Steering parts upgrade

[Wheelin98TJ]

Oh hmm new to the jeep scene, did not know that. The RPM kit actually looks very similar to the Rustys kit. rod ends look exactly the same.

I'm not familiar with the RPM kit. I'll have to check it out.

I suggested Currie (RockJock) because they are known for having awesome steering setups. You can't really go wrong with anything Currie/RockJock.

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[hjdca]

You know, I didn't think about the ends being reverse threaded...I loosened the adjustment jam nut, removed the axle end and rotated the drag link to adjust it. This required multiple attempts to get it correct and I still didn't get it perfect. I need to check to see if the ends are reverse threaded.

The RPMSteering stuff have reverse threaded ends on the side that has the notches on the aluminum bar. All you need to do to adjust the length is to loosen both jam nuts and rotate the aluminum bar --- this will lengthen or shorten the whole assembly while it is already installed.

 

[bridluz]

I'm looking at RPM as well. I am wondering if anyone has tried Synergy's Front Track Bar Relocation Bracket???? I have an adjustable track bar but they "claim" their bracket changes or flattens the geometry making it steer better and better suspension travel.

 

[hjdca]

I just ordered the RPMSteering 2.5 ton Aluminum Steering set. The tie rod and drag link with the Falcon steering dampener clamp. They seem to have pretty fast turn around right now. There is an active, big discount promo code right now, search google for "RPMSteering Promo code". It should come right up. I will update when I complete the installation.

I received very quickly the RPM Steering 2.5 ton drag link, tie rod, Falcon Steering Dampener bracket, and Synergy steering dampener relocation bolt - puts steering dampener on the track bar bolt.
The RPM steering kit is very high quality. All ends screw in easily and the passenger side joints have been updated from the old videos you see to be "anti-flop". So, there is no changing of boots and adding anti-flop bushings anymore. Tightening up the locking screws is easy. You start on the passenger side, which has the anti-flop, and finish on the drivers side.

I installed the drag link first, and used a power hammer with a stepped fork to separate the old drag link. Then, I adjusted the drag link such that the steering was perfectly straight on the fwy.

Then, I strapped very tightly straight 2x4s to the tires and measured front and back. I got 1/16" toe in. Then, I carefully removed the tires without disturbing the wood and just moved them away from the rotors. I removed the old tie rod nuts and the tie rod slipped right out. I removed the Falcon steering dampener and changed the mounts. I had to heat up the Falcon bracket with a torch to get the bolt off. I also added the synergy track bolt mount for the steering dampener.
I measured the old tie rod length and adjusted the RPM tie rod to the same length.
I installed the tie rod, mounted the tires, and the toe in was way off. The tires were way "toe out". It was easy to tell because the steering wheel was now way off. I measured again the toe in with the wood 4x4s and I had to shorten the tie rod considerably to get the 1/16" toe in again. Once I fixed that, the steering wheel was straight again. So, the lesson is, do not rely on measuring the old tie rod for the toe in, that will not work. I also recommend that you do the drag link first (no need to take off the tires) and fixt the steering wheel such that it is perfectly straight on the fwy. This will greatly help you understand where you are with toe-in when you do the tie rod.
It really is a great high quality kit. The bars are impressive and the ends have been updated to be black and square and say APEX Chassis on them. Here are the installation pics.

 

[carwash]

Just ordered the RPM kit and Fox ATS stabilizer. Why not have the largest links possible lol... overkill and I love it.

 

[bleda2002]

Just ordered the RPM kit and Fox ATS stabilizer. Why not have the largest links possible lol... overkill and I love it.

I installed this exact setup this past weekend including the ATS. I dont know if its the components, or the 1/16th toe that i set myself, but it drives significantly tigher than with the mopar stuff. I used to have a fairly light/lively steering wheel but after this stuff it really took a lot of the extra movements out.

Make sure you get a pickle fork for the drag link mine was crazy tight in there. Also they mention an 18 inch adjustable wrench but the harbor freight 15" actually fit on mine at least andwas an easier time with 2 of those over a 15 and an 18.

 

[kgc]

Apex Chassis makes the TRE's that come with the RPM kit, and they also sell their own kits. Apex offers anodized black aluminum and steel options too. I went with Steel because I didn't want polished and they are less expensive. Both Apex and RPM are great companies with great customer service.

 

[RockinRobin]

RPM Steering is better than all of them. My tie rod gets here Wednesday, will do the drag link soon.

 

[Rubi-Zero]

Along with RPM, there is also Doetsch Off Road’s 2” aluminum tie rod and drag link kit.
https://doetschoffroad.com/products...5-aluminum-tie-rod-and-drag-link-steering-kit

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