ZJ tie rod Write up

[stewie]

eewwwww.

 

[EvanRigged]

I have the ZJ tie rod in my jeep and was wondering if anyone else has ran into the rod ends on the drag link (top or bottom) running out of travel. If so has anyone ever tried heating and putting some bend in the ends to correct this? I do have a drop pitman arm.

 

[stewie]

i am running a V8 zj tie rod and long arms. i dont have a problem with the tie rod binding. in fact, you never should. the tie rod stays in line with the axle for the most part putting very little stress on the ends. perhaps you are referring to drag link?

 

[1990JEEPXJ]

x2. the tie rod doesnt limit flex, but the stock draglink will, and probably does, if youre lifted. i know mine is pretty maxed running about 5.5" lift and RE drop brackets. killed my draglink tre's in less than a year

 

[EvanRigged]

correct my ZJ tie rod is fine. My question was about the tre's on the drag link. has anyone ever tried to modify the stock tre's to prevent binding due to excessive suspension flex

 

[MrShaft696]

eewwwww.

haha , I think the harbor freight tool that would be more friendly to use on the ends is this one http://www.harborfreight.com/tie-rod-and-pitman-arm-puller-1752.html

 

[hightime81]

Good info in this thread, bringing it back up in hopes that someone can give me a crash course on how to identify a bad TRE? having a torn boot and water and grime coming out of a couple of mine, so i'm curious as to if i need to replace the entire TRE (or trackbar/drag link in this instance) of if there are specifications that i can check without any special tools? if the TRE are ok, i would rather just replace the boot.

i do have some steering slop, and im looking at the axle end busing on the trackbar tonight to see if that could be the culprit. from what i've read that is one of the MANY possibilities lol.

93 XJ, stock, 4.0HO, 121K, Aw4, NP231.

i recently replaced the TRE on my stock tie rod b/c i 'thought' they looked worn and were very loose. i'm just looking for a more definitive way to know if they are bad or not?

cheers.

 

[kastein]

Have a friend turn the steering wheel back and forth while you have your finger across the joint (half on the steering knuckle, half on the TRE, just don't get yourself pinched) and you will feel it if one moves and the other doesn't. Takes a little practice. If it's REALLY bad you will see the difference in movement.

 

[hightime81]

Thanks Kastein!