As I was driving my kiddos home, I made a left turn and mid corner I heard a snap and lost all steering. Thankfully I was turning left and I was able to coast to the side of the road. Thankfully it didn't break mid-right turn and cause me to go uncontrollably into oncoming traffic or when I was on the freeway or driving up or down a mountain road. After getting a few tools I found that the Draglink threads to the sleeve were basically completely gone. To limp home a mile I jammed the sleeve back onto the draglink by steering them back together and then clamping the sleeve very tight.
Question 1: What would cause the threads to have been that worn down? Has it likely been just holding on by a few threads since I bought the TJ a few years ago? I just want to ensure that this never happens again. When I have adjusted the steering wheel, I have always torqued the sleeve clamp bolts to the correct torque.
Question 2: Once I replace everything, I will have to figure out from scratch how long to make the draglink. With that said, I will have to start with the steering wheel centered. For this to be done, will the pitman arm be directly facing towards the back of the Jeep? Or should I count a certain amount of turns from full lock in either direction to find center? Does this make sense on what I am asking?
Question 3: Obviously, I need some new equipment. I plan to do the ZJ upgrade and just want to confirm that I have all the items that I will need to replace everything.
(2x) ES3096L Tie Rod End https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C59W7U/?tag=wranglerorg-20
(2x) ES2079S Sleeve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C57VBY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
(1x) DS1312 ZJ Tie Rod https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C5400E/?tag=wranglerorg-20
(1x) DS1430 TJ Drag link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C5406S/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Is there anything else I would need to completely upgrade my steering?
I am running a 4 inch suspension lift on 33" tires.
Question 1: What would cause the threads to have been that worn down? Has it likely been just holding on by a few threads since I bought the TJ a few years ago? I just want to ensure that this never happens again. When I have adjusted the steering wheel, I have always torqued the sleeve clamp bolts to the correct torque.
Question 2: Once I replace everything, I will have to figure out from scratch how long to make the draglink. With that said, I will have to start with the steering wheel centered. For this to be done, will the pitman arm be directly facing towards the back of the Jeep? Or should I count a certain amount of turns from full lock in either direction to find center? Does this make sense on what I am asking?
Question 3: Obviously, I need some new equipment. I plan to do the ZJ upgrade and just want to confirm that I have all the items that I will need to replace everything.
(2x) ES3096L Tie Rod End https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C59W7U/?tag=wranglerorg-20
(2x) ES2079S Sleeve https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C57VBY/?tag=wranglerorg-20
(1x) DS1312 ZJ Tie Rod https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C5400E/?tag=wranglerorg-20
(1x) DS1430 TJ Drag link https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000C5406S/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Is there anything else I would need to completely upgrade my steering?
I am running a 4 inch suspension lift on 33" tires.
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