6.5" ZJ steering upgrades/mods?

1sportsdoc · 04-08-2010, 03:19 PM

I'm hoping to hear from members with a lifted zj 6 or more inches with 33's or 35's and is driven on the highway as well as 4x. Did you make any steering changes that improved your handling such as: U-turn steering, OTK steering, dropped pitman arm, etc ... thank you.

**newfieZJ** · 04-08-2010, 04:00 PM

I'm currently weighting the cost of going eithe 5.5 , 6.5ish , or saying to heck with it and hitting 7+

After 6 I figure I would brace the track bar bracket with Rugged Ridges brace , and make a new axleside bracket for the top of the axle instead of the front . Of course this will require a custom track bar .
Like your self , the steering is definately needing to be changed as well . For it , I'm just going to do the WJ parts fix . Allows me to get parts locally , and gives the high steer that I will line the custom track bar/bracket to be perpendicular with .

The rear I already use a RE bracket and a JKS adjustable track bar . Works real good but I might fab a bracket to replace the factory/RE combo . I can make it alot stronger .

I know you have heard this before , but I have 2 words for you , long arms . After being 5" on short arms , and now running LA's . All I can say is there is an amazing difference on the hwy in handling . 70-80mph no prob , straight and true even in the wind . SA's never did that for me lifted . I spent enough money replacing good parts , I could have bought LA's

. But , what could I do , I could barely keep it on the road (a little exagerated)

If the 5.9 get's lifted , it would be a LA kit , if I can't afford it , I'll wait and save

rustynail · 04-08-2010, 04:23 PM

I don't see how long arms are going to help much with steering issues. I'm at 6 inches up front and I can't believe how well my rig handles the highway, I even do my own alignments. Maybe it's the heavy duty shocks and load range D tires. They never see above 27 psi though. I have issues with my drag link smashing into my sway bar disconnects when I turn right. I would like to know more about steering mods aswell.

newfieZJ, are you loving the IR long arms? Did you spring for the adjustables and if not do you wish you had? Do they ride way better offroad? I'm seriously thinking of getting front long arms and the double sheer TB from the group buy (sorry for thread jacking).

**newfieZJ** · 04-08-2010, 04:34 PM

Alot less harsh of a ride , and I have stiff springs . Less over steer , less under steer . More of a car like feel in the wheel . My lifted GC , feels better than the 5.9 , which has all fresh parts , or the recently aquired GC with the UC suspension . All I can say is , thank you IRO .
Yes , I should have gotten the adjustables . I would have liked them a little longer for when I go higher . What was I thinking ?

1sportsdoc · 04-08-2010, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rustynail

I have issues with my drag link smashing into my sway bar disconnects when I turn right. .

I had the same problem ... cut the disc mount off and made a longer, new one and then welded it back on. I just shortened the JKS disc on that side.

The reason I ask about the steering is that mine is okay, but feels like it could be better and if I go to 35's when the 33's wear out, I'm sure any steering issues will surface even more.

ajmorell · 04-08-2010, 05:00 PM

I don't much see the point of running 7+" of lift unless you're running 37s or bigger. To the OP, if you go to 6.5" of lift at least run 35s, you do not need that much lift to run 33s. As for the steering, a DPA isn't necessary unless you run a drop trackbar bracket (you want the drag link and track bar to remain parallel). I'm running JCR's 1ton setup UTK right now and am pretty satisfied with it. When I swap the WJ knuckles and brakes over I'll go to a full crossover setup.

rustynail · 04-08-2010, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1sportsdoc

I had the same problem ... cut the disc mount off and made a longer, new one and then welded it back on. I just shortened the JKS disc on that side.

I bought a 220v Hobart mig welder a month ago. I little more practice and I'll try that out. If I screw it up I will have an excuse to get a high pinion 30.

newfieZJ, the IR 7" kit has adjustables as an option and recommends 35's so you will probably be OK when you go higher but 35's might be the limit. I don't think I will go bigger than 35's which is why I asked about any length issues. I thought they might be too long for 33's since people run 35's on them.

**Virmagicus** · 04-08-2010, 10:28 PM

Steering box brace ... i still can't believe the difference it has made for me and i bought it from fellow member FortCollinsZJ & at a great price i might add...

1sportsdoc · 04-09-2010, 10:05 AM

I have a KOR steering brace, 5.2 tie rods vs the 4.0 tie rods, good steering stab, KOR track bar conversion w/JKS adj TB w/bushing up grade, caster set at 5.1*, toe in set at -1/8'' front. My TB and drag link are very close to being parallel but are still at a pretty steep angle.

rustynail · 04-09-2010, 10:58 AM

Looks like you're set up pretty good. I read some where that when you go really tall you should set your toe in to 0 degrees.

Ever consider taking the spacers out? You could still run 33 x 12.5's. I noticed my jeep get tippy when I went from 4.5" to 6" in the front. If you want 35's, you will need the height though.

Are your ball joints and TRE's all in good shape?