Aftermarket steering upgrade questions/recommendations

[dasbulliwagen]

I've been looking into crossover steering recently, and I keep seeing complaints of of a deadspot due to linkage flop. I know they sell a spacer/limiter to install on those to limit the flop, but some people still complain that over time, the flop gets worse even with the limiters installed. What are your experiences with this type of steering good or bad, and if there is a particular brand you might recommend? Thanks for the input guys!

[ghetdjc320]

I built my own crossover steering with heims and it worked great with no dead spots. There are so many factors to steering and getting it right. There are also lost of different systems available. What’s your lift and tires size? 

[Jeep Driver]

I specifically rejected the idea of a WJ crossover for various reasons. Mainly braking limitations.

 

If you want a bolt on HD aftermarket solution with no BS.............Synergy. 

 

[75sv1]

      I have RuffStuff's on mine. Its the GM 1-ton. I also have the WJ Big Brake. Also, OTK Track Bar. I don't think I have any dead spot. I have Canyon rims on mine, but had to use spacers. I went to 5 on 5 WJ rims last year. Still had to have spacers. I do have a set on 5 on 4.5 16" rims from the late XJs to use. I have another XJ, I will be building.

     I have been buying Ironman 4X4 Fabrication stuff. I have battles Death Wobble for a while. Their OTK Track Bar is 'offset'. Suppose to give a better length. Also, Ruffstuff sell a D30 gear cover kit for the steering stabilizer shock. I plan to use that set up. I bought some of their D30 covers on scratch and dent sale. Plan to weld on some tabs for the shock mount.

      When I first went with the cross over steering, it was smooth. I could drive hands off for 100 yards or more. Real responsive without the steering stabilizer.

   

Edit: Also, check out Stinky Fab. I have not bought from them yet though.

[ghetdjc320]

11 hours ago, Jeep Driver said:

I specifically rejected the idea of a WJ crossover for various reasons. Mainly braking limitations.

 

If you want a bolt on HD aftermarket solution with no BS.............Senergy. 

 

That’s a good kit. The Currie system is similar and a solid system.  I run Moog ZJ components right now but would like to setup crossover steering again later

[dasbulliwagen]

18 hours ago, ghetdjc320 said:

I built my own crossover steering with heims and it worked great with no dead spots. There are so many factors to steering and getting it right. There are also lost of different systems available. What’s your lift and tires size? 

 

I'm at around 6 inches, on 32's. Core4x4 control arms and track bar, RRO drop brackets, RE springs. Steering is stock now, but showing signs of wear, I think whats on it now was just cheap Autozone stock replacement stuff. And I have to tell you, I'm not paying $500 for two tubes welded to 4 joints. I don't knw how they can justify charging that much for some of those systems. I'm even scoffing at the $300 ones I'm seeing on amazon, which is where I'm seeing the mixed reviews and the flop/deadspot issues. One guys is even saying his deadspot is half a turn on his steering wheel!!! My truck isn't an off road monster, If it even ever gets off road, but I'm trying to upgrade and do stuff right for if I ever get the inkling to actually do it. I'm mostly just afraid of breaking something and then not being able to afford to fix it. This is my second/spare vehicle and home improvement store go gettter, so I depend upon it regularly to actually be a pickup truck.

[ghetdjc320]

If you actually pick up the Currie or Synergy steering systems you will see exactly why they cost what they do. The most economical steering that is solid would be a ruff stuff specialties or similar DIY kit but you need to be able to weld well enough to trust your life with those welds. No matter what you decide to get, do not cheap out on steering (or brakes for that mater). Few other components are as crucial to your vehicle while driving. Currie and synergy make the same y link setup as stock but with much beefier components. They also angle the rod ends so you don’t have your steering limiting your down travel. No reaming or modifications are required but 6” of lift would be about the max. If you go with crossover or high steer you will need to modify components and will have to ensure that your track bar and drag link are parallel with each other (there is more to it than that but those are the basics). 

[Jeep Driver]

8 hours ago, dasbulliwagen said:

I don't knw how they can justify charging that much for some of those systems.

 

 

Quality. 

[dasbulliwagen]

16 hours ago, Jeep Driver said:

 

 

Quality. 

 Yeah, I understand the quality issue... its obvious how good they are just looking at pictures. Its just hard to justify that much cost for something so relatively simple. Another example would be the aFe cold air intake I'm wanting for my WK2. Just looking at it you can see a lot of time and thought went into its design, not just a couple tubes and a cone air filter. And I know the same time and thought went into the Currie and Synergy steering, but its just easier to justify the more complex part, even though I still havent bought that yet either because of its cost. The Currie and Synergy setups are ideal to me, I guess Ill just have to start saving my pennies!