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Need tie rod and drag link advice please

3K views 21 replies 9 participants last post by  thedawgshow 
#1 ·
So I have some slop in my drag link where it connects to the pitman arm. It's causing a little DW and I want to just upgrade them both while I'm at it. I was looking at the currie drag link/tie rod setup but it doesn't appear that it will work on my jeep bc it has no lift on it. Looked into the Rusty's replacement and after reading some reviews decided to steer clear of their products. Can anyone suggest a good upgrade that will work without any modification. The currie said i would have to trim the ends up on them and i don't like the sound of that. Thanks for any help
 
#6 ·
It all depends on your use. If you have no lift now, then I would stick with the stock drag link and the ZJ tie rod. The ZJ drag link and the stock drag link are very similar and I don't see the need to switch to that drag link. Your stock one will line up appropriately and is just as strong.

As far as the ZJ tie rod, that's a no brainer. Hollow vs. a solid bar.

Now, the currie setup is the way to go if you find yourself tweaking your stock drag link or ZJ tie rod. I ran my Jeep last month (on a trailed rated at 7) and bent my drag link (I never thought the drag link would have been the weak link but it was). My next upgrade will be to Currie steering but my drag link (NAPA) was still under warranty so I just replaced it for free. If I bend it the next time out, then it'll get replaced with Currie.

I'm only on 33's now but when I move to 35's I will probably upgrade my steering at that time.

The yellow line represents what it should be and the red one shows where it bent.



 
#3 ·
I'd stick with the stock drag link and end, but upgrade to the ZJ tie rod set up. That's what I did on my LJ with 35's and my XJ with 33's before that. It will work best for your stock suspension and unless you are doing some really extreme wheeling, will be fine for 35's in the future.
 
#5 ·
I'm running a stock Drag Link and the ZJ tie rod and have had no problems with the set up. I'm just running 33's but I do get off road some and am happy with it. For around 200.00 and a hour of your time it's a good budget set up.

cb
 
#10 ·
I just recently did the ZJ upgrade on my 2000 TJ. works very well. drive feels solid.

Question someone may be able to answer:
Is there any difference between the OEM TJ Drag Link and the ZJ Drag Link?

I had the two parts laid out side by side and saw not discernible difference.

The ZJ Tie Rod is obviously much better.

My ZJ Upgrade parts list... http://www.wranglerforum.com/f210/tie-rod-and-drag-link-problem-671705.html

.
 
#12 ·
Question someone may be able to answer:
Is there any difference between the OEM TJ Drag Link and the ZJ Drag Link?

I had the two parts laid out side by side and saw not discernible difference.
They are very slightly different if you look at the bends. Enough to make any difference? I'm not sure. You probably won't notice anything until you fully cycle your suspension and push it to full lock on both sides. Then you might see where the difference is or if it will affect/bump/ twist into anything.

I run the stock TJ drag link just because I know that's how it was designed. If the ZJ drag link didn't cause any problems, then I would run it simply because it's cheaper.
 
#18 ·
When ordering the stock drag link is there any parts that come with it or is it just the whole thing. Also from what I can tell the ZJ tie rod I'm after is a 98 ZJ with the V-8 engine. Is there parts I will have to order along with the tie rod or is it one complete assembled part? On Stu's site it says I'll have to order the tie rod, adjusting sleeve and tie rod end.
 
#22 ·
I purchased the Crown HD steering system. It is a ZJ tie rod, TJ drag link, new ends, and sleeve, and even a steering stabilizer for $200.00. It has been recommended to me to also purchase poly grease covers as the Crown ones seem to crack and such pretty quick, so I did. It has good reviews, but I have not installed it yet.
 
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