Gator Dave

Are the tie rods the same for all 4 parts on the steering like the two on the knuckles and the one on the pitman arm and the one attached to the drag link? Can I use the same tie rod for all parts or buy all the same part number tie rods? I'm trying to cure shaking at 55mph 60mph and just replacing pretty much every thing. Help is always appreciated I'm new to jeeping. But in love with jeeps.

micaarzur

They're pretty much all different. They are similar, but they have either left handed or right handed threads depending on which side they're on. Take a look at this kit to get a good idea of all the tie rods that are under there.


As you can see, some of them you would need to replace the entire bar, as the tie rod end does not come off of those. If you have narrowed down your problem to just the outer tie rod ends and are looking to replace those, they are different parts:

Left outer:

Right outer:

When I had to fix my death wobble, I just went ahead and bought a kit and replaced everything under there, it doesn't cost too much and I figured everything under there was probably on its way out either way.

Edit: You didn't include your model year, so I just assumed your xj is between 1991-2001

dave1123

Check the track bar. That's a common cause for DW.

Gator Dave

its a 96 I was just confused cause when I go to get new tie rods at the auto store they all just say tie rods it dosent come up with right outer left outer. And I'm assuming the drag link and one for the pitman arm are just considered inners? I'm thinking that advance autos website is just messed up

BwanaBob

I posted this on jeepforum.com a long time ago.

The terminology for the Jeep's steering parts has changed over the years.
At one time every part of it was a "tie rod" this or a "tie rod" that. Around
1997 the part from the pitman arm to the passenger knuckle began to be
called a "drag link" and the straight portion to the driver's side is just the
"tie rod". Some vendors use the new terminology, some do not. It is best
to start from the Mopar diagrams and part numbers.

Here are the Mopar p/ns and the corresponding Moog part numbers
for the stock XJ tie rod setup. ACDelco parts are also good quality.

These are components for the drag link which goes from the pitman
arm to the passenger side wheel and has 22mm threads throughout :
5200-6592 drag link socket at pass. side knuckle (RH threads )>> Moog DS1238
5200-5742 drag link adjustment tube
5200-5739 socket at pitman arm (LH threads) >>>>> Moog ES3096L

This is for the straight tie rod which goes from the drag link to the driver's
side wheel and has smaller 11/16" - 18 threads throughout:
5200-5741 tie rod outer socket at driver's side knuckle LH threads >>>> Moog ES3094L
5200-5743 tie rod adjustment tube
5200-5740 tie rod inner socket (attaches to drag link) RH threads>>>> Moog ES3095R

Why RH and LH threads?
The tubes are threaded RH and LH on each end so they can be
used as adjusters. When the ends and tube are mounted on
the Jeep and the clamps on the tube are loosened, you can then
turn the tube one way and the total distance from end-to-end will
shorten. Turning the tube the other way will lengthen the distance.

Uses:
The tie rod adjuster tube is used to adjust toe-in when doing an alignment.
The drag link adjuster tube is used to adjust steering wheel position.

Gator Dave

Thanks everyone this was very helpful!!

Gator Dave

I'm thinking of buying this kit. Would you recommend Detroit axle?

BwanaBob

No, those Detroit Axle parts are the cheapest out there, they won't last long, and they may
not solve your problem anyway. Better to find what's wrong, fix it with quality parts, and go
from there.

Many guys say that wobble at 55mph is caused by tires out of balance or damaged
or a bent rim. Check tire pressure (33psi is stock), rotate them back to front, and
see if that changes anything. If you do it yourself, it costs nothing already.

At some point, get the tires balanced and get an alignment.

Also check the 4 tie rod sockets, both ends of the track bar, and the 8 control
arm bushings. Grab and shake everything and check for any movement. You
might discover something that way, but really you need to put more force on
the suspension to see the condition of the parts.

So, get a helper to start the Jeep in park. Lie down in from of the Jeep and while
your helper turns the wheel lock to lock, look for slop or abnormal movement of the tie
rod sockets. Make sure the track bar doesn't slide back and forth at the axle end,
nor does the bracket slide where it is attached to the frame. The track bar's socket
should not jump around in the bracket. Nothing should make a clunk.

If you find something wrong, fix it with quality parts. I use Mopar, Moog, or the better
line of ACDelco with no regrets for steering and suspension parts.

Gator Dave

Yea I know to do all that i need new tire but i definitely need new steering parts as well

micaarzur

I'm not sure on the quality of the parts, when I bought a kit it was a different brand on amazon. It cured my death wobble and everything felt brand new, but I can't say how long they will last for. However, considering how the original equipment lasted for 27 years until needing replacement, if these new parts even lasted half as much time, I'd be happy considering I paid about $150 for a 12 part kit (included ball joints). I'm just going to be sure to keep them greased up. If you don't already, I would get a grease gun to grease whatever parts you do end up replacing.

It's your decision on the brand and quality of parts you decide to go with. Detroit axle may very well be high quality, you should do some more research on that. I just included that kit link so that you have a good idea of what part numbers you will need.

edit: from the amazon page for that kit: "Detroit Axle suspension components are manufactured to exceed original equipment standards"
Not sure how true that is, but it's worth looking into. Typically you get what you pay for, but not always.

dave1123

They ALL say that! I would reject anything made in China, however not much today isn't! The Chinese can make parts cheaper by using impure metal and cutting time on proper heat treatment. Nothing you can see with your eyes or short term testing. I would trust parts made in Mexico or India before those made in China.