I figured this would be a useful FAQ since I see so many questions about crossover steering, steering upgrades, etc. For some reason there seems to be a rumor that started on the Internet, where people seem to think that crossover steering setups are superior to the stock configuration. I have no idea how (or why) that rumor started, but for the majority of us, it couldn't be further than the truth.
The truth is, the factory steering on the TJ does a great job of working the way it should. Unless you're running some sort of extremely custom aftermarket setup, then there's no reason at all to get rid of the stock steering system. The only thing you'd want to do ideally is upgrade it.
You have to ask yourself why all these people are trying to take something that works (the factory TJ steering) and replace it with something like a crossover system, when it's completely unnecessary.
What about crossover steering setups?
The following was taken from a post made by @mrblaine (who happens to design steering systems).
"There are pros and cons to all types of steering as well as many varied definitions for what styles there are. The Haltenberger (the type of steering the TJ uses) was developed to break the connection to both knuckles and not suffer the tie rod roll that is inherent to Inverted-T, which connects the draglink to the tie rod. Crossover connects the knuckles with a tie rod and the draglink attaches to another point on the knuckle like the JK and WJ.
If you were on the 'net when the TJ was introduced, (or shortly thereafter) and paid attention, you may have noticed that it wasn't until a few years before the JK was introduced that Death Wobble became a commonly discussed topic in the TJ world. Inversely, the DW issues with the JK showed up almost from day one and that's due to the crossover steering being much more prone to DW which is exactly why the TJ's steering was developed."
So again, unless you have some sort of very specific need, you really have nothing to gain from switching your TJ over to a crossover style setup. Especially when the Currie Currectlync exists.
Which steering systems should I stay away from?
The following are a few of the steering systems you should stay away from (assuming you're running stock axles and aren't some some sort of very special case):
What is the best steering system for the Jeep Wrangler TJ?
Best is a relative word. However, for 99% of us TJ owners, the best upgraded steering system out there for the TJ (and I can attest to this as I own one) is the Currie Currectlync.
It fits exactly like factory and probably takes an hour tops to install (mine took less). In addition to that, it keeps the factory style steering setup and won't give you any adverse side effects that you'll get with some of those other high steer setups.
The second best option (and undoubtedly the cheaper option) would be to upgrade to the ZJ tie rod, or purchase the Crown HD steering kit (which includes the ZJ tie rod as well as a new factory drag link). Both of those options bolt right in, utilize the beefier ZJ tie rod (with the stock drag link), and are definitely stronger than the stock steering setup.
The truth is, the factory steering on the TJ does a great job of working the way it should. Unless you're running some sort of extremely custom aftermarket setup, then there's no reason at all to get rid of the stock steering system. The only thing you'd want to do ideally is upgrade it.
You have to ask yourself why all these people are trying to take something that works (the factory TJ steering) and replace it with something like a crossover system, when it's completely unnecessary.
What about crossover steering setups?
The following was taken from a post made by @mrblaine (who happens to design steering systems).
"There are pros and cons to all types of steering as well as many varied definitions for what styles there are. The Haltenberger (the type of steering the TJ uses) was developed to break the connection to both knuckles and not suffer the tie rod roll that is inherent to Inverted-T, which connects the draglink to the tie rod. Crossover connects the knuckles with a tie rod and the draglink attaches to another point on the knuckle like the JK and WJ.
If you were on the 'net when the TJ was introduced, (or shortly thereafter) and paid attention, you may have noticed that it wasn't until a few years before the JK was introduced that Death Wobble became a commonly discussed topic in the TJ world. Inversely, the DW issues with the JK showed up almost from day one and that's due to the crossover steering being much more prone to DW which is exactly why the TJ's steering was developed."
So again, unless you have some sort of very specific need, you really have nothing to gain from switching your TJ over to a crossover style setup. Especially when the Currie Currectlync exists.
Which steering systems should I stay away from?
The following are a few of the steering systems you should stay away from (assuming you're running stock axles and aren't some some sort of very special case):
- Rusty's Steering Systems
- Iron Rock Offroad Steering Systems
- Synergy Steering Systems
What is the best steering system for the Jeep Wrangler TJ?
Best is a relative word. However, for 99% of us TJ owners, the best upgraded steering system out there for the TJ (and I can attest to this as I own one) is the Currie Currectlync.
It fits exactly like factory and probably takes an hour tops to install (mine took less). In addition to that, it keeps the factory style steering setup and won't give you any adverse side effects that you'll get with some of those other high steer setups.
The second best option (and undoubtedly the cheaper option) would be to upgrade to the ZJ tie rod, or purchase the Crown HD steering kit (which includes the ZJ tie rod as well as a new factory drag link). Both of those options bolt right in, utilize the beefier ZJ tie rod (with the stock drag link), and are definitely stronger than the stock steering setup.
