Calgary Jeep Association

4x4 Related Groups => Tech Talk => Topic started by: fony3 on July 17, 2015, 02:18:19 PM

Title: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: fony3 on July 17, 2015, 02:18:19 PM: Just wanted to get everyone's opinions on the ZJ Tie Rod Upgrade. I plan on replacing all my steering this summer/fall on the TJ. The jeep is a 2002, I'm running a 2.5 ish inch lift with 31 x 10.5 tires. I am hoping my next set of tires will be 33s, but can see myself going any bigger in the foreseeable future.

I know everyone is fond of the Currie steering upgrade, but I just don't have $700 lying around right now.

The cost difference to get the ZJ Tie Rod components vs two new TJ tie rod ends is roughly $50. Note this is all for brand new Moog parts.

Is it worth the upgrade or is it $50 bucks better left in my jeans.

Thanks!
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: Vinman on July 17, 2015, 02:30:09 PM: I think the V8 ZJ tierod is a great budget upgrade.
I ran them on the last 3 TJ's and never had any problems at all.
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: JackstandJohnny on July 17, 2015, 03:08:03 PM: if you plan on just replacing stock then yes.
however i got a currie lync from dave for about 500$ way back when which was maybe just 100$ more than the stock stuff.

but yea ZJ is a bit stronger than TJ
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: capt calgary on July 18, 2015, 07:30:44 PM: I bought all the parts from Auto Value, they are the same as the moog parts ( only in a plain white box) . It cost me 280.00 bucks but havent installed them yet found the upgrade on you tube .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1d3JcO0VnJ8
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: dubbleJs on July 18, 2015, 10:18:59 PM: Def an upgrade over the stock tooth pick! I would highly recommend it. I currently run Currie but it is a few more buck$...you get what you pay for. With 31's I would just do the zj v8 and run it.
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: fony3 on July 20, 2015, 08:33:38 AM: Thanks. I'll check out the prices over at auto value too, Capt. Calgary is there a country of origin on those boxes?

Cheers!
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: Bnine on July 21, 2015, 11:34:29 AM: The ends are the same and not an upgrade at all. Just the bar is slightly heavier. Not worth purchasing over the shelf.

Take a small piece of angle irong and tack it along the length of your stock tie-rod. Stronger than the ZJ and virtually free.

If you really want the stock parts for a ZJ the same parts capt Calgary bought at auto value for 280 bucks are 65$ at rock auto. 129$ shipped to Canada.

For the tie rod only its 30$, or 140 for the moog one.

Personally I would weld on the angle iron. But if you rod ends need replacing anyways, I would definitely recommend going through rockauto.

Auto value is an absolute rip off. I refuse to go there unless I absolutely have to.
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: Bnine on July 21, 2015, 11:36:41 AM: Quote from: fony3 on July 20, 2015, 08:33:38 AM
Thanks. I'll check out the prices over at auto value too, Capt. Calgary is there a country of origin on those boxes?

Cheers!

All auto value non brand name parts are generic Chinese. Lowest grade you can buy.
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: fony3 on July 21, 2015, 01:16:09 PM: Quote from: Bnine on July 21, 2015, 11:36:41 AM
All auto value non brand name parts are generic Chinese. Lowest grade you can buy.

Yeah, that's why I was asking, seemed too cheap compared to actual Moog branded boxes. I was definitely hoping to piggy back on one of your rock auto parts runs if I don't have anything else taking me down to Montana this summer.

Thanks.
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: Jrama on July 22, 2015, 09:03:38 AM: Quote from: Bnine on July 21, 2015, 11:36:41 AM
All auto value non brand name parts are generic Chinese. Lowest grade you can buy.

X1000
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: MOABICON on August 05, 2015, 06:52:01 AM: What year drag link from a ZJ will fit a 2003 TJ?
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: CatSplat on August 05, 2015, 04:20:22 PM: Quote from: MOABICON on August 05, 2015, 06:52:01 AM
What year drag link from a ZJ will fit a 2003 TJ?

Any year of ZJ (1993-1998) should work, the steering was never changed until the WJ in 1999.
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: MOABICON on August 07, 2015, 07:40:29 PM: Thanks for the info :)
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: Vinman on August 07, 2015, 07:52:53 PM: Quote from: MOABICON on August 05, 2015, 06:52:01 AM
What year drag link from a ZJ will fit a 2003 TJ?

Make sure to order the parts for a V-8 ZJ.
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: MOABICON on August 13, 2015, 09:24:15 PM: Thanks Vince. It's on my list. ::)
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: EEP on August 13, 2015, 10:03:16 PM: Buy a currie setup and be done with it 8)
Title: Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
Post by: cLAY on August 14, 2015, 09:35:10 AM: Just buy a whole ZJ and swap the tires over and be done with it........ :D