Steering issues with GM conversion 1-ton steering

[trevino33]

What's up everyone, I have an 05 TJ X I've been building. I bought it with the current steering already installed. It currently has GM 1 ton steering from ballistic fabrication, adjustable trac bars, stock steering box, and adjustable upper control arms. The steering is absolutely god awful. It is unsafe to drive at this point. Luckily it is just an offroad toy and sitting in the garage until winter is over. There is an insane amount of slop in the steering.

I am asking for advice on what would be better to do, try and fix the current 1-ton steering, or just do a zj steering swap. It is only on 33s and the biggest I would go is 35s if I luck out and find a front 44 to match my rear i got at a steal of a price. My last TJ had the zj steering and it was awesome. I know I will have to swap knuckles, if I decide to go to ZJ, but at this point its worth it if it makes the jeep driveable again. Has anyone had experience with the 1ton steering conversion?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

 

[Chris]

I am asking for advice on what would be better to do, try and fix the current 1-ton steering, or just do a zj steering swap.

Whoever installed that steering needs to be taken out back.

Your best bet would be to go with the ZJ steering or the RockJock steering (if you have the money).

There is no need whatsoever for the 1-ton GM steering. All that's going to do is cause you a slew of problems you wish you never had. It's a shame that more people (in this case the previous owner) don't do their research before messing things up.

 

[trevino33]

First off (and I say this in the most polite way possible), you messed up big time by trying to switch over to this 1-ton steering. You're attempting to solve a problem that doesn't exist, especially as far as 33s and 35s go.

Your best bet would be to go with the ZJ steering or the RockJock steering (if you have the money).

There is no need whatsoever for the 1-ton GM steering. All that's going to do is cause you a slew of problems you wish you never had.

Thanks Chris, the jeep came with the steering already on it... It drives terribly.. looks like its time to order some parts

 

[tworley]

Is it a cross over design?

Agree--if you're going to wheel it and move up to 35s then the rock jock setup is what you want. If you're feeling saucy, opt for the black magic brakes 4340 heat treated tie rod to go along with it.

Also no need to find a front 44...

 

[Chris]

Thanks Chris, the jeep came with the steering already on it... It drives terribly.. looks like its time to order some parts

Yep, I edited my original post before you responded.

Get that garbage off there. You'll thank me.

Also, no need for a Dana 44 front. The Dana 30 is more than up to the task of 35s as long as you get some good axle shafts in there (i.e. Revolution).

 

[LONGJP2]

I know I will have to swap knuckles, if I decide to go to ZJ,

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Why will you have to swap knuckles?
The ZJ upgrade is just a tie rod on a stock TJ axle.
If it's because of your current setup, you might want to get WJ knuckles and build from there.

 

[Rickyd]

Why will you have to swap knuckles?
The ZJ upgrade is just a tie rod on a stock TJ axle.
If it's because of your current setup, you might want to get WJ knuckles and build from there.

Wj has its own issues. The point here is that factory style tj steering works best until you get into axle swaps and packaging issues

 

[jjvw]

Why will you have to swap knuckles?
The ZJ upgrade is just a tie rod on a stock TJ axle.
If it's because of your current setup, you might want to get WJ knuckles and build from there.

The reason to swap in another set of stock knuckles is if the 1 ton stuff required drilling out the tapered holes.

And I wouldn't bother with WJ knuckles either. To begin to do well, you need to rebuild the track bar.

 

[trevino33]

The reason to swap in another set of stock knuckles is if the 1 ton stuff required drilling out the tapered holes.

And I wouldn't bother with WJ knuckles either. To begin to do well, you need to rebuild the track bar.

Yup, luckily I have a spare set of axles with good knuckles so just need to find the time to do the swap. It currently has front and rear steinjager trac bars. Any one know anything about those?

 

[trevino33]

Is it a cross over design?

Agree--if you're going to wheel it and move up to 35s then the rock jock setup is what you want. If you're feeling saucy, opt for the black magic brakes 4340 heat treated tie rod to go along with it.

Also no need to find a front 44...

Reason I wanted 44s would be so that I could regear to 5.38s. currently has 4.88s on 33s and its decent, but wish it had a little more. got a really good deal on a front 30 and rear 44 geared and locked so I snagged the up. The rock jock setup looks really nice, may just let it sit another month or two and save up a few extra pennies to go that route.

 

[jjvw]

Yup, luckily I have a spare set of axles with good knuckles so just need to find the time to do the swap. It currently has front and rear steinjager trac bars. Any one know anything about those?

Steinjager seems to make a conserted effort to recycle poorly designed products from the past.