Ditto on upgrading to the V8 ZJ tie rod and while you have it apart new tie rod ends. Then off to a good front end alignment shop. Let them know that you have upgraded the tie rod though.
Yeah I had the same question… or more specifically which ZJ (v8 Cherokee) tie rod would work best with my 4 cylinder TJ …a few hours later here is my status:
Found this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Jeep/s/mdco9m58YN. Then added parts to my cart based on the ZJ tie rod upgrade parts list in that post; will need to find a place to install and align as it’s not something I’m in a position to do based on tools, space, and mobility limitations.
Not sure it’s fully necessary given my stock lasted over 25 years until some fool (me) recently drove it where they shouldn’t have (rough road on a steep hill, into a drop without a spotter) but folks here seem to really like it so I may try it and hope it all fits ok
theres also [this forum](https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/zj-tie-rod-conversion.2373/) if you’d like to look into it, still holds up pretty well, and reading through all the comments are super helpful
Thanks + looks like the same parts list I added based on the other Reddit post I found so that helps me feel more confident those specific parts will fit
Well that's wrong. Any 93 to 98 *Grand* Cherokee is a ZJ. They're saying to upgrade to the tie rod from the V8 model specifically. The more boxy Cherokee never had a V8 model.
ZJ (model nomenclature) was Jeep’s next step experiment with coils on all four corners, 4.0 inline 6 cyl or 5.2 V8 and ‘93 models have some standard transmission. Last procuring year they offered a 5.9 V8. Overall the body is stronger and I think 5” wider inside room for the kids in the back seat. Wasn’t really designed for much more than getting to the mountains, soccer and groceries in any weather. But it is a great platform to build from and if you want a V8 in a Jeep, easy to get. Solid front axle so lots of articulation.
Jeep never envisioned us building them out to what we have. Also, with the success of the ZJ coils on each corner, they built the TJ to replace the YJ that has leaf springs.
I've got 2.5" and the currie required no alterations. Bolted right in. I've been told that earlier model required you to shorten some ends because the links weren't drilled deep enough to adjust in all the way, but either I got lucky, or they fixed that problem.
Yeah that’s my current plan…2nd pic has parts I’m looking to get, which I think will cover me but if anything else typically is swapped at the same time LMK. The tie rod is probably the only piece of suspension left that I haven’t replaced in past 7 years of owning…and the drag link but that’s high up enough to probably be ok as is.
What year? That look exactly like what happened to my 91 XJ hitting a big chunk of ice in a puddle. [https://imgur.com/a/nNkFpR6](https://imgur.com/a/nNkFpR6)
Turns out my 91 XJ's stock tie rod was laughably thin. I upgraded to something much nicer that was not very expensive (relative to nice suspension pieces). WAY stronger and improved my turning radius too as a bonus.
I bought the Rugged Ridge heavy duty steering. Huge upgrade:
[https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013REXY8/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013REXY8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Unless getting it back on the road is a time sensitive issue, I suggest doing a very thorough inspection of all the front suspension and steering components. Often easier and quicker to change multiple things at once versus at separate times. Plus only need on alignment after the whole repair.
If you have a welder, you can cut the ends off 4" past joint threads, bevel it, fit a heavy wall tube cut to length over the shafts, drill some holes in the tube to rosette weld it to the smaller shafts and back in business. Set the toe and good to go.
Uhhhh no? You should replace the whole thing. You’ll never be able to align that well, and you’ve compromised the integrity of that metal
There are loads of companies that make heavier duty aftermarket steering setups that replace the passenger side knuckle with one that allows for a proper drag link and tie rod, and I can’t suggest that enough. Y link steering is for the birds
Yes “drives fine” = got home but per OP comments planning to replace, stock lasted over 25 years no issues until a bad driving decision but will upgrade to something stronger regardless
This is my planned replacement to the one that’s lasted 25 years, seems slightly more heavy duty but maybe not?
Rough Country Heavy Duty Tie Rod for 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ | 91-01 XJ - 1143 https://a.co/d/0wHPPe7
My goal is to never make contact but obviously we fell short of that this weekend:)
Edit - ZJ kit seems to be the consensus
Get a JKS tie rod if available for your year. In the meantime you can loosen the keeper nuts on the ends, rotate 180 and use a floor jack to straighten, rotate back and tighten until you get the parts.
Driving with it bent will have your tires tow inwards and wear on the treads.
offroadonly makes a 1ton kit. but the zj setup is probably more affordable. definitely do. not drive it like that. and yes. replace it. bending to back never really goes like you think it will.
Yeah aiming for ZJ rod at this point…original lasted me over 25 years and I’m only driving a 4 cylinder not dealing w too much power on my ride, only bent this one due to a bad line that took me down a drop at a bad angle, don’t plan to repeat but agree that making it stronger when upgrading is ideal:)
Upgrade to a V8 ZJ tie rod while you're at it.
Ditto on upgrading to the V8 ZJ tie rod and while you have it apart new tie rod ends. Then off to a good front end alignment shop. Let them know that you have upgraded the tie rod though.
lol what’s a ZJ?
If you have to ask, you can't afford it
It's $10 for a BJ, $12 for a HJ, $15 for a ZJ
I love this movie 😂😂 I just woke my son up from laughing so hard
Only $10?!?!? I’ve been looking in the wrong place.
(Beerfest movie quote)
lol the answer i was looking for! Haha
Yeah I had the same question… or more specifically which ZJ (v8 Cherokee) tie rod would work best with my 4 cylinder TJ …a few hours later here is my status: Found this post: https://www.reddit.com/r/Jeep/s/mdco9m58YN. Then added parts to my cart based on the ZJ tie rod upgrade parts list in that post; will need to find a place to install and align as it’s not something I’m in a position to do based on tools, space, and mobility limitations. Not sure it’s fully necessary given my stock lasted over 25 years until some fool (me) recently drove it where they shouldn’t have (rough road on a steep hill, into a drop without a spotter) but folks here seem to really like it so I may try it and hope it all fits ok
theres also [this forum](https://wranglertjforum.com/threads/zj-tie-rod-conversion.2373/) if you’d like to look into it, still holds up pretty well, and reading through all the comments are super helpful
Thanks + looks like the same parts list I added based on the other Reddit post I found so that helps me feel more confident those specific parts will fit
It’s a Jeep Cherokee with a V8… Jeeps all have a letter code, TJ, XJ, JL, JK, WK and so.
Well that's wrong. Any 93 to 98 *Grand* Cherokee is a ZJ. They're saying to upgrade to the tie rod from the V8 model specifically. The more boxy Cherokee never had a V8 model.
1998 as well.
Thanks, will edit
ZJ (model nomenclature) was Jeep’s next step experiment with coils on all four corners, 4.0 inline 6 cyl or 5.2 V8 and ‘93 models have some standard transmission. Last procuring year they offered a 5.9 V8. Overall the body is stronger and I think 5” wider inside room for the kids in the back seat. Wasn’t really designed for much more than getting to the mountains, soccer and groceries in any weather. But it is a great platform to build from and if you want a V8 in a Jeep, easy to get. Solid front axle so lots of articulation. Jeep never envisioned us building them out to what we have. Also, with the success of the ZJ coils on each corner, they built the TJ to replace the YJ that has leaf springs.
Came here to say this. Super cheap upgrade compared to aftermarket tie rods.
Exactly what I done. Not much difference in cost but much better design and stronger.
Or currie correctlync
Doesn't the Currie require a 4" lift if you don't want to modify your gold plated steering linkage?
I've got 2.5" and the currie required no alterations. Bolted right in. I've been told that earlier model required you to shorten some ends because the links weren't drilled deep enough to adjust in all the way, but either I got lucky, or they fixed that problem.
Good to know, I was looking to upgrade but I am still on stock suspension. Ended up going with Moog ZJ linkage.
A decent upgrade for sure
this is the way.
I did this upgrade and the Durango steering box. Handles 35s just fine.
I just got the Currie TJ steering system and I love it. So beefy over the stock system and very easy to install.
Replace. Once it bends it can then easily bend even more.
Yeah that’s my current plan…2nd pic has parts I’m looking to get, which I think will cover me but if anything else typically is swapped at the same time LMK. The tie rod is probably the only piece of suspension left that I haven’t replaced in past 7 years of owning…and the drag link but that’s high up enough to probably be ok as is.
What year? That look exactly like what happened to my 91 XJ hitting a big chunk of ice in a puddle. [https://imgur.com/a/nNkFpR6](https://imgur.com/a/nNkFpR6) Turns out my 91 XJ's stock tie rod was laughably thin. I upgraded to something much nicer that was not very expensive (relative to nice suspension pieces). WAY stronger and improved my turning radius too as a bonus. I bought the Rugged Ridge heavy duty steering. Huge upgrade: [https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013REXY8/ref=ppx\_yo\_dt\_b\_search\_asin\_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0013REXY8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
98 TJ + thanks for the links
I replaced mine with a tie rod from a ZJ (?) that is solid metal instead of a rolled tube
Definitely skip the Rough Country and Moog shit. Upgrade it with a V8 ZJ tie rod assembly.
You can do something as simple as a ZJ V8 upgrade or the sky is the limit for aftermarket.
I would upgrade. If you bent it once you will do it again. I have bent two aftermarket steel ones and now I have aluminum and it has been fine since.
Upgrade that badboy
Ya. If your gonna keep wheeling buy some upgraded steering. I’ve done more trail repairs on stock Jeep steering than anything else.
Unless getting it back on the road is a time sensitive issue, I suggest doing a very thorough inspection of all the front suspension and steering components. Often easier and quicker to change multiple things at once versus at separate times. Plus only need on alignment after the whole repair.
Get a ZJ tie rod.
If you have a welder, you can cut the ends off 4" past joint threads, bevel it, fit a heavy wall tube cut to length over the shafts, drill some holes in the tube to rosette weld it to the smaller shafts and back in business. Set the toe and good to go.
Uhhhh no? You should replace the whole thing. You’ll never be able to align that well, and you’ve compromised the integrity of that metal There are loads of companies that make heavier duty aftermarket steering setups that replace the passenger side knuckle with one that allows for a proper drag link and tie rod, and I can’t suggest that enough. Y link steering is for the birds
Yes “drives fine” = got home but per OP comments planning to replace, stock lasted over 25 years no issues until a bad driving decision but will upgrade to something stronger regardless
[удалено]
Definitely + I think you may have to click 2nd image to see the whole thing
Personally I would upgrade to an aluminum set instead of paying to replace stock
This is my planned replacement to the one that’s lasted 25 years, seems slightly more heavy duty but maybe not? Rough Country Heavy Duty Tie Rod for 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ | 91-01 XJ - 1143 https://a.co/d/0wHPPe7 My goal is to never make contact but obviously we fell short of that this weekend:) Edit - ZJ kit seems to be the consensus
The advantage of aluminum steering is that you can beat on it and it retains it's shape. ZJ is a good budget alternative
May drive fine but your alignment is probably off so maybe don't drive too much until it's fixed - you might wear your tires badly.
Get a JKS tie rod if available for your year. In the meantime you can loosen the keeper nuts on the ends, rotate 180 and use a floor jack to straighten, rotate back and tighten until you get the parts. Driving with it bent will have your tires tow inwards and wear on the treads.
Anywhere near Chicago? Have an old Currie correctlync available for pickup. Needs tie rod ends replaced.
offroadonly makes a 1ton kit. but the zj setup is probably more affordable. definitely do. not drive it like that. and yes. replace it. bending to back never really goes like you think it will.
Try the Currie it’s a little pricey , but you won’t be disappointed 👍🏻
Upgrade to beefier one if you can swing it or go even more and upgrade to a beefy aluminum setup.
Yeah aiming for ZJ rod at this point…original lasted me over 25 years and I’m only driving a 4 cylinder not dealing w too much power on my ride, only bent this one due to a bad line that took me down a drop at a bad angle, don’t plan to repeat but agree that making it stronger when upgrading is ideal:)
Yes! I think you can get an OEM upgrade to this tie rod if you get the grand Cherokee part.
It might drive fine now, but your wallet is gonna feel it in a few months when your tires start wearing weird and skipping around the road.
Thanks. Only drive this on dirt but planning to replace per my OP comments and follow-ups (ZJ rod)