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View Full Version : V8 ZJ Tie Rod Upgrade



bigjim350
02-14-2011, 10:01 PM
Not sure if this has been covered here yet. The V8 ZJ tie rod upgrade is a 100% bolt on upgrade. The ZJ tie rod is bigger than the XJ tie rod, and solid, whereas the XJ one is hollow. I have done this upgrade to my XJ a while back and has been working great. Oh and the V8 ZJ drag link is the same as the stock XJ one, so its not a upgrade. Here are the part numbers. PS: The pics aren't mine, I got em from Google.
DS1312-Tie Rod-$43.99 at Autozone
ES3096-Tie Rod End at driverside knuckle-$18.99 at Autozone
ES2079S-Tie Rod Adjusting Sleeve-$12.99 at Autozone
Total-$75.97 for all new parts with lifetime warranty
Difference between XJ and V8 ZJ Tie Rod-xj tie rod on top
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3461/3853687973_bbe9cd0193_b.jpg
Difference between XJ and V8 ZJ Tie rod ends
http://www.stu-offroad.com/steering/zjtie/tie-1.jpg
Installed
http://www.cherokeeforum.com/attachments/f2/15590d1269700406t-tie-rod-tow-hooks-0323101337a.jpg

bluedragon436
02-14-2011, 10:04 PM
Nice... might have to go pick up these parts this week.. then I can install them along with my control arms when I purchase them... that way I can get it all adjusted at once with a front end alignment.. also thinking I need to find a place I can get the drag link from a V8 ZJ as well... guess that I might have to pick up from the JY... since I can't find it on AutoZone's website..

Outlaw
02-14-2011, 10:13 PM
Yeah I will have to take some pics of the bent one that came out and pick one of these up and use the pull a part one I got for a spare on the trail :D

JENSSEN
02-14-2011, 11:34 PM
An difference in length for lifted trucks?

bluedragon436
02-14-2011, 11:36 PM
The Tie Rod won't make a difference whether it be lifted or not... the axle is still going to be just as wide...

dagr8tim
02-15-2011, 07:25 AM
I did this awhile back and was very impressed with the results. Ofcourse I had DW from worn steering parts and ended up replacing everything after the pitman arm.

JENSSEN
02-15-2011, 08:37 AM
An difference in length for lifted trucks?


Brain fart

TeXJ
02-15-2011, 08:44 AM
Brain fart

thought i smelled something :smiley-laughing021:

rugidone
02-15-2011, 09:00 AM
I see your comparing the side of the rod end between v8 and non v8, I believe there was a few different size tie rods used over the years, my rod ends were identical between the two for the drivers.

bigjim350
02-15-2011, 12:38 PM
As far as I know they only used one size Tie Rod on all the XJ's. The 4.0 ZJ tie rod is the same as the XJ one.

dagr8tim
02-16-2011, 07:22 AM
IIRC, the V8 ZJ TRE for the driver's side is the same as the TRE at the pitman arm.

The XJ tie rod used the same TRE at the driver's side & at the hole in the drag link. The V8 ZJ tie rod has a fixed TRE that connects to the hole in the drag link.

rugidone
02-16-2011, 07:37 AM
Ya, my mistake, my buddy used the draglink tre off my old steering for his v8 tierod.

Continue on...

Great mod, my steering stiffened up a lot!

Sean778
02-16-2011, 11:38 PM
I just snagged one of these at the local Pick N Pull, and it definitely looks stronger. Big weekend of wrenchin' coming up for me, so I'll clean it up, and throw it on for kicks. The TREs look okay, but there's a lot of grease blocking the view. Hopefully it's in better condition than my worn out stock tie-rod. :)

cantab27
05-21-2011, 10:32 PM
cool as jim.... so its gotta be from a v8 one....does it matter what year...

bigjim350
05-22-2011, 03:38 AM
cool as jim.... so its gotta be from a v8 one....does it matter what year...

Nope, don't matter what year, as long as its a V8 ZJ. So that would be a 93-98 grand cherokee.

cantab27
05-22-2011, 03:40 AM
will price one up tomorrow,,,wont be cheap can bet on that,,,thanks man

LizardRunner
05-22-2011, 09:56 AM
Nice, will have to do this mod sometime before I go bigger tires.

dagr8tim
05-22-2011, 10:01 AM
I did everything from the TRE at the pitman down for $100.

LizardRunner
05-22-2011, 03:47 PM
cool something I can afford to do sooner than later.:D

Dredwolf
12-09-2012, 02:19 PM
Waking this thread back up, I have split tie rod end boots, and am working on the front end anyway.

Any additional advice or lessons learned?

bluedragon436
12-09-2012, 10:36 PM
I did everything from the TRE at the pitman down for $100.

Hoping mine will be roughly the same price wise once I use discounts and such through AZ!! and I hope this helps me take care of my DW issue as well as a nice decently priced upgrade at the same time!!

dagr8tim
12-10-2012, 09:28 AM
Hoping mine will be roughly the same price wise once I use discounts and such through AZ!! and I hope this helps me take care of my DW issue as well as a nice decently priced upgrade at the same time!!

It cured mine, but I did the drag link, TRE at the pitman, and a new steering stabilizer at the same time. Mine's rock solid at 80 MPH with a driveway alignment.

Ofcourse I discovered both of my sway bar end links were busted when I was in there and replaced them too.

bluedragon436
12-10-2012, 10:42 PM
It cured mine, but I did the drag link, TRE at the pitman, and a new steering stabilizer at the same time. Mine's rock solid at 80 MPH with a driveway alignment.

Ofcourse I discovered both of my sway bar end links were busted when I was in there and replaced them too.

Yeah that is pretty much my plan... to replace all the TRE's, including the one on the tracbar... and just do this upgrade in the process, figure got to replace that part anyways... might as well do a slight upgrade while I'm at it.. I'm hoping after changing all the TRE's... my DW issue will be remedied...

Dredwolf
12-17-2012, 07:35 PM
Those that did this with non-junkyard parts, did you go with premium parts (Moog) or store brand?

bigjim350
12-17-2012, 08:23 PM
I used store brand parts. They all had a lifetime warranty, but are still good after 2yrs.

Dredwolf
12-18-2012, 07:35 PM
I used store brand parts. They all had a lifetime warranty, but are still good after 2yrs.

Might give that a try, and see if I can save a little.

dagr8tim
12-19-2012, 07:52 AM
I used store brand parts to keep the costs down. Many years ago, I worked at an Advance and discovered that most store brand suspension and steering parts are made by Federated Moogel (moog).

Dredwolf
12-19-2012, 08:26 PM
I used store brand parts to keep the costs down. Many years ago, I worked at an Advance and discovered that most store brand suspension and steering parts are made by Federated Moogel (moog).

I did better than I thought I would pricing through RockAuto, but have not placed an order yet.

I have like three Advance stores within 8 miles in three directions, everything else is twice as far, or closed by the time I get off work.

dagr8tim
12-20-2012, 07:50 AM
I did better than I thought I would pricing through RockAuto, but have not placed an order yet.

I have like three Advance stores within 8 miles in three directions, everything else is twice as far, or closed by the time I get off work.

Remember to look around on the web for a 5% off code. Sometimes you can find 10%. It atleast helps with shipping.

bluedragon436
12-21-2012, 02:30 AM
Yeah I'll be picking up all the store brand parts w/ warranty through AZ... happens to be the only local store I have that offers military discount, plus the discount from having the AZ card too...

Dredwolf
01-14-2013, 10:14 PM
I ended up buying everything through http://www.autopartsexpress.com/. From what I ordered, better shipping than Rock Auto.

I'll post a review when they come in.

Dredwolf
01-21-2013, 07:40 PM
I ended up buying everything through http://www.autopartsexpress.com/. From what I ordered, better shipping than Rock Auto.

I'll post a review when they come in.

Got the parts in this AM, they look really good...no issue with the adjusting sleeve threads, ZJ bar has the bend in it. Everything looks good!

http://i.minus.com/iA3jmK8JIdSKQ.JPG

Got everything in this picture, plus upper AND lower ball joints for less than $82, including shipping.

rabies
04-28-2014, 12:12 PM
should note what year the ZJ was from for others when looking for parts online

4.3LXJ
04-28-2014, 12:15 PM
Any year V8 ZJ

bluedragon436
04-28-2014, 12:15 PM
should note what year the ZJ was from for others when looking for parts online

ZJ= 1993-1998 Grand Cherokee

XJMikey
04-28-2014, 08:46 PM
This looks to be a more appropriate place for this.

I was doing some research on this upgrade, and I found the parts needed for $45.20 w/ free shipping. All the parts are manufactured by Moog, but they're sold by/under the name "Parts Master".

Parts Master DS1312 Steering Tie Rod End, Front,Front Left Inner (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Parts-Master-DS1312-Steering-Tie-Rod-End-Front-Front-Left-Inner-/290975978921?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr&hash=item43bf8515a9)
Parts Master ES2079S Steering Tie Rod End Adjusting Sleeve, Front,Front Left (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Parts-Master-ES2079S-Steering-Tie-Rod-End-Adjusting-Sleeve-Front-Front-Left-/390777985139?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5afc2ed873&vxp=mtr)
Parts Master ES3096L Steering Tie Rod End, Front Left Inner,Front Left Outer (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Parts-Master-ES3096L-Steering-Tie-Rod-End-Front-Left-Inner-Front-Left-Outer-/310865778192?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item48610b5610&vxp=mtr)

dagr8tim
04-29-2014, 08:05 AM
One of the big secrets is that Moog makes most suspension/steering parts that are store brands. I found that out when I worked at an Advance about 10 years ago.

juanpm1
09-28-2015, 01:37 AM
As long as you get greaseable tie rods they seem to be all the same...

4.3LXJ
09-28-2015, 10:21 AM
As long as you get greaseable tie rods they seem to be all the same...

The tie rod ends are for all the XJ and ZJs. The difference is in the rod itself, which is substantially larger and stronger on the V8 ZJ

drakan1908
09-28-2015, 10:22 AM
The v8 zj tie rods are also solid and not hollow like the 6cy tie rods are.

sent from a van down by the river

dagr8tim
09-29-2015, 08:32 AM
The tie rod ends are for all the XJ and ZJs. The difference is in the rod itself, which is substantially larger and stronger on the V8 ZJ

The V8 ZJ driver's side TRE is the same size as the one for the pitman arm. A stock XJ driver's side TRE has a smaller shank. Plus with the V8 setup, you can adjust tow with an adjuster sleeve, rather than having to turn the whole damned tie rod.

spacerag
10-22-2016, 12:47 PM
Just wanted to say I did this upgrade myself last spring on my 2000 Sport.

I was in desperate need of new tie rods anyway. I put on moog parts cuz it was the most readily available decent, over-the-counter brand-name I can get here in Canadia. I also installed a new drag link and a Rancho steering damper. I'm sure I've got the parts #s kicking around if anyone wants them.

I was very happy with the result. It looks good, it's stronger, and I personally find it easier to adjust the toe with the ZJ adjustment sleeve than trying to spin the whole tube... but maybe that's just me.

Highly recommended anyway!

dagr8tim
10-23-2016, 09:04 AM
Just wanted to say I did this upgrade myself last spring on my 2000 Sport.

I was in desperate need of new tie rods anyway. I put on moog parts cuz it was the most readily available decent, over-the-counter brand-name I can get here in Canadia. I also installed a new drag link and a Rancho steering damper. I'm sure I've got the parts #s kicking around if anyone wants them.

I was very happy with the result. It looks good, it's stronger, and I personally find it easier to adjust the toe with the ZJ adjustment sleeve than trying to spin the whole tube... but maybe that's just me.

Highly recommended anyway!

I did the whole setup from the TRE at the pitman arm down afew years back. It's still one of my favorite mods in terms of easy of installation, performance, price, and ease of replacement parts.

spacerag
10-23-2016, 10:55 AM
Haha, definitely an easy and effective upgrade. Unless you're prepared to do an over-the-knuckle conversion, this is the best upgrade you can do to your steering. I did the same as you and got a new drag link.

I figure in a system like this where all the points are supported by ball joints, only replacing some will ensure the older ones will fail very soon after. You may as well change out all that wobbly, worn junk.

I actually made a video of me putzing around with this upgrade. I'd post it, but I'm new and I'm not sure of the rules about that... and also I don't think it's a very good video... haha

If anyone here with some authority on the subject says it's okay, I'll post a link for you guys. If not, its not a big deal. It doesn't show anything not already covered by this thread. :)

4.3LXJ
10-23-2016, 10:57 AM
It is OK. Post away. Best way is to upload to Youtube and then paste their link here

spacerag
10-23-2016, 11:04 AM
Alright, here ya go...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dLwBUyqxoQ

Constructive criticism is always welcome... Just be gentle. :) I'm not a real mechanic.

zombiedog29
10-23-2016, 04:44 PM
You've got tools and a functioning brain, you're a mechanic. Experience will only make you better.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TeXJ
10-25-2016, 12:45 PM
http://www.ebay.com/itm/200973429129?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&rmvSB=true

Thinking of going with that kit...pretty good deal at $100

spacerag
10-25-2016, 02:55 PM
Looks like a bargain!

I won't even tell you Americans how many Canadian pesos I had to spend for all that moog junk. My new drag link (minus the TRE and adjuster) cost more than that whole kit.

MattybPDX
10-25-2016, 04:04 PM
Looks like a bargain!

I won't even tell you Americans how many Canadian pesos I had to spend for all that moog junk. My new drag link (minus the TRE and adjuster) cost more than that whole kit.
I thought you guys just traded maple leaves and hockey pucks.

Sent from my XT1585 using Tapatalk

TeXJ
10-25-2016, 05:13 PM
doesn't seem to be MOOG parts. the part#s seem to be universal for all brands.

spacerag
10-25-2016, 05:23 PM
The part numbers are fairly universal between brands. Sometimes they'll add a letter or something before the part #, but you're right it's usually almost identical across the board.

Edit: Oh! I didn't mean that the ebay link were moog parts. I just meant the parts I used specifically were moogs.

dagr8tim
10-26-2016, 10:11 AM
All this talk makes me want to go out and redo my TJ now.

TeXJ
10-26-2016, 11:04 AM
From the seller on Ebay:
The brand is XCP


I've never heard of that brand...

Going through Rockauto and finding the cheapest parts, I got a total of $75.72, not sure if rockauto charges for shipping.

for the same parts just MOOG, it comes out to $194.60. However, I can substitute the MOOG sleeves with the cheaper ones, that brings the total down to $177.54

Chart below:
Rock auto
1 x Part # DS1310 Connecting drag link p/s $30.79 Moog $72.79
2 x Part # ES2079S Sleeves (9.54) $4.77 Moog $13.28 26.56 /17.06
1 x Part # ES3096L Tie rod at pitman arm $6.80 MOOG $23.73
1 x Part # DS1312 Connecting drag link d/s $21.79 Moog $47.79
1 x Part # ES3096L Tie rod on left side $6.80 MOOG $23.73
____________________
$75.72 $194.60
Using the cheaper sleeves $177.54

Stupid formatting here messes up the chart...