RUGGED RIDGE LJ HD Tie Rod and Drag Link Kit Instruction Manual
- June 13, 2024
- RUGGED RIDGE
Table of Contents
RUGGED RIDGE LJ HD Tie Rod and Drag Link Kit
Product Information
The HD Tie Rod & Drag Link Kit (TJ, LJ, XJ, ZJ) is a heavy-duty steering system upgrade designed for use with lifted vehicles between 2 to 4 inches of lift. The kit includes the following components
- 1 Short Tube H/D 1.25 (Not Sold Separately)
- 1 Long Tube H/D 1.25 (Not Sold Separately)
- 1 Damper Bracket (18040.50)
- 2 Tie Rod End H/D 7/8 RH Thread (18043.26)
- 1 Tie Rod End H/D 7/8 LH Thread (18043.10)
- 1 Tie Rod End, Cross Over H/D 7/8 LH Thread (18043.27)
- 4 Thread Clamp H/D (18050.86)
INTRODUCTION
Thanks for your Rugged Ridge® purchase. The components in this kit are intended to improve the Thanks for your Rugged Ridge® purchase. The components in this kit are intended to improve the suspension build-up. The Jeep® suspension design and wide range of after-market suspension regarding the installation and adjustment of this kit and overall consideration in the selection and suspension, you may need to adjust or purchase additional components to assure desired steering characteristics and reduce degraded steering feedback caused by high-angle inputs between the pitman arm, drag link and HD tie-rod and cast linkage supplied with this kit. Depending on your Jeep® experience and mechanical skills, Rugged Ridge® recommends seeking advice from or having this kit components and set alignment to optimize your steering system and the features of this kit. If you have remaining technical questions after reading these instructions we are here to help. Contact us toll free at (1-800-449-6649).
Product Safety Information
instructions important safety information is generally preceded by one of three signal words indicating the relative risk of injury. The signal words mean:
WARNING A hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
You can be Killed or Seriously Hurt if you don’t follow instructions.
CAUTION A hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE Careful attention is required to this instruction or operation but does generally not relate to personal injury. Damage to your product or other property may result if you don’t follow instructions.
WARNINGS
- Use of adjustable drag link and drop pitman arm may be required for vehicles with over a 2” lift and is strongly recommended for suspension builds over 4”. This kit has been designed for vehicles with up to a 4” suspension lift. (Drop pitman arm, Rugged Ridge® part # 18006.54 – XJ/ZJ or 18006.50 87-06 Wrangler).
- vehicle use. Select and adjust pitman arm, drag link and tie rod to minimize input angle between drag link and tie rod. Routinely inspect tie rod ends for wear, and thread clamps for proper torque and security. Do not use if kit parts are damaged or trail-repaired using high heat.
- During installation, keep wheels and steering components centered. Before use, assure your wheel/tire choice is properly balanced and vehicle professionally aligned. Read and follow all instructions and Supplement.
- Strength, size and attachment points of tie-rod and steering linkage require additional wheel clearance. HD Cross-Over Steering System is generally not compatible with smaller OEM steel wheels or wheels with a deep backspacing. Before installation, use assembled tie rod for preliminary check of expected wheel/tire clearance during full sweep of steering. Perform post-installation inspection as instructed below. Do not use if tie-rod contacts any portion of wheel/tire.
INSTALLATION
WARNING Properly secure vehicle. Place in gear or park and set emergency
brake.
For further safety, block tires. Use safety glasses and gloves.
Step 1. Remove old steering linkage. Start by centering wheels and
running a tape measure from passenger side knuckle (inner) to driver’s side
knuckle (inner) and carefully record distance.
If knuckles are moved by accident you will be able to return to the
approximate centered position wheel during the removal or subsequent
installation. Keeping these components in the original position aids in
approximating your initial front end alignment settings.
Step 2. Attach H/D Cross-Over steering as shown below (Fig. 1). The dual attachment point tie-rod end should be mounted to the passenger side knuckle. By turning the H/D center tubes clock-wise or counter-clockwise adjustments to the lengths can be made. Adjust until all mounting holes are aligned. Attach castle nuts and torque to 60ft-lbs for all locations.
WARNING Assure there are a minimum of 5, properly engaged tie-rod threads captured in each end of the center tube.
Step 3. Insert cotter pins into tie rod and castle nuts. Install all
grease fittings and if needed add grease.
NOTICE! DO NOT over fill dust boots with grease. Stop adding grease at
the first signs of grease escaping past dust boots. Remove grease fitting and
install grease plugs in tie rod ends.
Step 4. With stabilizer mounted and positioned correctly, tighten u-bolt nuts. Install stabilizer nut and tighten to 45ft-lbs.
Step 5. Attach H/D steering stabilizer mounting bracket to drag link tube (pic 4 & 5). Reattach the stabilizer and check clearance to the oil pan. Bracket should allow full movement of the stabilizer when in use (left to right as steering is cycled). NOTE: If factory stabilizer is reused the mounting bolt will.
NOTE: Mounting bracket orientation may not match images supplied. The correct placement will need to be determined on each vehicle to allow clearance of oil pan and sway bar mounting brackets.
Step 6. With steering wheel and steering knuckles aligned and castle nuts
tightened align the tube clamps as shown in pic. 6.
Step 7. The clamp must be located as close the the end of the tube as
possible. The clamp bolt .
Step 8. Check all clamps once assembly is complete to ensure proper
torques are achieved. If clamps become loose, tubes can rotate and allow
vehicle to come out of alignment.
Step 9. (ALL APPLICATIONS) Complete installation by confirming during suspension travel and full steering sweep: (A.) no interference between HD cross-over components and other steering components, (B.) NO CONTACT BETWEEN tie-rod ends and wheels/tires, (C.) front wheels centered in relation to neutral point of steering wheel and wheels tracking parallel and equal during right and left turns. If necessary, adjust steering components per Jeep® service manual or with assistance of qualified off-road mechanic.
Step 10. (ALL APPLICATIONS) Inspect all castle nuts and clamps before test driving vehicle. After completing safety inspection proceed with road test (avoid traffic if possible). If adjustments are needed review sten 2. Tiahten all clamps once adjustments are made.
WARNING! Do not rely upon installation measurements for final alignment. Installation of HD cross-over conversion requires professional front alignment to recommended settings. Inspect and re-torque all fasteners in HD cross-over conversion after first 25 miles and each off road use.
WARNING
Modifying the suspension of your vehicle to improve off road capabilities
involves certain risks. The modified vehicle may handle differently than as
factory equipped including increased ride-height; reduced lateral stability
and risk of roll-over or other accident. Also, owner’s choice of larger tire
and wheel combinations may require additional braking force or increased
stopping distances.
- Failure to drive this vehicle safely may result in serious injury or damage. Avoid sharp turns or abrupt maneuvers. Do not drive the vehicle under any speed or maneuvering conditions which may cause the vehicle to trip, roll, lose traction or compromise your ability to safely brake in an emergency.
- Familiarize yourself with all vehicle manufacturers and Rugged Ridge” warnings, instructions and limited warranties before driving this modified suspension vehicle. Follow recommended maintenance procedures and routinely inspect your vehicle components for unusual wear or off road damage.
- Rugged Ridge” does not recommend combined use of body lifts with suspension or other lift devices or modification, alteration or fabrication of any Rugged Ridge® suspension product to achieve additional lift. Also be aware that most states have restrictions on height modifications for vehicles used on road. Consult your vehicle owners manual, limited warranties, the instructions and warnings accompanying this product and state law before undertaking these modifications or using your modified suspension vehicle on road. A summary of current regulations affecting modified suspension vehicles is available from www.SEMA.org
- Always wear seat belts and/or appropriate off road restraints, reduce your speed, tread lightly and safely enjoy your off road vehicle.
TROUBLESHOOTING
- On lifted vehicles trimming of sway bar mounting brackets may be required. With kit installed cycle suspension at full drop. Turn steering wheel to the right and check to see if drag link tube makes contact with sway bar mounting bracket (pic.8). If tube contacts bracket trim bracket back about 1/4” (pic.9).
This washer reduces the movement of the tie rod end to reduce end play during steering direction change. This dead spot is caused by vehicle will be needed. All steering linkages and track bars should remain as parallel as possible to maintain a safe vehicle.
