1 ton steering setup... Which one. need help

[Zebvance]

So I have a 1988 jeep comanche 4x4,4.0. the tie rods need replacing and I need a alignment. I want to get rid of the "Y" steering set up and I'm looking at 1 ton steering upgrades, So far I have came across Seriousoffroad.com's set up and JCR's. they both look very similar to me. Whats the different between the two. I do not want to run the over the knuckle set up. Just the regular one will work for me. I do see that both kits require reaming the knuckles and pitman arm. How much of a task is this. I am also concerned with diff cover clearance, I plan on running a aftermarket on in the future but I don't know which on will clear tie rod or not.

 

Please give input if you have had experience with this set up and in you have good insight on my plans, or if you know of other options besides the ones listed for a 1 ton steering upgrade.

 

And last both kits are very expensive, I am prepared to drop some cash but would like to save as much as I can.

 

 

Here is serious off roads set up.

 

http://www.seriousoffroadproducts.com/i ... s_id=89921

 

 

and here is JCR's

 

http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/merchant. ... Code=1TNST

[Pete M]

if you're just looking to upgrade, the ZJ tierod is a nice improvement over stock. :thumbsup: you'll retain the inverted Y, but that's not the end of the world. There are drawbacks to the inverted T too.

[89eliminator]

they can be built for way cheaper. and they are the same kit so buy whatever one is cheapest. i bought the JCR kit. reaming is easy if you get a good reamer and don't burn it out. and its still possible to bend the tie rod but it is definitely stronger than stock. i got the OTK kit cause of my lift height, and it wouldnt clear an aftermarket cover unless i notched it.

[Comanche County]

I agree with Pete, the easiest upgrade is the V8 ZJ components. But if you want to get rid of the inverted Y set up, I'd go with some sort of cross over steering. Have you considered swapping WJ components? They're 5"x5" but better brakes and true cross-over steering. Lots of info out there on this swap.

 

I understand why you don't want OTK, it can cause a host of issues. The first is bumpsteer since you change the relationship between the drag link and the track bar. It may interfere with the sway bar mounts also. But its still a cheaper option than the two kits you're looking at. You'll need to drop the frame side of the track bar, or raise the axle end mounting point to get them parallel again. Then you only need a right hand drive drag link (p/n #52006592) and the knuckle inserts...http://www.goferitoffroad.com/products.htm.

 

Here's a good write up from our friend Marcus down under, just scroll down to the "Steering Modification" section: http://www.jeep-xj.info/

 

Here's the kit on my MJ, but in hindsight, I think I would have gone with something else...http://www.downeastoffroad.com/HTML/HIGHSTEER.htm

[Zebvance]

Forgot to mention I have a 4.5 inch lift with a trac bar drop bracket and rough country adjustable trac bar. Also this Jeep is a Toy and gets about 1000-2000 miles put on it year. I also feel like the OTK is more work than I want to get into right now, with the modifications needed, Also I don't have access to all the tools I would need to do the OTK right now.

[xjrev10]

I had the Currie HD steering at one time. Lots of money, pure beef, most definately NOT indistructable. But it can be pounded back to shape..