Help fixing TRE to rim clearance

[LHC30]

Well, I found a rather nice 05 Rubicon recently, mostly stock but for the 2 1/2” lift, Bilsteins and some front linkage mods. Shame on me for not checking, but I missed full lock interference check. Turns out this guy had what looks like a 1 ton tie rod setup installed. The forward end of the joints rub hard on the inside of the stock 16” rims. I’m thinking they drilled the knuckles to fit the larger ends.

What’s the easiest way to correct this? And can anyone ID the maker of this stuff?

PS I have already ordered a stock pitman arm

 

[CharlesHS]

If I were you I would remove the steering drag link, tie rod and install a 1998 Grand Cherokee ZJ steering system.
The part numbers are listed in the TJ How to Guides on the forum.

https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/zj-tie-rod-conversion.2373/

 

[LHC30]

That’s what I was leaning towards. If the PO had the knuckles drilled, where is a source for sleeves?

 

[CharlesHS]

That’s what I was leaning towards. If the PO had the knuckles drilled, where is a source for sleeves?

I believe you can source the sleeves thru Black Magic Brakes @mrblaine

https://blackmagicbrakes.com/

 

[mrblaine]

I believe you can source the sleeves thru Black Magic Brakes @mrblaine

https://blackmagicbrakes.com/

Sorry, we don't sell them. I have them I use for repairs but the special tooling is too much for anyone to buy to do 2 knuckles.

 

[LHC30]

So, it appears my fairly good deal on the purchase is slowly diminishing! I suppose I could either drive to Mr Blaine’s shop ( always a nice thing) or source knuckles from a bone yard?

 

[mrblaine]

So, it appears my fairly good deal on the purchase is slowly diminishing! I suppose I could either drive to Mr Blaine’s shop ( always a nice thing) or source knuckles from a bone yard?

Or send me those and I can repair them.

 

[LHC30]

Thank you Mr. Blaine. We’ve got a two week trip for some jeepin’ in the Silverton area so I’ll get with you near the end of the month.

 

[LHC30]

Just a lil THANK YOU to Mr Blaine for solving my bored out knuckle(s) problem. IMHO you went beyond reasonable and I am so glad we’re going to be able to take the (new to us) Rubicon the Silverton after all.