Aluminum Steering Options

[techteacher]

Looking at a few different setups and struggling to see differences other than price. I try to do it right instead of do it cheap, but is there really any difference between these kits besides the brand and decimal points of aluminum thickness?

RPM Steering $869.98 shipped
https://www.rpmsteering.com/25-Ton-JLJT-HD-2-Aluminum-Steering-Kit-Rubicon-JT-Max-Tow_p_466.html

2.5 Ton JL/JT Heavy Duty 2'' Aluminum Steering Kit (Rubicon & JT Max Tow)

Massive 2'' solid 7075 T6 aluminum link with hexed ends for easy adjustments
1.25" forged American made TREs
No drilling required
Anti-flop ends (included)
Serrated Belleville washers (included)
Tie rod and drag link included in the kit
Drag link flip option

Doetsch Off Road - $829 shipped

- 2" diameter 7075 aluminum Heavy Duty Tie Rod with a Limited LIFETIME Warranty
- 2" diameter 7075 aluminum Heavy Duty Drag Link with a Limited LIFETIME Warranty
- Greasable 1.25in Threaded Zinc Plated Forged Adjustable Ends (with anti-flop seals on the tie rod that resist "flop or roll") with corresponding left/right hand jam nuts

Fusion 4x4 $1080+shipping

Massive 1-1/4" shank heat-treated forged ends
Jeep JL and JT specific tapered ends. No reaming required.
Anti-rotation bushings that limit tie rod roll, resulting in tighter steering, especially when used with hydro assist
1.75" diameter solid 7075 aluminum. 7075 is popular in off-road racing due to its "memory." If you hit the tie rod hard enough to make it flex, the bar will return to straight. The aluminum is CNC machined to exact tolerances. Just because you're not racing in King of the Hammers doesn't mean you can't run the same parts! We tested numerous diameters and tempers of aluminum to determine the optimal specifications. The aluminum sleeve is designed to flex BEFORE bending or breaking a forging or worse, a steering knuckle.
Wrench flats for easy installation
Lock washers to prevent jam nuts from loosening
Replaceable cartridge ends should one ever wear out

Rusty's Offroad $750 shipped

• Massive 1.825" 7075 Aluminum Drag Link and Tie Rod
• Large 1.25" threads on the tie rod ends
• Machined hexed ends for easy adjustment
• Zinc plated tie rod ends for protection and long life
• Polished to a "like Chrome finish"
• The strongest JK steering assembly you can buy
• Steering stabilizer bracket included
• FREE SHIPPING!! (Continental United States Only)

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[Jaxmax]

RPM, and Doetsch are 2 inch diameter, rustys almost two inches at 1.825" and Fusion is smallest at 1 and 3/4" diameter, most eveything is very close after that ,rusty's ends are Zinc plated to not rust, and has a stabilizer bracket, but doesn't mention anything about anti roll or anti roll bushings. I suspect they are all a vast improvement, and I like the idea that hitting something the 7075 aluminum bar will flex and bounce back and they all have that. RPM has a drag link flip option also and shows at $799 price now, other then Fusion they are all almost the same price. Tough call, myself I would love to get my hands on them to compare or really go over the websites to get a feel for quality......Jack

 

[Troybilt]

I am in the same boat. I posted a topic but it received little feedback. So far I am leaning towards the Doetsch kit because of the price.

 

[techteacher]

I am in the same boat. I posted a topic but it received little feedback. So far I am leaning towards the Doetsch kit because of the price.

A trusted Jeep shop told me Rusty's makes the ends for most of the aluminum kits you see out there. I think I am leaning that direction - their tube is a little smaller but I don't think I'd be giving up much strength.

If you watch install videos of each it does look like the ends are identical.

 

[Troybilt]

A trusted Jeep shop told me Rusty's makes the ends for most of the aluminum kits you see out there. I think I am leaning that direction - their tube is a little smaller but I don't think I'd be giving up much strength.

If you watch install videos of each it does look like the ends are identical.

Is the Rusty's a 2.5 ton joint? I could not find that on there site.

 

[techteacher]

Is the Rusty's a 2.5 ton joint? I could not find that on there site.

They all have 1.25" ends...I'm not sure what that makes it.

 

[Silvertruck]

I have been impressed with the build quality and performance of the RPM kit under load with 37s on and off road. Can’t bust it. Its also what my shop owner runs.

Check out my build thread for more pics and details.

 

[Speedy_12139]

I've been wondering this exact question myself! Looking forward to seeing more input

 

[ProperMotionPowderCoat]

I Also can’t decide

I’m at 4.5” lift in the front, so is RPM the best option because of their sleeve that flips the drag link ?

 

[FLUndertaker]

This is highly relevant to me as well. Consider this a tag.

 

[Geekjeep]

is the benefit just weight reduction?

 

[techteacher]

is the benefit just weight reduction?

I thought this demonstration was compelling.

 

[techteacher]

Finally pulled the trigger on the Rusty's Aluminum Steering Kit. At $750 shipped with all the steering stabilizer bracket pieces included - hard to beat. Strongly considered RPM and Doetsch - although Rusty's is a 1.8 inch tube vs a 2 - the TREs look identical and my hunch is commonly sourced. Price difference just didn't seem worth it.

Ordered Saturday and had shipping info first thing this morning.

 

[Rubiwoo]

Finally pulled the trigger on the Rusty's Aluminum Steering Kit. At $750 shipped with all the steering stabilizer bracket pieces included - hard to beat. Strongly considered RPM and Doetsch - although Rusty's is a 1.8 inch tube vs a 2 - the TREs look identical and my hunch is commonly sourced. Price difference just didn't seem worth it.

Ordered Saturday and had shipping info first thing this morning.

Leaning toward Rusty's as well. Watching thread as I also like to do things once.

 

[techteacher]

Just wrapped the install. The hardest part was getting the old stuff out...particularly the drag link at the pitman arm. Had to get the ball joint puller from harbor freight to pop it. (Same thing JL Life YouTube used in their room steering video)

After seeing in person the tie rod ends and looking at installs of the other aluminum kits on youtube, the ends are all the same. Same packaging, same labeling, same specs. That leaves the big difference between Rusty's and the others is a 1.8 vs 2 inch tube. Honestly, if I do something the 2 inch tube would withstand that the 1.8 wouldn't...that would be surprising. 1.8 is still beefy and saving a little real estate in a tight spot is worth it to me.

I didn't replace my steering to fix any steering issues...mine has been good since the TSB was done. I felt like the stock steering components were a weak point that needed addressing and destined to fail running big tires and lift. With that though, the steering is a little firmer and I know these things can take a beating.

One other note...don't forget to factor in the cost of the wrenches you need to take care of the Jam nuts...I didn't have anything in my toolbox big enough. Also if this is your first upgrade that needs grease...you will need a grease gun setup.

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