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Author Topic: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades  (Read 5041 times)

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Offline fony3

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Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« 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!

Offline Vinman

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #1 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.
/l ,[____],
 l---L -OlllllllO-
 ()_)-()_)-o-)_)

Quote from: Bnine link=topic=25904.msg162940#msg162940      date=1341881306

 Resident prick is my job and it took me ten years to earn that title

Offline JackstandJohnny

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #2 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
~ rescue green JKUR on 35s.  typical rubicon build

Offline capt calgary

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #3 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

Offline dubbleJs

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #4 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.
'91 XJ - 3" procrap - cutout for 33" MT's  - More and more dents every run...Sold.
'98 XJ - Lifted, locked and lovin' it

Offline fony3

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #5 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!
« Last Edit: July 20, 2015, 09:51:30 AM by fony3 »

Offline Bnine

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #6 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.



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403-483-1083
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Offline Bnine

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #7 on: July 21, 2015, 11:36:41 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.
My Mechanic Calgary
Mobile Auto Care
403-483-1083
[email protected]

Offline fony3

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #8 on: July 21, 2015, 01:16:09 PM »
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.

Offline Jrama

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #9 on: July 22, 2015, 09:03:38 AM »
All auto value non brand name parts are generic Chinese. Lowest grade you can buy.

X1000

Offline MOABICON

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #10 on: August 05, 2015, 06:52:01 AM »
What year drag link from a ZJ will fit a 2003 TJ?
03 TJ, 4" lift, 33's, Eaton eLockers- Front & Rear, winch, CB

Offline CatSplat

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #11 on: August 05, 2015, 04:20:22 PM »
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.
Jeep of Theseus

Offline MOABICON

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #12 on: August 07, 2015, 07:40:29 PM »
Thanks for the info :)
03 TJ, 4" lift, 33's, Eaton eLockers- Front & Rear, winch, CB

Offline Vinman

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #13 on: August 07, 2015, 07:52:53 PM »
What year drag link from a ZJ will fit a 2003 TJ?

Make sure to order the parts for a V-8 ZJ.
/l ,[____],
 l---L -OlllllllO-
 ()_)-()_)-o-)_)

Quote from: Bnine link=topic=25904.msg162940#msg162940      date=1341881306

 Resident prick is my job and it took me ten years to earn that title

Offline MOABICON

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Re: Jeep TJ Steering ZJ tie rod upgrades
« Reply #14 on: August 13, 2015, 09:24:15 PM »
Thanks Vince. It's on my list.  ::)
03 TJ, 4" lift, 33's, Eaton eLockers- Front & Rear, winch, CB