98 zj straight tie rod conversion

[dustin g]

I am looking at replacing my tie rod and drag link with one of the straight rod conversions available. I like the one from Kevinsoffroad.com but it seems a bit expensive at 395.97. The one from rustysoffroad.com is 275.00. The one from KOR is 1-1/4" walls and the ROR is 1-1/8" wall. Not sure this extra thickness is worth the extra $100. Also I have come across square tube ones but cannot seem to find them again.
Has anyone done this and where did you get it? Im doing this on a budget but refuse to buy junk from over seas so a little advice on the happy medium is greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[xjmarc]

I built my own. If you have access to a welder get some tube in the size you want and some weld in bungs and you're good.

 

[dustin g]

Ok so after some research I found that 99 laredos came stock with a straight tie rod. I'm wondering if the distance for the holes at each hub is the same therefore being a direct swap. I can get parts from a Jeeps only junk yard here in town. Is this a possibility?

 

[xjmarc]

99 used a passenger side knuckle that has 2 holes, one for tie rod and one for drag link. You have an inverted y-link so it's prob going to be too long.

 

[dustin g]

Maybe ill have to just run over the that yard and measure some stuff. I'm thinking the ends might be able to just thread in/out to adjust. As long as the axel is a Dana 35 it can't be too different. Thanks for the heads up. Gives me something to go on.

 

[xjmarc]

Think you mean Dana 30. People swap the passenger side knuckle for high steer but you have to have a spacer since it uses a different unit bearing. Or just use the whole axle but it's a different bolt pattern so you'd have to address that.

 

[dustin g]

Think you mean Dana 30. People swap the passenger side knuckle for high steer but you have to have a spacer since it uses a different unit bearing. Or just use the whole axle but it's a different bolt pattern so you'd have to address that.

It appears you are correct on the 30. Always thought 35 but I looked it up and I feel silly.
If it is gonna require anything more than a direct swap I'm not gonna do it. I'm thinking I'm gonna go with the Kevin's off-road straight rod. I know those guys and plus they are local for me. They install their products for free.

 

[xjmarc]

Sounds like a good choice, those guys have some nice stuff.