Stock XJ Cherokee Tech. All XJ Non-modified/stock questions go here XJ (84-01)
All OEM related XJ specific tech. Examples, no start, general maintenance or anything that's stock.

Steering upgrade on an '01

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-21-2008 | 12:36 PM
  #1  
blacksheep's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Central Oklahoma
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default Steering upgrade on an '01

Not sure if this has been asked before, so MODS feel free to move or delete or whatever you have to do. I am considering going to 1/2 ton steering to take out play when on the road. I read on another forum that my '01's steering was somewhat beefy, but not the TREs(?). If I go with a cheaper upgrade like the rugged ridge will I find any improvements, or should I go with something like the JCR for more money? What about the zj steering? I have read somewhere that the tie rod is the same, but what about the ends? Thought I would put this here before getting flamed on another site. Anybody have any suggestions? I am really looking for those with real world experience, so those guys who have this stuff installed please feel free to chime in.
Old 10-21-2008 | 12:41 PM
  #2  
okcjeeper's Avatar
::CF Administrator::
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 16
From: Okc area
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

If you are going to upgrade go with a good 1 ton setup like Rugged Ridge..Currie makes a solid setup, JCR does as well..Just depends on how much you wish to spend..I plan on eventually adding the Rugged Ridge or ZJ setup on my 91...Both are the same price just need to see what kind of TRE's it uses..I'd actually prefer rod ends like the RE Track Bar uses whcih are johnny joints..
Old 10-21-2008 | 12:58 PM
  #3  
blacksheep's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Central Oklahoma
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

The Currie setup says it is for up to 4" of lift and was initially made for a TJ, or so I have read. It looks beefy though, I just don't want to have to do this 2x. I thought you would chime in okc, I had read your replies when the other guy asked about the rugged ridge. The thing I like about it is that you don't have to reem anything, plus it is cheaper than JCR's. But, JCR's has some real good feed back and they say you don't need a steering stabilizer. With the reeming though it seems like more for me to mess up. IDK! Anybody else?
Old 10-21-2008 | 01:11 PM
  #4  
okcjeeper's Avatar
::CF Administrator::
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 16
From: Okc area
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

You shouldn't need a stabilizer if you have a solid steering setup..I would assume the reeming is required since the stock ones are a tapered and JCR's aren't. Me unless you do some heavy rock crawling I'd go with rugged ridge..that's just me...On your 01 I don't think a ZJ setup would be an upgrade since yours should have the beefier stock steering..
Old 10-21-2008 | 02:11 PM
  #5  
Desertfox1023's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,340
Likes: 8
From: Burlington, NC
Year: 1994...mostly...
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0L I6 HO, Lot's of Bolt Ons
Default

A lot of people are starting to switch to the new WJ setup which is pretty sweet. But for the money you might as well swap in a D44 in my opinion.
Old 10-21-2008 | 02:16 PM
  #6  
blacksheep's Avatar
Thread Starter
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 472
Likes: 0
From: Central Oklahoma
Year: 1997
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
Engine: 4.0
Default

Thanks for the advice guys. okc if I switch mine out, you interested in it? Also, congratulations on 2k posts okc! Any more thoughts, anyone? Keep it comin'.
Old 10-21-2008 | 02:50 PM
  #7  
okcjeeper's Avatar
::CF Administrator::
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,039
Likes: 16
From: Okc area
Year: 1991
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0 I6
Default

Originally Posted by blacksheep
Thanks for the advice guys. okc if I switch mine out, you interested in it? Also, congratulations on 2k posts okc! Any more thoughts, anyone? Keep it comin'.
I am actually leaning more towards the Rugged Ridge setup..I like the design a bit better then the stock XJ setup...Less then $200 and it's a bigger beefier setup then even the ZJ design..If you get the Rugged Ridge let us know how it works out.
Old 10-21-2008 | 03:04 PM
  #8  
nick_n_ii's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 19
From: Kalkaska, Michigan
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

The Rugged Ridge setup is great I run that on my ZJ.

A cheep upgrade for most is to use a V8 ZJ set up.

Now on the JCR setup there is a down side, if you are off even a 1/32 of a inch when over drilling for the tie rods, your screwed it will death wobble your fillings out.

The WJ set-up is the best long term setup but it's can be pricey to find all the right parts...
Old 10-21-2008 | 03:37 PM
  #9  
sk8ertht540s's Avatar
Seasoned Member
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 388
Likes: 0
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

i already bought JCRs 1 ton steering. I have only heard good things about it. they feel pretty tough. ill let you guys know what i think when i put it on
Old 10-21-2008 | 03:45 PM
  #10  
nick_n_ii's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 19
From: Kalkaska, Michigan
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

I'm not saying it's a bad kit, cause it's not all great stuff from them guys, just if not installed perfect it can cause issues...
Old 10-21-2008 | 07:12 PM
  #11  
xjjeepthing's Avatar
Short Bus Motorsports
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 5
From: Plymouth Indiana
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0
Default

Im going to put the Grand V8 tie rods on my 01. The XJ still has a hollow connecting rod from left to right. The Grand set up is a solid rod, yes the tie rods are the same. I thought about a 1 ton upgrade, but i would rather carry a spare tie rod and break one, then take a chance on breaking a spindle that had to be reamed.
Old 10-21-2008 | 09:03 PM
  #12  
CMurder's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

What is all included in the steering kit from Rugged Ridge because my steering is not what it should be I have to have a OME stabilizer to keep it from death wobbling. I have an 01 also and I'm trying to beef up the suspension for cheap.
Old 10-21-2008 | 09:05 PM
  #13  
nick_n_ii's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 19
From: Kalkaska, Michigan
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

tie rod ends, drag link and tie rod, basically everything to replace the stock stuff..
Old 10-21-2008 | 09:09 PM
  #14  
CMurder's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

How much is all that from Rugged Ridge?
Old 10-21-2008 | 09:22 PM
  #15  
nick_n_ii's Avatar
CF Veteran
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,902
Likes: 19
From: Kalkaska, Michigan
Year: 2001
Model: Cherokee
Engine: 4.0L
Default

If I remember right it was under $200


Quick Reply: Steering upgrade on an '01



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:37 PM.