Rogue4x4

dukie564

the biggest problem is the holes tapped into the steering arm IMO.


The bracket conceptually should work fine, but needs modification. The knuckle should be machined flat, and should use studs and nuts, not bolts. That may be your fix - get a new bracket, and weld studs into the old holes.

Or this:
https://teraflex.com/shop_items/528f...d962f416e72f79 (should work for YJs also?)

my89xj

Tim I'm back in Frederick... Feel free to text me when you need help.

NewKindOfClown

JB4x4 closed their doors for good several years ago, so I won't be replacing that bracket. I wouldn't anyway after this. My options are the Teraflex knuckle, or doing the WJ upgrade and getting better brakes in the process. I'm trying to call some shops this morning for estimates, but one I've called has a 30-day wait before I can even get in, and another said they'll have a mechanic call me back...

I was hoping the bracket would last until I can get Street Rod tags and switch to a D60. I didn't want to spend all this money on a D30, but I might as well do it right if I'm doing it.

XJwonders

yeah I would do WJ brakes

dukie564

That's a massive conversion to do when you need a vehicle to be your DD though.

I'd just get the Tflex knuckle and be done. As i see it you don't have the time or resources to to the WJ swap at this juncture.

You still have the JCR kit to install for now or are you dead in the water?

NewKindOfClown

I still have the JCR kit on the old axle, but I can't install it as-designed because of the SOA conversion. With the Teraflex knuckle, I could attach it in crossover, but I'd have to get the drag link cut down and retapped

NewKindOfClown

I'm looking, and I might go with Teraflex just for the speed of the fix, as Dukie said. The local shop that answered my questions said they don't have time to do custom steering setups. They'll install a kit if I want, but I can't even get my Jeep into their shop til about a month out. I'm waiting on two others to call me back.

I really want the brake upgrade, but the Teraflex knuckle doesn't require that .25" spacer welded on, and I don't have to worry about the little things like brake lines, etc. With the Teraflex knuckle, I could keep using my awful factory steering for now. The downside is I just called them, and they specifically advise against 1-ton steering on their knuckle because there isn't enough material to ream.

So, I guess I'm gonna see where I can source a Teraflex knuckle the quickest. I'll probably go that route at this point.

NewKindOfClown

Just ordered the Teraflex knuckle. The 10% military discount is definitely nice, but the Priority Overnight shipping hurts.

NewKindOfClown

Alright, I took a deep breath and ordered Spicer ball joints. They're better AND they're cheaper. Two-day shipping with Amazon Prime. I missed the optional $6 overnight delivery by two minutes

The Teraflex knuckle will be here tomorrow, and I'll pick up brake pads and rotors from Advance. I'll also rent a ball joint press while I'm there, and I should be able to get started on Wednesday morning. Should let me make some progress while I wait for the new ball joints to be delivered in the afternoon.

September is an expensive month, but at least I'm shopping smartly.
$300 plane ticket for a little weekend getaway next month
$660 for a surprise gas tank failure (Saved $100+ by calling GenRight to order)
$700 steering failure, but
-Teraflex knuckle: $434 (-10% for military) but +$115 for rush shipping
-Spicer ball joints: $112 on Amazon (instead of paying $275 at Advance)
-Carquest pads and rotors: $105 (-30% with the TRT30 code)

dukie564

yeesh

XJwonders

Hubs and u joints still good?

NewKindOfClown

Yeah, I replaced those when I installed the axles earlier this year. The ball joints are new-ish, too. But I don't like reusing them, and I think they're Moog

XJwonders

Yeah moog quality really hit the toilet in last couple years

Basslicks

Good god, Tim glad you're okay man... glad there was no wreck involved either. Really lucky. Hope ya get everything speedy enough and back on the road soon.