Topic: Rugged Ridge Heavy Duty Tie Rod Kit - OPINIONS PLEASE

[jrollings]

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

[jfrabat]

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

[jrollings]

good call im so tired  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 .

[jfrabat]

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  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

[Jeffy]

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.

[mineson]

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

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
 
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

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...

[oldjeep]

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.

[jfrabat]

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...

[Jeffy]

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.

[jfrabat]

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!).

[Jeffy]

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.

[neale_rs]

Is it installed?  How has it worked out?  My stock rods are starting to make noises too.

[jfrabat]

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

[neale_rs]

Bummer, that is a long time to wait.  Let us know how it turns out.  Thanks

[jfrabat]

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!