derekmac
TJ Addict
I might of, but I see so many it's hard to remember them all, lol.lol, good eye! You see the same AD on fb? Your pretty local to me
I might of, but I see so many it's hard to remember them all, lol.lol, good eye! You see the same AD on fb? Your pretty local to me
FYI, the ZJ conversion with a TJ Drag Link is now costing about $300 on Amazon Prime if you get a new steering stabilizer as well.
There needs to be more clarity on what you need to do this conversion in the OP. Of course, I'm adding the Drag Link, so it could be added as an addendum
ES3095R Tie Rod End (x1)
ES3096L Tie Rod End (x2)
ES2079S Adjusting Sleeve (x1)
DS1312 Tie Rod End (which is your Tie Rod) (x1)
DS1430 Tie Rod End (which is your Drag Link) (x1)
Steering Stabilizer of your Choice
You probably don't use it because the ZJ setup is different and uses a larger one. You can also use the XJ part from post 327 to save a few bucks. There aren't that many parts, just stare at your Jeep for a second or two and it'll should be easy enough.Where would the other 96L go?
Congrats on the install. Working hard in the heat makes the drinks after it’s done niceMargarita & Pool Time in Texas now! 104+ I lost some water weight, ha!
View attachment 183892
@cpwolf did you keep the stock TJ drag link? I am going to be doing this soon on my 260k stock steering. I have seen some upgrade to a ZJ drag link. If not did you rebuild the link to the knuckle?
Also I will be doing the OME + Rancho 2" lift that others have done. Should I also get an adjustable track bar or just get the relo kit to keep them parallel. I plan on going bigger in the future, but it will be a while before that happens.
I see in the original post there are specific torque specs required for this upgrade. I don't own a torque wrench but I'd like to get one for this job. Would a cheap Harbor Freight torque wrench be accurate enough for this job?
Thanks for the reply - I might invest in something better. The Harbor Freight Icon line is supposed to be very high quality for about $110.
Second thought - is the tie rod upgrade something a total novice can do?
Only thing I would add is turning the castle nut upside down before hammering it if you want to reuse it. You can also bang the side of the knuckle to knock the bolt loose as well.I cannot guarantee it, but if you follow Chris' original email, yes, you can absolutely do this if you have any mechanical ability and patience.
Also read the "alignment" thread and be ready, and then the "straighten your steering wheel" instructions.
Couple tips, rent a tool or buy Tie Rod Ball Joint tool. I ended up not needing it, I backed the castle nut a touch more than flush with the bolt (so when it comes loose it doesn't slam to the ground, and so that I don't damage the threads because I kept my drag and tie rod for trail backups). Band on it with a hammer, small sledge, on the side and on the top of the bolt. I got them all loose, then went and disconnected one at a time and pulled it off.
I put ant-seize on the adjusting sleeves too.
They are in the first postI have some fun work ahead of me. In addition to installing the KOR bushing in my JKS Track Bar (A local shop swapped it out a bit over a year ago for a Rough Country bar, because he proclaimed the JKS had too much "flex", and now I found out the RC bar bushings are already fubar...and outside the warranty period. So the JKS is getting put back in with the upgraded KOR by your's truly).
Just put the order in for these tie upgrade parts and am wondering what the torque specs are (both for the tie rod parts as well as the JKS bar). Anyone have them handy?
Parts Required
The ZJ tie rod conversion parts can be purchased for a very reasonable price on Amazon. You'll need the following parts:
The following parts are optional if you'd like to replace your drag link at the same time, with quality replacement parts. This is a great option if you want to refresh everything, including the drag link (not a bad idea if your Jeep has higher miles). Though the drag link will still remain the stock diameter, (the ZJ and TJ drag links are the same diameter) it will provide you with a completely refreshed steering setup, which is great for preventative maintenance.
- ES3096L Tie Rod End (x1)
- ES2079S Adjusting Sleeve (x1)
- DS1312 Tie Rod (x1)
- DS1430 Drag Link (x1)
- Steering stabilizer of your choice (I recommend this one)