Need new steering knuckles

[Krobarr]

I broke my bottom ball joint taper shaft off inside the knuckle cup on the drivers side and wrecked the aluminum steering knuckle.
I’m considering upgrading to Reid Racing Knuckles and am wondering if anyone else has done so amd have a couple questions:
1) I’m curious specifically regarding the stock replica, not the high steer as I don’t have a loft kit yet, can still be drilled out and a flip kit used without issue?
2) I have the RPM 2.5 Ton Steering Kit, has anyone else done this exact set up, and is there any clearance issues, I have -12 offset Fuel Zephyrs?
3) does anyone think upgrading to steel knuckles is a bad choice, and if so, why?

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[bleda2002]

I'm planning on swapping some time next year when I do ball joints, rcvs, and knuckles all at once. Considering the Mojave and diesels come with the iron knuckles already unless the Reid's are poorly made there is no reason not to go with them

 

[jeepers29]

I would like to hear how you broke that ball joint. Also, a buddy has the reids on his JK and has had no issues for many thousands of miles and trails.

 

[Krobarr]

I'm planning on swapping some time next year when I do ball joints, rcvs, and knuckles all at once. Considering the Mojave and diesels come with the iron knuckles already unless the Reid's are poorly made there is no reason not to go with them

Well the Mopar rep tried to be helpful, but he kept going on about saying the ring gear was 3.73 or whatever in the different axles snd it wouldn’t fit. He also could jot tell me if the part was steel or aluminum. I’d consider buying the steel Mopar knuckles if I could confirm both the correct part #’s (left & right) and that they swap without issue. The Gladiator Rubicon has the Wide Track axles I believe and have not found anyone to confirm compatibility of Mopar steel knuckles. I don’t mind paying for quality, I just need something ASAP!

 

[bleda2002]

Check the jl forums, people running Reid's over there with out issues and they are I believe the same parts

 

[XJFanatic]

The mopar knuckles fit. There have been a few who have done it over on the JL site. If I recall they save a few pounds and retain the adjustable steering stops that you lose with the Reid knuckles.

 

[Krobarr]

I would like to hear how you broke that ball joint. Also, a buddy has the reids on his JK and has had no issues for many thousands of miles and trails.

I upgraded tires (37” Baja Boss’)and rims (17” Fuel Zephyrs) at 6,000 km’s (3,700 Miles) and am currently at 72,000 km’s (45,000 miles) and during the start of COVID in 2019 I put on 20,000 km’s (12,500 miles) of off roading cause there was no way I was staying locked up in our house. I’m the guy that tells people jot to follow me if you value your paint or aren’t committed to the line I take

 

[Krobarr]

The mopar knuckles fit. There have been a few who have done it over on the JL site. If I recall they save a few pounds and retain the adjustable steering stops that you lose with the Reid knuckles.

See now that’s something to consider I guess, adjustable steering stops. Reid emphasizes theirs won’t break and call the adjustable a weak point.

 

[XJFanatic]

See now that’s something to consider I guess, adjustable steering stops. Reid emphasizes theirs won’t break and call the adjustable a weak point.

Of all the things I have broke offroad over the past 22 years a steering stop was never one of them.

 

[Krobarr]

Of all the things I have broke offroad over the past 22 years a steering stop was never one of them.

Lol, have you ever attempted to adjust them to get just a bit tighter turning radius?

 

[XJFanatic]

Lol, have you ever attempted to adjust them to get just a bit tighter turning radius?

I wouldn’t, they limit the steering to keep the u-joints at their strongest angle. I have on multiple instances backed them out with washers behind them to minimize rubbing though.

 

[Krobarr]

I wouldn’t, they limit the steering to keep the u-joints at their strongest angle. I have on multiple instances backed them out with washers behind them to minimize rubbing though.

Right, I was thinking backwards, I meant to maximize turning with larger tires. Currently I’m 37’s and no rubbing, but I was curious about 40” tires rubbing

 

[Alaska-HWY JK]

I’ve had Reid’s on my JK since 2010. PR 44, ARB 5.13s, RCVs, Synergy tierod and drag link, no issues with any of these parts. Reid’s are high quality.

 

[XJFanatic]

Right, I was thinking backwards, I meant to maximize turning with larger tires. Currently I’m 37’s and no rubbing, but I was curious about 40” tires rubbing

I understood what you were getting at.

I really advise against increasing the operating angle of steering u-joints. They have a pretty specific range to keep their strength. Now if you put RCVs in there you can gain some range.

 

[3VOLVE]

Check the jl forums, people running Reid's over there with out issues and they are I believe the same parts

I would also recommend checking out the Reid threads on the JK forum. I have not read of anyone having any issues with them.

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