Steering upgrade question

[DutchVDub]

So my tie-rods on the XJ are completely shot, and considering how old it is I'd just assume replace them all. After comparing prices for factory replacements from Checker and steering upgrades it looks like It won't cost any more to just upgrade. So on that I note I figure I might as well upgrade. Here are the two I'm trying to decide between.

Rusty's
http://rustysoffroad.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=rustys&Product_Code=RS-SC250-UV&Category_Code=ste

Rugged Ridge
http://www.rjroffroad.com/rugged-ridge-hd-t-link-steering-system-for-jeep-cherokee-wrang-offroad-pr-17155.html

The Rugged Ridge unit is cheaper but I'm also a firm believer in "you get what you pay for." So which one would you recommend?

 

[aparke4]

if u are under 6 inches of lift the RR is great

 

[Kittrell]

You are implying that the RR is possibly WORSE than the Rustys? Now thats funny.

 

[xjjeepthing]

Im running the ZJ tie rods under mine
http://www.stu-offroad.com/steering/zjtie/tierod-1.htm
http://www.jeephorizons.com/tech/tjtierod/

 

[planefixer]

I had the Rusty's set up about 5+ years ago and it absolutely sucked balls.I should have just flushed the $250.00 down the toilet.

I don't know anything about the Rugged Ridge but it looks like it would do the job.

Heres my simple setup -I've got $260.00 total into it.

I had the links made at my buddy's machine shop.They're 1.25", .281" wall DOM tubing.
I used QA1 hiems for the ends, 3/4" x 16 shank, 5/8" bore.I sourced the hiems, jam nuts and mis-alignment washers from Poison Spyder.
Its simple and works great.

 

[aparke4]

You are implying that the RR is possibly WORSE than the Rustys? Now thats funny.

um no

 

[DutchVDub]

You are implying that the RR is possibly WORSE than the Rustys? Now thats funny.

I wasn't implying anything like that at all. I'm not familiar w/ any of RR's products amd I am familiar w/ a few of Rusty's products. I was going for a simple comparison between two companies very similar products.

 

[Kittrell]

You used the "get what you pay for" line, in reference to the RR being cheaper, so I just assumed.

 

[DutchVDub]

I like the ZJ idea but like it stated in this link http://www.jeephorizons.com/tech/tjtierod/ it doesn't address the weak drag link. I noticed in the end of the write up he said he wound up going w/ the Rusty's one.

 

[Kittrell]

I like the ZJ idea but like it stated in this link http://www.jeephorizons.com/tech/tjtierod/ it doesn't address the weak drag link. I noticed in the end of the write up he said he wound up going w/ the Rusty's one.

Correct, the ZJ draglink is NO different than our own. Personally I would go with the RR over Rustys. We have a member in GJ that runs the RR and I believe at this point, is satisfied with it.

 

[DutchVDub]

I think I am going to run the RR version just because it seems to be built pretty much the same and cost less.

 

[DutchVDub]

Ok, well i just talked to RR and Rusty's. The one thing I do like about the Rusty's version over the RR version is that Rusty's uses a standard 1-ton tierod that you can replace at any autoparts store and the RR one uses custom made tierods that I'd have to order. Makes last minute and trail repairs kind of hard, that being said I'm ordering the RR one because they give you a discount.

 

[xjjeepthing]

Correct, the ZJ draglink is NO different than our own. Personally I would go with the RR over Rustys. We have a member in GJ that runs the RR and I believe at this point, is satisfied with it.

Depends on the year of the XJ the older had a different draglink, and can bre updated to the new.

 

[YELLAHEEP]

Gonna do the exact same on the '96 I'm building and it'll only have 3.5" lift. I love the simplicity and solid feel this set up provides. It's also very durable. I'd already purchased the heims for that previous white '96 I sold, so I figure I'd better get these heims used......

You'll also note that Jeff doesn't have to use a steering stabilizer. My '93 rock rig has that Phat Jeeps Canyon Climber set up which is similar in design and I was able to ditch the stabilizer on it as well - 8" of lift and no death wobble, bump steer or shimmy. :thumbup:

 

[DutchVDub]

It should be the same with the upgrade I'm getting. Its the advantage of using a single tie-rod to connect the knuckles and having the draglink connect to that as close to (or on) the knuckle. The RR one I bought has the draglink connecting to the passenger side tie-rod end itself. I think when I get the money I'm going to buy a set of spare ends so I don't have to order them and wait on shipping if one breaks.