Submariner Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 I am going to need to replace some of the steering item on the front of the MJ. What are the upgrades that I can do to improve the front end performance from the steering box to the hubs. I have a dana 30 front axle. What can you recommend? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronManche87 Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 I would go with the v8 zj tie rod and the regular mj drag link for steering. If you're lifted get the proper track bar to align the axle As well as control arms to adjust for castor and pinion angle as well. Pic is of the 4wd axle I just installed during the swap you can see the zj tie rod is solid and as thick as the drag link. Sent from my LGMS210 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
75sv1 Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 What lift are you at? Stock? On my XJ, I'm 4.5 on 31's. I did the WJ Big brakes and crossover steering. Also, Rusty's OTK Track bar. I think someone posted a link to a kit that had everything in it for about $1800, a few weeks ago. I had probably $1500 in parts or more. I do have a Durango box I rebuilt sitting on the shelf. Don't know if they help or not. Also, WJ PS pump, installed. I did put on a rebuilt gear box. Drives nice. Hands off at say 60-70 mph, depending on the road condition. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronManche87 Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 I'm at 5.5" on 31s. I actually pieced everything together for my lift and couldn't have been more satisfied considering in all spent about $1,000 and have a really nice setup that will definitely last. The grand Cherokee tie rod was super easy since it bolted right in no drilling, reaming, or welding required. What lift are you at? Stock? On my XJ, I'm 4.5 on 31's. I did the WJ Big brakes and crossover steering. Also, Rusty's OTK Track bar. I think someone posted a link to a kit that had everything in it for about $1800, a few weeks ago. I had probably $1500 in parts or more. I do have a Durango box I rebuilt sitting on the shelf. Don't know if they help or not. Also, WJ PS pump, installed. I did put on a rebuilt gear box. Drives nice. Hands off at say 60-70 mph, depending on the road condition. Sent from my LGMS210 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeep Driver Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 Synergy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eagle Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 4 hours ago, Submariner said: I am going to need to replace some of the steering item on the front of the MJ. What are the upgrades that I can do to improve the front end performance from the steering box to the hubs. I have a dana 30 front axle. What can you recommend? What do you mean by "improve the front end performance"? Do you want tighter, stronger, more precise, more/less steering wheel effort? There are lots of ways to change the steering, but some of them may not accomplish whatever it is you're looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted June 22, 2018 Share Posted June 22, 2018 Try a quick ratio steering gear box from a 93-98 ZJ. Makes the stock box and Durango box feel like you're driving a school bus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Submariner Posted July 15, 2018 Author Share Posted July 15, 2018 I know that my tie rod needs replaced but I am going from 2wd to 4wd this fall. I want to make the change only once so that the front end will be set up right. no going back and making corrections. I am also going to do a 3" (?) lift on it so I can run 32" tires. I am going to put the ole girl down for the winter and start the work on her. I am trying to figure out the best way to make what changes to do. There is alot to take into consideration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted July 15, 2018 Share Posted July 15, 2018 Planning out the sequence of events, I'd do it this way to avoid repeat work as much as possible: 1. Finish the rear end lift, then.. 2. Lift the front to match at the same time working in new 4WD changes (tranny, t-case, axle, etc.) and upgraded steering components. Your username - FBM's? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ParadiseMJ Posted July 15, 2018 Share Posted July 15, 2018 The best (cheap) thing I've done to my MJ and XJ is installing a ZJ V8 tie rod. After I installed it on my XJ I did it immediately after buying my MJ. The ZJ unit is solid as opposed to hollow, it's also thicker and heavier (beefier) . The ZJ, MJ and XJ all have the same stock drag link. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Submariner Posted October 3, 2018 Author Share Posted October 3, 2018 Rode 7 differant boat, Fast and boombers 20 years retired , 13 years on board boat, figured 9 years underwater. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Submariner Posted October 3, 2018 Author Share Posted October 3, 2018 I got an 89 Laredo Cherokee the other day for a parts car, for what it is worth. I am thinking over the winter rebuild that engine, have a transmission shop go thur the 5 sp and the transfer case to make sure it is in good shape. Review all the wiring systems and make any corrections that it may need. one for sure is the fuse box. One of my discussions is, What gear ratio I want in it. right now it has 3.07. I am toying with staying the same and just run 31" tires. I am not the rough 4 wheeler I was when I was younger. now mostly forest service roads and some fire trails. I may go with 3.53 but no higher. Unless I just fall into getting Dana 44's I will stay with what axles I have. Interior will need to be upgraded. paint will need to be upgraded, I think vynal camo from Mossyoak. a whole lot cheaper then a full paint job. also help hid imperfection in the sheetmetal. This what she looked like when I brought it home on the dolly. $500. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smokeyyank Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 WJ swap is going to get you the best overall upgrade up front but it's $$$. It gives you waaayyyy better brakes and steering geometry. If that's not an option I'd just go straight V8 ZJ tie rod and stock parts for the rest. I personally wouldn't drop the coin on a OTK or other "upgrade" steering system. If you want to upgrade the box the durango box and WJ pump are nice. Ran it in my XJ world of difference over stock. For gears I'd go at least 3.55 or 3.73. Honestly your best bet would be finding 95-99 preferably 97-99 XJ axles from an auto, freshen them up and swap those in. Will have the deeper gears, bigger u joints up front, no CAD and a 8.25 for the rear. If you're not running SOA in the rear you will just need to weld perches under. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMO413 Posted October 3, 2018 Share Posted October 3, 2018 I did the ZJ tie rods and am very happy with it. The parts are pretty reasonable on Rock Auto. Replaced it all the truck is 30 years just seemed like the right thing to do.Well worth the money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Submariner Posted November 4, 2018 Author Share Posted November 4, 2018 On 7/15/2018 at 8:05 AM, HOrnbrod said: Planning out the sequence of events, I'd do it this way to avoid repeat work as much as possible: 1. Finish the rear end lift, then.. 2. Lift the front to match at the same time working in new 4WD changes (tranny, t-case, axle, etc.) and upgraded steering components. Your username - FBM's? ssn' and fbm's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Submariner Posted November 4, 2018 Author Share Posted November 4, 2018 Been out on forest fires most of the summer. now the fall is here and I cna devote some time to the truck, more things will be happening, I picked up a 89 cherokee for a donar vihile. parts will be changing soon. I still want to make a better sterring configuation then what I have now. I will only do a 3" lift over all. What can anyone tell me about a 1 ton rear left spring set up? I have a lead on one on craigslist. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOrnbrod Posted November 4, 2018 Share Posted November 4, 2018 1 hour ago, Submariner said: ssn' and fbm's All diesels for me. Rode the Dogfish and the Tusk till they went away. Then transferred to surface craft. Couldn't bring myself to ride the nukes. Was pig boat brainwashed by then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Submariner Posted November 4, 2018 Author Share Posted November 4, 2018 10 hours ago, HOrnbrod said: All diesels for me. Rode the Dogfish and the Tusk till they went away. Then transferred to surface craft. Couldn't bring myself to ride the nukes. Was pig boat brainwashed by then. closest thing I came to a diesel boat was the swordfish 579, she was laid as a diesel but Rickover split her in half and yanked the diesels and put in a reactor. Stern tubes and 2 screws. what a boat. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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