RUSTYS OFF ROAD RS-SC850-JK HD Steering Conversion JK Wrangler Installation Guide

: September 5, 2024
: RUSTYS OFF ROAD

Table of Contents

RUSTYS OFF ROAD RS-SC850-JK HD Steering Conversion JK Wrangler
Product Usage Instructions:
Introduction
Before Starting Installation
Parts List
Installation Instructions
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

RUSTYS OFF ROAD RS-SC850-JK HD Steering Conversion JK Wrangler

Product Specifications

Brand: Rusty’s Off-Road Products
Model: Rusty’s HD Steering Conversion – JK Wrangler RS-SC850-JK
Compatibility: JK Wrangler 2007-2018

Product Usage Instructions:

Parts List
Before installation, ensure you have all the provided parts listed below:

RS-DL810-JK – Rusty’s Drag Link – HD Replacement (JK 07-18)
RS-DLTUBE-JK – Rusty’s Drag Link – HD Replacement Tube (JK 07-18)

Installation Instructions

Remove the steering stabilizer from the tie rod and move it out of the way.
Remove the 4 factory nuts that attach the factory tie rod ends to the steering knuckles and the pitman arm.
Tap the tie rod ends out of the knuckles and pitman arm using a hammer or similar tool.
Remove the factory tie rod and drag link assemblies.
Measure the center-to-center length on the factory tie rod end to end and adjust the new tie rod assembly to the same length. Tighten the jam nuts securely. Apply anti-seize or grease when threading ends into the tie rod bar.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I install this steering conversion kit myself?
A: Rusty’s recommends that this installation be performed by a certified automotive technician or a person with professional mechanical knowledge to ensure vehicle safety and handling.
Q: How do I contact Rusty’s Tech Department for questions or suggestions?
A: You can reach out to Rusty’s Tech Department at 1-256-442-0607.

Rusty’s Oﬀ-Road Products
7161 Steele Station Road
Rainbow City, AL 35906
1-256-442-0607
www.rustysoﬀroad.com

Rusty’s HD Steering Conversion – JK Wrangler RS-SC850-JK
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
Last Revised: 12/21/2023

Introduction

Rusty’s recommends that this installation be performed by a certified automotive technician or a person with professional mechanical knowledge. Installing this kit without this expertise may jeopardize the han-dling and safety of the vehicle.
Read instructions several times before starting. Be sure you have all the needed parts and know where they install. Read each step completely as you go. Exhaust modifications may be necessary. Prior to drilling or cutting, check behind the surface being worked on for any wires, lines, or hoses that could be damaged. After any drilling or cutting, remove burrs and grind smooth any surfaces. An inclinometer or similar tool may be needed to measure driveshaft angles before and after the installation.

Warning

It is the owners’ responsibility to inspect all Rusty’s products for proper torque specs to prevent loosen-ing of components.
Seat belts and shoulder harnesses should be worn at all times.
Re-check all bolts and nuts after the first 100 miles and after any off-road usage during the first 300 miles.
Although all of our products are made from the highest quality materials possible, they are not a substi-tute for Safe and Careful driving. In other words, have good safe on-road / off-road sense. Know the ter-rain, the speed limitations, and any obstacles that may lie ahead. Please remember to preserve our right to enjoy public land through the proper use of off-road vehicles.

Before Starting Installation

Carefully Read all warnings and instructions completely before beginning.
Verify all parts have been received in this kit by checking the parts list on page#2 of this document.
Only install this kit on the vehicle for which it is specified.
Park the vehicle on a clean, dry, flat, level surface and block the tires so the vehicle cannot roll in either direction.
Be certain the vehicle is safely secured on jack stands or a vehicle lift prior to working around or under a vehicle. Never rely on a jack alone to support a vehicle’s weight; use appropriately rated stands to sup-port the vehicle’s frame an any other heavy components.

Parts List

Note: Please be sure that you have all the provided parts listed below before continuing with the installation.

__Part #	__DESCRIPTION:	__Quantity
RS-DL810-JK	Rusty’s Drag Link – HD Replacement (JK 07-18) **(Contents Listed
Below)**	1
RS-DLTUBE-JK	Rusty’s Drag Link – HD Replacement Tube (JK 07-18)	1

Rusty’s HD JK Wrangler Steering Conversion Components
Note: Please be sure that you have all the provided parts listed below before continuing with the installation.

Rusty’s Drag Link – HD Replacement (JK 07-18)

Rusty’s Tie Rod – HD Replacement (JK 07-18)

Rusty’s HD JK Tie Rod Steering Stabilizer Mount

Installation Instructions

Note: Save all factory components and hardware for reuse, unless noted.

Remove the steering stabilizer from the tie rod and move it up out of the way.
Remove the 4 factory nuts that attach the factory tie rod ends to the steering knuckles and the pitman arm.
Typically you will have to tap the tie rod ends out of the knuckles and pitman arm with a hammer or similar tool.
Remove the factory tie rod and drag link assemblies.
Measure the center to center length on the factory tie rod end to end and adjust the new tie rod assem-bly to the same length, then tighten the jam nuts. Make sure to apply anti seize or grease when threading ends into tie rod bar. (Note: This is a starting point to get your jeep to alignment shop for a proper alignment. If your factory steering is bent or damaged this method will be off.)
IMPORTANT NOTE:
Installed the supplied serrated lock washers as illustrated in the image below. Note : Save all factory components and hardware for reuse, unless noted.
Repeat the same process in Step #5 for the new drag link assembly. (Note: This is a starting point to get your jeep to alignment shop for a proper alignment. If your factory steering is bent or damaged this method will be off.)
Install the tie rod and draglink into the same position as the old components came out of your stock steering configuration. Important Note: The wiper seals will be preinstalled on the tie rod ends for the tie rod assembly and need to me left in position for the installation process.
After you have positioned the tie rod and drag link assemblies into place. You should tighten the tie rod end castle nuts each to 65 ft.lbs. and install the supplied cotter pins.
Tighten the drag link jam nut located at the pitman arm to 150 ft.lbs., then rotate the drag link towards the back of the vehicle, then tighten the drag link jam nut located at the steering knuckle to 150 ft.lbs.
Tighten both of the jam nuts on the tie rod assembly to 150 ft.lbs.
Reinstall the steering stabilizer using the supplied Rusty’s HD JK Tie Rod Steering Stabilizer Mount. To in-stall the shock turn the wheels all the way right and hold it there. Compress the steering stabilizer all the way, Pull it out and 1/8” and then clamp it to the tie rod tubing using supplied steering stabilizer mount. Torque the allen head bolts to 24 ft. lbs. using a criss-cross pattern.
Before driving grease the tie rod ends with a grease gun.
Double check and make sure that the steering wheel is centered before driving as well. If not centered you will need to adjust the draglink until the steering wheel is centered.
Installation is now complete!

Final Notes
At this point there should be no parts left but installing the stickers. The vehicle will need to have an align-ment as soon as possible, if you don’t you may get the “death wobble”, poor tire wear or just a bad handling vehicle.
Alignment Recommended Specifications

Toe: Should be set at 0 to 1/32” Toe Out
Castor: +7 Degrees Positive
Camber: 0 Degrees

Re-torque all fasteners after 500 miles and recheck after 1000 miles. Visually inspect components and re-torque fasteners during routine vehicle service.

Warning
It is the owners’ responsibility to inspect all Rusty’s products for proper torque specs to prevent loosening of components. Seat belts and shoulder harnesses should be worn at all times. Re-check all bolts and nuts after the first 300 miles and after any off-road usage during the first 300 miles. Although all of our products are made from the highest quality materials possible, they are not a substitute for Safe and Careful driving. In other words, have good safe on-road / off-road sense. Know the terrain, the speed limitations, and any obsta-cles that may lie ahead. Please remember to preserve our right to enjoy public land through the proper use of off-road vehicles. Thank you for choosing Rusty’s Off Road Products.

For Questions or Suggestions, contact our Tech Department (256-442-0607)