Steering upgrade?

[Newton]

Would I need a steering upgrade for a DD light wheeling rig with 4.5 lift 33 tires and if yes what do u guys recommend...

[DirtyComanche]

I'd do something at that point.  Honestly, the factory tie rod is complete junk for any use.

 

The V8 ZJ tie rod and late model XJ drag link would not be a bad bet.  Especially if you use a taper insert to flip the TRE on the driver's side knuckle.

[Eagle]

Don't forget an adjustable track bar.

[75sv1]

I'm OK at 31" with stock. The brakes are OK on a 98 XJ. You might also look at upgrading your brakes. While on that look at the WJ brake upgrade. Then look at steering upgrades for that. I went with the Chevy type from Iron Rock. Haven't installed it yet.

[Crash]

At the very least, I recommend a V8 ZJ tie rod upgrade, IRO double shear adj. trackbar, and some decent adjustable lower control arms. 

Depending on the lift kit or DIY you have planned there are other things you may need. 

[Newton]

I'd do something at that point.  Honestly, the factory tie rod is complete junk for any use.

 

The V8 ZJ tie rod and late model XJ drag link would not be a bad bet.  Especially if you use a taper insert to flip the TRE on the driver's side knuckle.

 

Don't forget an adjustable track bar.

 

 

I'm OK at 31" with stock. The brakes are OK on a 98 XJ. You might also look at upgrading your brakes. While on that look at the WJ brake upgrade. Then look at steering upgrades for that. I went with the Chevy type from Iron Rock. Haven't installed it yet.

 

 

At the very least, I recommend a V8 ZJ tie rod upgrade, IRO double shear adj. trackbar, and some decent adjustable lower control arms. 

Depending on the lift kit or DIY you have planned there are other things you may need. 

 

 

Forgot to mention i already have a HD track Bar and Tie rod installed Both from rough country also their hd steering stabilizer.. the drag link is still stock though i have a parts 2000 xj sitting outside are you saying that the drag link from that would be an uppgrade to the mj one and also dirtycomanche can you elaborate a little more on the taper insert please?

[big66440]

I agree with the others, even with my stock tires (235/75/15) I've felt a HUGE difference with upgrades I've done. I have a KOR steering box Brace and Hard KOR adjustable track bar, Iron Rock Off road tow hook mount ( to tie the front end rails). JKS Heavy duty Tie rod, KOR's heavy duty steering stabilizer, and ZJ quick ratio gear box. I can't describe how good the steering performs feels as far as a JEEP goes, I'd say go for it!! :cheers:

[Crash]

 

I'd do something at that point.  Honestly, the factory tie rod is complete junk for any use.

 

The V8 ZJ tie rod and late model XJ drag link would not be a bad bet.  Especially if you use a taper insert to flip the TRE on the driver's side knuckle.

 

Don't forget an adjustable track bar.

 

 

I'm OK at 31" with stock. The brakes are OK on a 98 XJ. You might also look at upgrading your brakes. While on that look at the WJ brake upgrade. Then look at steering upgrades for that. I went with the Chevy type from Iron Rock. Haven't installed it yet.

 

 

At the very least, I recommend a V8 ZJ tie rod upgrade, IRO double shear adj. trackbar, and some decent adjustable lower control arms. 

Depending on the lift kit or DIY you have planned there are other things you may need. 

 

 

Forgot to mention i already have a HD track Bar and Tie rod installed Both from rough country also their hd steering stabilizer.. the drag link is still stock though i have a parts 2000 xj sitting outside are you saying that the drag link from that would be an uppgrade to the mj one and also dirtycomanche can you elaborate a little more on the taper insert please?

 

Hope that RC track bar work better for you than the rest. Drag link is the same for XJ/MJ and 4.0 ZJ. 

There are a few companies that makes the knuckle inserts, it allows you to run the driver side of the tie rod over the knuckle for a little extra clearance. 

[DirtyComanche]

This is probably one of the nicer taper inserts for steering:

http://www.tmrcustoms.ca/steering/steering-builder-parts/tie-rod-end-inserts-jeep-taper-tj-lj-xj-zj-mj.html

 

Basically drill the current tapered hole for the TRE out to that size, then weld that one in so the taper is revesed.  There's a picture in my build thread of it, since I did exactly that.

[75sv1]

I'd also look at upgrading the brake booster. Some have gone to the WJ's. Its in my plans. It will also go into my MJ. Even the latter XJ brakes are marginal with 31"s. Also, you might look at upgrading the steering shock. Mine's OK with a NAPA replacement, but probably needs a bit more help. I am going to open the taper for the ball joints and keep mine under for the tie rod. Also, I you do this, you might need bigger rims. I nabbed a set of late XJ or TJ 16" rims. With 33s you probably will have after market.