New Steering Linkage Questions

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Rick2004LJ

TJ Enthusiast
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Location
Texas
2004 LJ with 4" lift - Upgrading steering linkage and have a couple questions. I think I currently have original OEM components?
Steering DS far.jpg
Steering PS wide.jpg
Steering DS.jpg


1. Sounds like the RockJock Currectlync is the way to go - correct? Should be direct bolt in with no modification, correct?
Steering Stab.jpg

2. Assume I should replace steering stabilizer. What is recommended Brand/model? I see OEM has a mounting hole in Drag Link but the Currectlync uses a Bracket - do i just measure to put bracket in same/correct location?
Track Bar Drop Front.jpg
Track Bar Drop Side.jpg

3. Track Bar - Should I replace what I have, if so Brand/Model recs? It looks like I have original part and a drop shackle? I have read I should not need drop shackle for a 4" lift? Should I get an adjustable track bar and ditch the drop? Looking for simplest bolt in install.....

4. I can turn wrenches and assume I can do this swap. What are the tricks/must do's? How do I do it and keep alignment as close as possible? My mechanic told me to count threads on the Drag Link adjuster - Will that work with the Currectlync or are there some specific measurements I need to make on existing to replicate?

5. Anything else I need to be aware of before I dive in? Special tools, tricks, hacks, etc.?

Any help greatly appreciated...
 
looks like stock linkage.
Currectlync is a great set up, yes it's bolt in, no big changes. or a ZJ tie rod would work too.

if stabilizer is working, replacing it won't do anything different.

now your TB and pitman are not standard and have been altered, TB big time, that's 1 hell of a drop bracket. if you have bump steer or drifting issues that would need reworked.......if it functions don't F with it (YET). but it's not what most run.

the Currie sys is an easy install.......you do want to rotate the joints and grease it b4 installing, they have a grease channel that can be kinda difficult to line up, so it will accept the grease. anti-seize on the adjusters and threads. and tying off the steering wheel helps keep it fixed and centered. do not rotate the wheel with no linkage hooked.
 
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I seem to recall the stock stabilizer not working with the Currie/RJ. The cheap Monroe does, though.
 
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someguysjeep said:
looks like stock linkage.
Currectlync is a great set up, yes it's bolt in, no big changes. or a ZJ tie rod would work too.

if stabilizer is working, replacing it won't do anything different.

now your TB and pitman are not standard and have been altered, TB big time, that's 1 hell of a drop bracket. if you have bump steer or drifting issues that would need reworked.......if it functions don't F with it (YET). but it's not what most run.

the Currie sys is an easy install.......you do want to rotate the joints and grease it b4 installing, they have a grease channel that can be kinda difficult to line up, so it will accept the grease. anti-seize on the adjusters and threads. and tying off the steering wheel helps keep it fixed and centered. do not rotate the wheel with no linkage hooked.
Click to expand...

Great info - really appreciate the input. I do not have any steering issues (Bump steer or drift) but this is a dedicated trail rig so no real road driving.

The previous owner did the lift and I have found a couple "interesting" aspects. Sounds like the TB drop bracket is added to the list.... I will leave it as is unless someone tells me different.

So the Currectlync will attach to the drop pitman with no issues?

Thanks again.
 
Rick2004LJ said:
Great info - really appreciate the input. I do not have any steering issues (Bump steer or drift) but this is a dedicated trail rig so no real road driving.

The previous owner did the lift and I have found a couple "interesting" aspects. Sounds like the TB drop bracket is added to the list.... I will leave it as is unless someone tells me different.

So the Currectlync will attach to the drop pitman with no issues?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...

The best move is to get rid of the dropped track bar and the dropped pitman.
 
Ok - How do I get rid of the TB Drop and drop Pitman arm?

Pitman - obviously go back to stock size Pitman.
1) Go back to OEM or is there a good aftermarket or even an upgrade style/brand/model?
2) When I do that can I assume the Currectlync has enough adjustment to attach with no modification?

Trackbar - Remove the drop bracket
1) is the existing TB adjustable? Looks like it has a jam nut on the Drivers side end?
2) Replace with upgraded TB - Rec’s on Brand/model?

Any Idea why whoever installed the 4” lift included those 2 drops if they were not needed? Now they also did a transfer case drop, and I have heard you can sometimes get away without that on a LJ? Do all of those drop components come standard with a full lift kit whether you need them or not, so they slapped them in? I bought it from the original owner who was very meticulous on maint/repairs but did not do any of it himself (was not a DIY’er). It spent the majority of its life as his daughters (4 kids handed down for 10+ years) daily driver so he fixed every little thing that ever needed it. Guess the lift install shop could have told him all those parts were needed to make it as safe and driveable as possible?

Keep the info coming - the experience and expertise of this community is awesome!
 
jjvw said:
I seem to recall the stock stabilizer not working with the Currie/RJ. The cheap Monroe does, though.
Click to expand...
pretty sure mine came with generic stud to adapt the/any stabilizer. but time fades the memory.

i know yall hate those drops (pitman and TB), but if it's causing no issues. but i was trying not to complicate the linkage install with notes of fixing that mess just yet. and again if it works, it works. that bend in that TB may not work to raise that mount back up either.

but for the OP.................high and tight is a good rule to follow for most aspects of a Jeep build.

pic of the 1 that came with mine, i went and dug it out.

89436701_816651528745925_3086039486572789760_n.jpg


man, i need to clean it up and coat it for storage, i just pulled it off and shoved it into the basement when i started my tear down.
 
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Bump - Time to pull the trigger on the Steering/Track Bar replacement and have a couple questions.

Steering setup I have the following 3 options in order of least to most $? 1) OEM Style (maybe HD components) replacement keeping drop pitman arm? 2) ZJ steering upgrade - What do I do with PA? 3) Go with the RockJock Currectlync and I can keep or remove the Drop PA - correct? If so should I keep it or dump it?

For the Track Bar I can keep Drop Bracket and go with OEM style HD Replacement or remove the drop bracket and go with an adjustable Track bar - Correct? If so which option is best?

Any info appreciated!
 
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Rick2004LJ said:
Bump - Time to pull the trigger on the Steering/Track Bar replacement and have a couple questions.

1) With the RockJock Currectlync I can keep or remove the Drop PA - correct? If so should I keep it or dump it?
2) For the Track Bar I can keep Drop Bracket and go with OEM style Replacement or remove the drop bracket and go with an adjustable Track bar - Correct? If so which option is best?

Any info appreciated!
Click to expand...
Remove both and return the mounting points to stock.
 
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