JT4x4

The Mud Pit => Wrenching => Topic started by: Seabee_BUC on June 08, 2008, 01:24:23 AM

Title: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: Seabee_BUC on June 08, 2008, 01:24:23 AM
So as all of you know, I bent the SNOT :-\ out of JD's tie rod in Mohawk 2 weeks ago. Fortunately, we scored a used one someone had with them on the trail to make the fix and keep going. After we got back I immediately began looking into a real replacement sturdy enough to avoid bending it again. What I found out was that the '98 Grand Cherokee's with the V8 have a pretty beefy one that fits the TJ quite nicely. The ends are the same but have  :o 7/8" threaded ends instead of the stock 5/8" (I think). All the heavy duty ones you can buy are going to be about 1 1/4" or 1 1/8" tube with a 1/4" thick wall. Strong but not as strong as a solid rod like the Grand's. Also, a stock tie rod adjusts on both ends where as the Grands has one fixed end(drag link-passenger side) and just the other side to adjust.

If anyone is looking for a stout upgrade the NAPA part numbers are:
NAPA NCP 2696085 (long passenger side)
NAPA NCP 2692788 (driver side tie rod end)
NAPA NCP 2691134 (Adjusting Sleeve)

From the Groton NAPA with the military discount, $146 out the door. Any off road purpose heavy duty rods are going to run you $189 or more. And this is much stronger....
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: CaptORM on June 09, 2008, 01:51:10 PM
Scott...Your set up and mine are the same.  I have the 1-ton system out of a dodge dakota.  which is a direct fit for my setup.  Its pretty much the same thing that is in the V-8 Grands.  So you may want to do the research about the dakota to see if you can use it.  May be cheaper...
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: Kral4me on June 09, 2008, 02:19:29 PM
Too late  ;D Already purchased and installed ;) Thanks though!
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: footman on June 10, 2008, 04:54:38 PM
I read on another site that you can get some pipe from Lowes/HD and slip it over the existing tie rod.  The specs were as follows  32.5' long  1 1/8" OD and .885" ID.  Thats for a straight tie rod.  Some were using slightly larger OD/ID for already bent tie rods(trail fix)  This might be a inexpensive item to have when wheeling.
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: CnoteTJ on June 10, 2008, 05:19:41 PM
or just use the handle from a high-lift jack, its perfect for it 8)
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: CaptORM on June 10, 2008, 06:45:29 PM
yet another one of the hundereds of uses for a high lift.   

Breaking someones face is the best though.
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: mallcrawl on June 11, 2008, 07:43:51 PM
nice info I'll have to look into it soon as I start getting paid along with the v8 durango stearing box
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: CnoteTJ on June 11, 2008, 11:48:51 PM
is that supposed to be a direct swap too?
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: footman on June 12, 2008, 01:50:57 PM
From what I've read the durango steering box is a direct fit.  Who's up for a junkyard fieldtrip?
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: Kral4me on June 12, 2008, 02:23:52 PM
From what I've read the durango steering box is a direct fit.  Who's up for a junkyard fieldtrip?

I think everyone should be up for that kinda trip, considering we have another run to M here coming up soon lol...SPARE PARTS ARE A MUST PEOPLE!!!  ;)
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: mallcrawl on June 12, 2008, 06:00:32 PM
From what I've read the durango steering box is a direct fit.  Who's up for a junkyard fieldtrip?

I've got a realy good writeup on the swap somewhere, its a bolt up thing provided you get the right stearing box
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: RnnngTrails on June 13, 2008, 07:33:08 PM
when are we planning on going to the yards?
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: Seabee_BUC on June 13, 2008, 08:12:30 PM
I don't even know where there is a junkyard around here    :-[ ...
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: CnoteTJ on June 13, 2008, 08:38:09 PM
i heard there was one out in waterford but i cant find any information on it  >:(
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: RnnngTrails on June 13, 2008, 09:58:02 PM
there's one at exit 69 north?
i dont remember the name of it..

also M&J Auto Recycling i've been told. Their number is 860 537 5002
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: CnoteTJ on June 13, 2008, 10:54:34 PM
sweet, now we can go hunting for parts  ;D just make sure ya wear gloves
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: Sandbox Sailor on June 18, 2008, 02:06:32 PM
The one in Waterford is called (unless they changed the name again, they used to be Blonders) is called Blinkers & More. It is right on Rte 1. If you go down 95 towards Waterford, and get off on the Waterford Walmart exit, take a left like you are going to get back on the highway at the end of the ramp. At the light at the intersection, take a left again (like you are going to get on the highway back to Groton). Keep going straight until you come to another traffic light. Take a right at that light. I don't remember how far down it is, but it is on the right. Here is a link to a map. Looks like you can go from the other end where 95 and 395 intersect too.

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=531+Boston+Post+Rd+Waterford,+CT+06385&fb=1&geocode=13784472670311160698,41.367223,-72.185077&oi=manybox&ct=14&cd=1&resnum=1 (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=531+Boston+Post+Rd+Waterford,+CT+06385&fb=1&geocode=13784472670311160698,41.367223,-72.185077&oi=manybox&ct=14&cd=1&resnum=1)

Good luck in the hunt
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: Kral4me on June 18, 2008, 02:08:23 PM
The one in Waterford is called (unless they changed the name again, they used to be Blonders) is called Blinkers & More. Good luck in the hunt

Sweet! Thanks Rob ;) We have One-Eye's wedding this weekend, but maybe we will check it out next week...
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: mallcrawl on June 20, 2008, 03:52:06 AM
Kleenmans is a good junkyard just up the 12 a little ways, not real big on newer stuff but honest guys and a good place to start
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: Gastank on June 21, 2008, 06:16:23 PM
Kleemans is a good yard.... He's got a good variety of everything. There's also Smiths 4x4 up in franklin, Dude is awesome. and IT'S ALL JEEP! He's got some odds and ends but for the most part it's all jeep. from jeepsters to jk's he's got it. In Montville there's Yale's but I don't tend to recommend them. There kinda butt-heads if you ask me. But they do have alot of stuff there also. Just not a pull and pay. It's more like a already been pulled and you have to pay for their time, type of deal.
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: footman on May 19, 2009, 02:32:16 PM
Hey has anyone ever done this ZJ tierod upgrade?  Does the tierod go wheel to wheel or does it hook up to the drag link like in the TJ?
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: TJ777 on May 19, 2009, 04:59:32 PM
Im down for hunting for some parts.. My steering box leaks hardcore and my tie rod is bent pretty bad plus it is all out of geometry from the lift angle i have horrible bump stop steering 
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: Axle on May 19, 2009, 05:17:33 PM
I did it on Bigyeller.  It's really easy.  It hooks up just like the stock application:  left steering knuckle (short piece), turn buckle, and drag link connection (long piece).
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: footman on May 19, 2009, 06:48:46 PM
Is there any difference in the ZJ  drag link?  Is it worth getting?
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: kirksjeep on May 19, 2009, 08:12:24 PM
The ZJ V8's have a heavy duty set up that is much stronger and a fraction of the cost of a aftermarket unit.
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: BlacXJeep on May 19, 2009, 11:04:42 PM
http://shoplive.rompalicious.com/crownheavydutysteeringupgrade9101xj9706tj-p-1946.html
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: kirksjeep on May 20, 2009, 12:57:03 AM
Here is a used Rusty's set up for TJ/XJ for $100 in Newington

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=780101
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: PaulW on May 20, 2009, 05:59:06 PM
From what I've read the durango steering box is a direct fit.  Who's up for a junkyard fieldtrip?

Full size wagoneer box is a direct fit also.
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: PaulW on May 20, 2009, 06:07:57 PM
32.5' long...

That's A LOT of toe out :P.  I've used box tubing instead of round tubing.  you can get it in pretty much any wall thickness you need.  I just slip it over the adjuster sleeve, weld the ends, set the toe with the tape measure and call it a day.
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: kirksjeep on May 20, 2009, 08:27:44 PM


That's A LOT of toe out :P.  I've used box tubing instead of round tubing.  you can get it in pretty much any wall thickness you need.  I just slip it over the adjuster sleeve, weld the ends, set the toe with the tape measure and call it a day.
[/quote]

Box tubing isn't as strong as round tube of the same wall thickness, same reason why it is used for roll cages and custom buggies.   Having a Mechanical Enginnering Degree has proved usefull in my automotive hobies ;D. If you are going to build one, there are plenty of wirte ups on using Chevy tie rod ends and reaming the knuckles.  I priced it out and it would cost about $150 for the tube, tube inserts, lock nuts and the tie rod ends.  The problem is the reaming tool is very specialized and runs about $100.  The "good" is that it is easy to get parts for since it is just stock Chevy tie rods.

For most TJ, XJ guys the V8 ZJ set up would be more then strong enough, just look how Justin wheeled " Big Yellar" with 37's, and his held up.  Keep an eye out on craiglist for a part out of a ZJ. 
Title: Re: TJ Tie Rod repair/upgrade
Post by: PaulW on May 20, 2009, 10:49:02 PM


That's A LOT of toe out :P.  I've used box tubing instead of round tubing.  you can get it in pretty much any wall thickness you need.  I just slip it over the adjuster sleeve, weld the ends, set the toe with the tape measure and call it a day.

Box tubing isn't as strong as round tube of the same wall thickness, same reason why it is used for roll cages and custom buggies.   Having a Mechanical Enginnering Degree has proved usefull in my automotive hobies ;D. If you are going to build one, there are plenty of wirte ups on using Chevy tie rod ends and reaming the knuckles.  I priced it out and it would cost about $150 for the tube, tube inserts, lock nuts and the tie rod ends.  The problem is the reaming tool is very specialized and runs about $100.  The "good" is that it is easy to get parts for since it is just stock Chevy tie rods.

For most TJ, XJ guys the V8 ZJ set up would be more then strong enough, just look how Justin wheeled " Big Yellar" with 37's, and his held up.  Keep an eye out on craiglist for a part out of a ZJ. 
[/quote]

maybe i'll just switch the tie rods from my zj to my xj then.  free upgrade since the xj is going to be the beater.