Does anyone know of a company making upgraded knuckles for a TJ? I just installed a Currie HP 44 into my 97 TJ and I am having a hard time finding anything other than OEM. I contacted Reid racing and they do not make a direct bolt in for the TJ, any ideas would be super helpful, thanks in advance!
TJ outer knuckle upgrade
- Thread starter TJMoneyPit_98
- Start date
Stronger than OEM, I wanted to go with Reid but they do not make a set for the TJ
I'm in the same boat, I didn't realize when I got mine I was still using the 30 outers...
OEM knuckles are plenty strong for a rig on 35s, which is the max tire size for that HP44 IMO. I had that axle in my 06 TJ and ran the Rubicon and Fordyce many times without incident.
I was never able to find anything other than OEM knuckles either when searching.
I was never able to find anything other than OEM knuckles either when searching.
I have Blaine’s BBK with knuckles on my Currie 44 they stop better.
Black Magic Brakes big brakes include new knuckles that are stronger than factory in addition to providing a place to attach the bigger calipers.
Correct me if wrong but the structural weak point in the axle assembly, especially with larger tires, is not the knuckle, it is the ball joints. Which means you would need to weld different inner C’s to the axle tubes to use stronger ball joints.
Correct. If the OP is concerned about the ball joints, then different knuckles are not the solution. We do not know why he wants upgraded knuckles or what that actually means to him.
It is a Currie differential so the inner C’s are already upgraded. I am going to be installing ball joint eliminators to take care of that problem and also upgrading to RCV axle shafts. I want to upgrade the outer knuckles so that my only weak spot will be the drive lines and u-joints and I don’t mind fixing those on the trail. My TJ is off road use only and never see’s the pavement.
Awesome! Thanks, I will checkout the Black Magic kit. I heard about them briefly
They sure do. This is my first TJ build as I use to be a Toyota guy for a long time. That was another item I was researching on what it would take to change over to JK knuckles, in fact I am picking up a set from a local bone yard to mock up and see what is required.
Have you done the TJ to JK knuckle swap? if so what all does it take for a swap?
They sure do. This is my first TJ build as I use to be a Toyota guy for a long time. That was another item I was researching on what it would take to change over to JK knuckles, in fact I am picking up a set from a local bone yard to mock up and see what is required.
Have you done the TJ to JK knuckle swap? if so what all does it take for a swap?
I'm pretty sure I can answer any question you have.
My point was if I was headed down your path with a new front axle, I would have done the research to see what it takes to put on a set of the JK aftermarket upgraded knuckles, ignore the upper steering arm and just run it as a TJ steering set up. You've not mentioned braking needs so getting a set of my knuckles with the bigger brakes associated seems a long way to go just to get some more strength in your knuckles.
Yes, I am punching my self every day for not checking to see if Reid made knuckles for the TJ, assumption is the mother of all F-Up's!! Braking is no issue, 4 wheel disc and only used on the trail. Once I get the used bone yard JK knuckles I will get to mocking up and see what this project is going to take!!
"It is a Currie differential so the inner C’s are already upgraded."
Are they, how so? I've never got a clear answer on that with the Currie 44s. Can you post a pic of the upper ball joint area of the inner C? It's more the ball joint seat itself that becomes an issue with the stock inner Cs
Are they, how so? I've never got a clear answer on that with the Currie 44s. Can you post a pic of the upper ball joint area of the inner C? It's more the ball joint seat itself that becomes an issue with the stock inner Cs
They are larger but they have to machine so much material away for the lower to work it makes you wonder if it is really that much better. I suspect it is some better, just not as much as we'd like it to be.
Most want upgraded brakes for off-road. Deep gears and 4low you can drive thru your brakes. Automatic even more so.
You oughta know by now that folks will spend money on everything but safe brakes. Don't annoy him, he's just fine as is.
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