't, maybe the steering damper would just be at a slightly different angle.

 

[Chris]

Thanks for that, I'll update the original post. Thanks for the info @JMT.

 

[06TJ35's]

Okay, that's what I was thinking. There clearly has to be some difference, otherwise they wouldn't have two different part numbers. So now the question is whether or not it will work on the TJ. I don't see why it wouldn't, maybe the steering damper would just be at a slightly different angle.

I think @Not_Invented_Here_ got a little mixed up on what drag link we are comparing. We are comparing the XJ Moog drag link DS1238 to Tj moog drag link DS1430 and not ZJ drag link. To many J’s

 

[AndyG]

Just an update and thanks .

Nice, straightforward upgrade .

Didn't notice much change backroads, as I had it pretty fresh...

Then got on the highway ... 70+feels like 60+ did. Sensible upgrade for large tires ...I am a believer in keeping things to scale when able.

Thanks again,
AndyG

 

[Not_Invented_Here_]

I think @Not_Invented_Here_ got a little mixed up on what drag link we are comparing. We are comparing the XJ Moog drag link DS1238 to Tj moog drag link DS1430 and not ZJ drag link. To many J’s

Looool dude my bad and good catch - I did indeed mix them up, thanks for the correction. My mistake @Chris

 

[06TJ35's]

Looool dude my bad and good catch - I did indeed mix them up, thanks for the correction. My mistake @Chris

Don’t sweat it I can see how easily one can get confused. Even Chris over looked it lol

 

[AndyG]

Here is what I learned -

The stock TJ inner tie rod end at the pitman arm is bigger than the ones down low.

When you do the ZJ conversion, you get the same tie rod end at the driver's side wheel as you have at the pitman , plus the bigger rod. So basically you only ever need one part # for those.

The only negative is the new rod does not have a replaceable end where it meets the drag link as the end and rod are one piece ...but you get a lifetime warranty so it can all be replaced.