4bangerjp.com
General Forums => The Mess Hall => Topic started by: jfrabat on April 19, 2008, 08:41:49 PM
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(http://www.quadratec.com/Assets/Images/76674/76674-lg.jpg)
OK, so my rig got a new sound to go along with all the other ones. This one started about a week ago, and I heard it when I turn the wheel from one side to the other. At first I thought it was the power steering, but as it turns out, it's the tie rod assembly (complete with steering stabilizer and all) rotates about 10 to 15 degrees depending on the side you are turning to. So I am guessing my rod ends are shot (the boots seem to be done for).
I figured if I am going to invest in the steering, might as well beef it up a bit to protect against possible close encounters with rocks (like when crossing rivers), and this (http://www.quadratec.com/products/56118_103.htm) looked like an affordable option.
I wanted to know your opinions on (1) the product itself (especially if anyone of you is running one of these!), and (2) if this is something I can tacke myself... I know the steering stabilizer some times is a PITA to take out, but since I replaced mine about a year ago, this should not be the case...
Felipe
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Looks nice but I think the pict is for something else, probably a CJ.
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Looks nice but I think the pict is for something else, probably a CJ.
Could be the pic is not the YJ model, but the description says YJ...
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I have no experience with this brand but I have worked on my steering and it is pretty easy to do yourself. Get a tie rod end puller and it will be as easy as can be. Don't use hammers (maybe just a bit) and pickle forks, they just ruin the parts, tear up dust boots, etc.
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Here's a picture of their YJ setup.
https://jeeperz-creeperz.com/imagemagic.php?img=ztHGytfsn%2BPa3ZOWm6KuoKKlmJLP09k%3D&w=1200&h=436&page=popup
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Here's one I've always wanted to get:
http://www.rocky-road.com/yjott.html
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Here's one I've always wanted to get:
http://www.rocky-road.com/yjott.html
When I was considering the SOA conversion, I was originally planning on using their SOA kit and this OTT. But with SUA lift, I am afraid that the OTT would make everything go out of whack... SO I ordered the Rigget Ridge one and will do the change myself instead. At least it should be stronger than the stock draglink (granted that getting it out of the way is always better, but fo my purposes, this will most likely do fine) and should take care of my direction noises!
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For removing the tierod ends either a tierod puller orstriking the side of the arm with a large hammer works well.
You would strike the arm where the tierod stud goes through the arm, they will generally pop right out after a couple of good wacks works well and does not do any damage in case you want to reuse components
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For removing the tierod ends either a tierod puller orstriking the side of the arm with a large hammer works well.
You would strike the arm where the tierod stud goes through the arm, they will generally pop right out after a couple of good wacks works well and does not do any damage in case you want to reuse components
I am not planning on reusing the components, but they may still be kept as backup (spare parts) for trail repairs in case I find a rock too stuborn to get out my the way of my jeep... So, I will get a tie-rod puller (they are not that expensive anyway) and keep it in my toolbox (will also help for forementioned trail repair!).
Felipe
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Just as easy to thread the nut part way off and smack it with a hammer. As long as you leave 3/4 or better of the threads enguaged it doesn't seem to hurt the rod end.
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Just as easy to thread the nut part way off and smack it with a hammer. As long as you leave 3/4 or better of the threads enguaged it doesn't seem to hurt the rod end.
If you do this make sure you turn the nut over first. I did this once and messed up the castelated part and then had to use another nut.
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If I remember correctly, the tie rod remover was like $30 at Advanced Auto Parts; for this much, I rather not take chances and get the right tool for the job. I have found that using the right tool saves you from a lot of headached down the line, so I rather invest on the tool and avoid the headache!
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If I remember correctly, the tie rod remover was like $30 at Advanced Auto Parts; for this much, I rather not take chances and get the right tool for the job. I have found that using the right tool saves you from a lot of headached down the line, so I rather invest on the tool and avoid the headache!
You may change your mind after you use one ;)
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You may change your mind after you use one ;)
Oh, now I get the reasons for all the comments.... OK, I'll give the puller a shot and if it does not work, I will use the nut strategy. Thanks!
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I've used the beat it with a BFH method and that works alright. I usually just use a gear puller though. Either way is better then using the pickle fork.
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let us know how the alignment and everything go. i myself was looking into getting that kit for my yj down the road but didnt like the pictures cause i cant see how tough it would be to align it. i was kinda leaning towards this set up do to how easy it is to adjust:
http://www.atozfabrication.com/catalog/8795jeepregwrangleryjheavydutysteeringreplacementkit-p-174.html
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let us know how the alignment and everything go. i myself was looking into getting that kit for my yj down the road but didnt like the pictures cause i cant see how tough it would be to align it. i was kinda leaning towards this set up do to how easy it is to adjust:
http://www.atozfabrication.com/catalog/8795jeepregwrangleryjheavydutysteeringreplacementkit-p-174.html
Funny thing here; this is the description (copy and paste) from quadratec for the Ruger Ridge product:
These Tie Rod Assemblies provide virtually 1-ton strength with factory tapered ends, so no modification is required! The tube is 1.25” OD SAE steel with .25” wall thickness that is cold rolled, pierced and drawn through dies. This bolt-on tie rod and drag link solution is perfect for preventing bent tie rods from off roading with larger tires. All rod ends come complete with dust shields, castle nuts, cotter pins, 2 jamb nuts and zerk fittings.
And this it the one in A to Z site:
These Tie Rod Assemblies provide virtually 1-ton strength with factory tapered ends, so no modification is required! The tube is 1.25” OD SAE steel with .25” wall thickness that is cold rolled, pierced and drawn through dies. This bolt-on tie rod and drag link solution is perfect for preventing bent tie rods from off roading with larger tires. All rod ends come complete with dust shields, castle nuts, cotter pins, 2 jamb nuts and zerk fittings.
Hmmmm..... I wonder if they are the same product
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good call im so tired :sleep: i didnt even notice that. i was just thrown off from the picture. make sure you take some pics once you get yours all set up if you dont mind .
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Here's a picture of their YJ setup.
https://jeeperz-creeperz.com/imagemagic.php?img=ztHGytfsn%2BPa3ZOWm6KuoKKlmJLP09k%3D&w=1200&h=436&page=popup
I think that's their TJ/XJ/ZJ version... According to Quadratec, this one will let me keep the steering stabilizer, and has all the stock provisions for adjustments.
good call im so tired :sleep: i didnt even notice that. i was just thrown off from the picture. make sure you take some pics once you get yours all set up if you dont mind .
Dont worry; the A to Z site never mentiones it is the Ruged Ridge product, so it is possible one of the 2 parties involved simply copied the text from the other and they are not in fact the same product (although I tend to believe they are).
Felipe
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I think that's their TJ/XJ/ZJ version... According to Quadratec, this one will let me keep the steering stabilizer, and has all the stock provisions for adjustments.
Felipe
Actually, that is probably the correct one for YJ's. You can see the collar for the mount for the stabilizer on the far right. It's not adjusted so it's off at the one end.
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I haven't done this yet on my Jeep, but I've done a few driveway front-end jobs, and I definately think you should get a tie rod end puller. A scissors style is my preference(see below). There is nothing holding the rods in once the bolt is off, but I had one so stuck on once that it was louder than a gunshot when it finally popped out. Seriously, my neighbor came outside...
NOTE***
If you do decide to use a hammer, PROTECT THE END FIRST! To do this, loosen the retaining nut so it covers the bolt end and protests the end from mushrooming when you beat it to death. It is much easier to replace a banged up nut then figure out how to remove a mushroomed tie rod....
As for pullers, there are 4 styles I know of, and I reccommend a heavy duty 'scissors style'. These are they styles I know of:
1) fork style (sucks): you have to jam them into the boot and wedge/pry. They distroy everything weaker than them, and still probably won't work.
Example only (don't buy!): http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/OTC-6535.html (http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/OTC-6535.html)
2) pitman arm puller style (also sucks): these either look like a microscope, or a square U with a bolt in the center. It has two fixed arms that hook onto the knuckle, then the bolt pushes down on the rod end. These don't work unless they have a good purchasse on the steering knuchkle (or whatever the rod is attached to) and the bolt you have to turn is very awkward and harfd to get leverage on.
Example only (don't buy!): http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/OTC-7315A.html (http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/OTC-7315A.html)
3) scissors style (very good): These come with two halfs of a 'claw' and a bolt in between. They look like scissors and turning the bolt on one end closes the clamp on the other. They fit many models, and the bolt is tightened from below. OK, Buy this one: http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/TA-61900.html (http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/TA-61900.html)
4) pipe style (rare): These are awesome, but specific to the model of car. They are made from two pipes that fit perfectly over the top and bottom of the end and they offer the most leverage with the least damage, but I don't know where to get one for a YJ...
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let us know how the alignment and everything go. i myself was looking into getting that kit for my yj down the road but didnt like the pictures cause i cant see how tough it would be to align it. i was kinda leaning towards this set up do to how easy it is to adjust:
http://www.atozfabrication.com/catalog/8795jeepregwrangleryjheavydutysteeringreplacementkit-p-174.html
I'd sure shy away from that one. Looks like if the end on the upper right goes bad you have to get a custom piece. Better off with a system that uses off the shelf rod ends, so if you bust one you can get one anywhere.
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Actually, that is probably the correct one for YJ's. You can see the collar for the mount for the stabilizer on the far right. It's not adjusted so it's off at the one end.
Good point; but what i dont see in that pic is the adjusters...
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Good point; but what i dont see in that pic is the adjusters...
They're just U-bolts. Those 4 shiny nuts are on the plate side. Under it are U-bolts.
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They're just U-bolts. Those 4 shiny nuts are on the plate side. Under it are U-bolts.
No, I know those are U-joints; I ment the alignment adjustment parts... I guess they are there, but I did not see them... but I guess they have them none-the-less (kind of hard to imagine them not having a way to adjust the alignment!).
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No, I know those are U-joints; I ment the alignment adjustment parts... I guess they are there, but I did not see them... but I guess they have them none-the-less (kind of hard to imagine them not having a way to adjust the alignment!).
You thread the ends in and out and use the lock nut.
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Is it installed? How has it worked out? My stock rods are starting to make noises too.
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Is it installed? How has it worked out? My stock rods are starting to make noises too.
Nah, it's not even shipped yet; Quadratec has it on backorder, and they said it will take about 45 days for them to ship it (that was about a week ago). So for the mean time, I am just sitting here waiting for them to ship it (I already got the puller and all!).
Felipe
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Bummer, that is a long time to wait. Let us know how it turns out. Thanks
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Finally arrived yesterday! I'll install it over the weekend... I hope I get the bumper as well so I can have my rig all nice and ready next week!
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Great news. Let us know how it turns out and if you can post pics, even better.
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Well, the kit went in today. It was pretty much smooth sailing all the way through. The alignment ended up pretty good also, considering I have not yet had it proffessionally aligned (will do so tomorrow). The rods for this kit are significantly stronger than the OEM rods (much thicker walls), and the rod ends fit as well as the OEM ones.
Overall, it took me about 2 hours to do this by myself in the garage (thanks to mineson for the advise on the pulers; they worked like a charm!). My torque wrench is not working properly (it does not click at all), so I kind of torqued everything by feel, but since I am not driving the jeep today and I'm taking it tomorrow to get it aligned, I'll ask the shop to torque all the bolts as well tomorrow morning (the shop is about 1 mile from my home, so no worries that the the whole thing will come apart!).
This is a comparisson of before and after, so here is the picture before the new steering kit:
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f138/jfrabat/Jeep/DSC09006.jpg)
And here is the new tie rod and drag link:
(http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f138/jfrabat/Jeep/DSC09029.jpg)
I think the track bar and the drag link are parallel enough to avoid bump-steer, but I will report on that later on.
Felipe
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Looks good!