Yesterday, I found that my drag link tie rod end has stripped threads (on the pitman arm side). Since all rod ends could certainly use replacing, I plan to go with the Rugged Ridge HD steering kit, p/n: 18050.83 (instead of just buying new OEM spec parts).
It costs about 30% more than ordering new stock replacement parts, but I am a sucker for using stronger parts when I can.
I have read a lot of posts over the past 5 hours and will be ordering something in the next couple of days.
Do any of you have experience with the Rugged Ridge kit that may help me make the decision? Should I just buy new OEM spec replacement parts? If so, why?
I'm hoping someone will share some knowledge and give me another point of view on the matter, or reinforce my thoughts of getting the Rugged Ridge kit.
I debated getting those just to upgrade, and later decided I'll wait until mine gets sloppier. ( If it aint broke, don't fix.. )
But I've read some pretty solid reviews on them as well. While they may be 30% more expensive if they last 30% longer you've already saved money. ( Hey your time is worth money too. )
Anyway, the steel is just so much thicker, it looks to be a pretty good deal.
Just my pennies here but I rebuilt the front end of mine and I BEAT my bitch (the yj) with all MOOG components except the left outer tie rod end I had to go TRW for it. If it's lasted since 1988 until me abusing it for 6 years I think stock replacement works. Btw I'm running 33x12.50x15 bfg AT/K0 if it falls apart in the next 6 I'll upgrade.
Thanks to each of you for your thoughts on this!
I had planned on your buying new rod ends anyway due to worn/torn boots but with the stripped end on the drag link, I probably need to replace the drag link rod/tube also. So that means I'll be replacing all the steering linkage.
When stuff wears out or breaks, I usually look for something bigger, better, faster and/or stronger to use. It's a great time to upgrade if it makes sense to do so.
It's not really necessary to upgrade to thicker tubing and tie rod threads, but if the cost is close and/or there is a benefit to upgrading, why not go with HD components?
Maybe I need to do an exact cost comparison of both and see if that helps?
Thanks to each of you for your thoughts on this! I had planned on your buying new rod ends anyway due to worn/torn boots but with the stripped end on the drag link, I probably need to replace the drag link rod/tube also. So that means I'll be replacing all the steering linkage. When stuff wears out or breaks, I usually look for something bigger, better, faster and/or stronger to use. It's a great time to upgrade if it makes sense to do so. It's not really necessary to upgrade to thicker tubing and tie rod threads, but if the cost is close and/or there is a benefit to upgrading, why not go with HD components? Maybe I need to do an exact cost comparison of both and see if that helps?
Jeeps must be lifted for the HD steering upgrade to work. I upgraded my whole steering (not with the HD but other brand) mainly because I did not want to have to change the whole tie rod every time the tie-rod end goes bad on that one side. But I had to install a lift kit for it not to bind (I was going to wait to do that, but that was the perfect excuse).
Jeeps must be lifted for the HD steering upgrade to work. I upgraded my whole steering (not with the HD but other brand) mainly because I did not want to have to change the whole tie rod every time the tie-rod end goes bad on that one side. But I had to install a lift kit for it not to bind (I was going to wait to do that, but that was the perfect excuse).
I only have 2" lift so I am worried about clearances with larger tubing. Like you, I don't like having to change the whole tie rod when the end wears out.
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I've pretty much ruled out the RR HD kit and I am actually leaning towards just replacing everything with stock spec parts. I don't plan to be off-road much, for a while anyway. I have been comparing approximate prices today.
$335 - RR HD kit
$160 - OEM kit from Morris
$275 - Omix-Ada components via ExtremeTerrain
$205 - Moog components via RockAuto
$135 - Delco components via RockAuto
$374 - Moog components via AdvanceAuto
$276 - Driveworks, TRW and Omix-Ada components via Advance Auto
I'm not a fan of the Driveworks stuff, but can anyone offer their thoughts and insight on the other brands that offer OE replacement parts?
Unless you plan on a complete rebuild I'd stick with stock. I don't like the proprietary TRE that RR uses, Rusty's has a poor reputation among the jeep crowd around me. I went with the RuffStuff YJ kit and did a tie rod flip over the steering knuckle. Doing this allows you to use much heavier DOM, real Chevy 1 ton Tre's, and lifts the drag link higher for clearence of your differential cover and to keep it out of the rocks. Doing this you also must use wheels with less backspace as the larger ends can rub the wheel. As you can see going big means lots of other considerations.
Btw if anyone does go RR, I'd carry that extra TRE with me at all times off road. I wouldn't want to break down and have to wait for RR to ship me a Tre till I could get my jeep off the trail.
no need for a lift with the rustys, my tj only has 2.5"
and the yj is less than 3.
one of the reasons I went with this set up is noting on the jeep is changed. In the event I bend or break one while on the trail a stock tj or yj setup will bolt right in (i have the originals as spares). cant do that with reamed knuckles, or custom components.
FWIW for 4 yrs Ive been running what ever unknown stock type parts on my yj and have yet to wear them out,
as far as the driveworks stuff ya get what ya pay for
IMHO moog is over priced crap nowadays
TRW is good if ya can get it.
I've heard this about Moog from others around here also. I priced all TRW today (from AdvanceAuto), and as expected with Advance, they are proud of what they sell.
Most of this cost is due to the passenger side tie rod assy. at $140 and the drag link sleeve at $50.
Those prices are crazy. The whole RuffStuff kit with 1.5" Dom, weld in bungs, jam nuts and sleeves, all the ends 2-1 ton Tre's, 1- I ton drag link end, 1- 1 ton pitman arm end, all for $240.
I agree, for the better quality stock replacements, the costs are a bit high.
Though I have been pricing the more popular known brand parts. I can get everything for as little as $67, but I have to question the durability of a $5 tie rod end. So I have been looking at the $20-45 ends.
If I were building a serious trail rig, I would definitely look at the more "hardcore" options out there. But I have to admit to myself, that my "off-roading" will consist mostly of forest service roads with an occasional entry-mid level trail every now and then.
It appears that OE replacement parts will work for me. Now I just need to stop spending all my free time researching and buy some parts to fix it!
I just did mine complete. Went all MOOG from rock auto.
I was in about the same situation as you and was looking at the thicker parts, too.
But for what I do, with normal sized tires, I thought it wasn't worth the money and modding. For me.
I just did mine complete. Went all MOOG from rock auto. I was in about the same situation as you and was looking at the thicker parts, too. But for what I do, with normal sized tires, I thought it wasn't worth the money and modding. For me. Im happy with the MOOG stuff. Look it up on rock auto.
So... I ordered Moog from RockAuto as well. If not, I would have debated this forever. Funny thing, after discussing with my brother, he recently ordered Moog steering for his [not a Jeep] also. Steering season must be in. Thanks for everyone's input!
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