TJ steering options

[jpx8080]

I've got a 4.5" RE lift installed RE track bar 35's. My jeep used to ride like it was on rails. I recently swapped out the rear 35 for a 44 and put a new 30 in the front due to a bad gear install with the old.

My front tie rod is bent ever so slightly. I'm not sure if it was before but now it does not drive nearly as nice on the road as it did before.

I need to maintain my onroad driveability. I was thinking of getting a ZJ tie rod (from a V8) and installing this.

Has anyone done this? Did it help tighten anything up?

I know that there are various aftermarket solutions out there but I've got a list of things that I need to fix so money is tight.

 

[Bounty__Hunter]

Can you explain exactly how it is riding differently, what characteristics you'd like to improve?

 

[jpx8080]

In further describing my chief complaint....

When I'm just driving straight (wheel centered) it seems like there is some play in the front end. Basically it doesn't feel tight like it used to. Before any of this my jeep actually would suprise me. It almost handled like a sports car. (On 35s).

 

[Utah_jeepster]

Once lifted and sitting on 35's your options for a tighter steering is limited.
You can go with Curries HD steering arm kit or try Poison spyders kit (the only two that I know of).
You also should look at getting a steering box brace. That alone helps a lot to stiffen your ride. With larger tires and a lift the factory OEM just cant hold up.

I run a custom made kit that I machined at work, it follows along the same lines as Poison Spyders kit but I used larger solid tube stock. (4140s) cross bar and upper adjuster bar, I am using a stock idler arm with a 1/4 steel gusset welded across the nut plate for the steering stabilizer, and I added a Steering box brace that i beefed up with bar stock for a firmer mounting location. Unfortunately I lost the steering box skid plate but the on-road ride is well worth it. after several trips to Moab the front end has only needed minor adjustments in alignment.

 

[jpx8080]

After looking at the aftermarket solutions I definitely like the idea of a strong custom setup. I don't like to fix things twice!

Thanks