best tie rod / drag link

[El Barto]

After adding a 2.5" lift and 35" wheels I have a little play in the tie rod and the drag link. Which brand is the best upgrade for the OEM mopar parts? I have Terraflex part for suspension parts and track bar. Will Terraflex be better than OEM or is there something superior?

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[mbbq22]

I went with a MetalCloak tie rod, Drag link and steering stabilizer with a Steersmarts Yeti trackbar... I've had the trackbar for over a year and just installed the tie rod and drag link and I felt like they solidified my steering substantially.

 

[JTenn]

You're going to get 100 different answers and every one will say theirs is the best. Truth is any of the aftermarket stuff is better than the oem ones. They all seem very similar in build material so i dont think there's that much difference. Find one that fits in your budget and go with it.

 

[El Barto]

so, short, everything is better than the oem shit?

 

[JTenn]

I believe that will be the general consensus. I guess what I'm saying is I don't think there really is a "best one" out there. They're all good

 

[bleda2002]

I'm a big fan of the aluminum stuff with the beefy 2.5 ton tie rod ends both for strength, bend resistance, and also rust resistance. Rpm steering, Deutsch off road, Rusty's, artec, core 4x4, rock krawler, apex chassis, and a bunch more all offer what is essentially the same kit of a solid bar of aluminum and big old tie rod ends so take your pick.

 

[El Barto]

?????

 

[Captn_Obvious]

Steer Smarts all the way (for me) got their HD Pro aluminum tie rod and HD Yeti drag link. That really transformed the ride and steering response. Also put in a Falcon steering stabilizer and did their sector shaft brace and track bar support piece. Did that after getting the TSB done at dealer to replace the aluminum steering box w/ the newer steel one. Man, what a difference..

 

[hjdca]

You need to decide between aluminum and steel. I went with the RPM 2.5 inch Aluminum because it does not bend. I bounced off boulders with the Aluminum at the Rubicon trail and the steering wheel is still perfectly straight. Steel can bend when you bounce off a boulder. Note: The Apex joint ends on the RPM stuff is top notch, nice and stiff. I am running a 3.5" Clayton lift. For the best clearance and protection, RPM recommends that you mount the steering stablizer in this configuration below:

 

[Boostnu]

I went with Rpm on mine. Rpm or Apex would be a good choice for aluminum.

 

[JeepOfTheseus]

I believe that will be the general consensus. I guess what I'm saying is I don't think there really is a "best one" out there. They're all good

From my experience, Core 4x4 makes quality stuff (I’m planning to keep using their end links and control arms), but their tie rod and drag link (and track bar) gave me nothing but fitment headache. I was unable to find a way to prevent the steering stabilizer from rubbing on something, whether it was the drag link or track bar. I decided to switch to Apex (and Clayton track bars) because they actually offer the ability to mount the OEM stabilizer bracket to the tie rod. Full disclosure: their mounting holes are about 3/4” closer to driver so I had to “modify” the Fox bracket so it had enough length to fully compress.

Basically: YMMV, just be prepared for that.

 

[RodRecket]

After adding a 2.5" lift and 35" wheels I have a little play in the tie rod and the drag link. Which brand is the best upgrade for the OEM mopar parts? I have Terraflex part for suspension parts and track bar. Will Terraflex be better than OEM or is there something superior?

Like others have said just about anything will feel better when compared to a loosened up factory part but I'll share my experience.

My first JT I went with TF draglink and tierod based on a local shop recommendation. My initial opinion was very positive. The bars were stout and tightened up the steering. Ovetime there were a few small annoyances. First, the rubber cap that was meant to protect the grease zerk fitting kept falling out on the road. TF customer service sent out 8 of them to me for free to replace as needed. No ideal but not a big deal. Then a zerk fitting actually fell out, annoying as well. They also would interfere with other parts IUltimately on my current JT (my second) when I upgrade I will not be going with TF.

I was pretty set on synergy but have heard about fitment/squeaking issues with their track bar (requires grinding part of your bracket according to their instructions). I know your asking about DL/TR but figured I'd throw that out there.

I have decided what I want is something that is stout but doesn't require maintenance or modification. I talked to some reps at the vendor show in moab and was most impressed by apex. They are very well built and though should never be necessary, are rebuildable. They are also very expensive. It's a lot to look through and there are a lot of opinions. Best thing you can do is research and find what you want. I've decided I want maintenance free components (less to go wrong hopefully) that provide a better street drive than they do offroad articulation. I hit some pretty hard trails but I drive on the road everyday.

 

[Rusty PW]

Question on the aluminum parts. How does the finish hold up in the rust belt states?

 

[JTenn]

From my experience, Core 4x4 makes quality stuff (I’m planning to keep using their end links and control arms), but their tie rod and drag link (and track bar) gave me nothing but fitment headache. I was unable to find a way to prevent the steering stabilizer from rubbing on something, whether it was the drag link or track bar. I decided to switch to Apex (and Clayton track bars) because they actually offer the ability to mount the OEM stabilizer bracket to the tie rod. Full disclosure: their mounting holes are about 3/4” closer to driver so I had to “modify” the Fox bracket so it had enough length to fully compress.

Basically: YMMV, just be prepared for that.

I too am a big fan of core 4x4 hardware. I have front and rear track bars on both my JT's already and these were delivered this week. Thier stuff is seriously heavy built for sure! All the rest of my steering components are Rock Jock Currectlynk. There is zero interference with anything that I know of.

 

[JTenn]

I too am a big fan of core 4x4 hardware. I have front and rear track bars on both my JT's already and these were delivered this week. Thier stuff is seriously heavy built for sure! All the rest of my steering components are Rock Jock Currectlynk. There is zero interference with anything that I know of.

@ryanlsmith I wonder if Core 4x4 is not very well known by JT owners. You're the only other person I've ever seen make reference to them on this forum other than myself. Maybe they're just not as big a name as some of the others.

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