Rusty's XJ Tie-Rod Steering Conversion
Under Construction
After Bryan pretzeled his tie-rod and drag link--then his spares--in just two outings (yikes!), he changed to a Rusty's steering system. To avoid Bryan-like trail anxiety, I wanted a spare tie-rod and drag link, but why would I spend even a little money on a salvaged set when I could apply that money to a new, stronger system from Rusty's? Why indeed! I placed my order from Rusty himself just before Sierra Trek 2000. "One XY Tie-Rod Steering Conversion, please!"
Because Bryan's YJ, Project BRYJ... get it? is sporting the ProComp coil conversion, he had to stick with the stock steering design. My XJ doesn't have that limitation, so I am upgrading to the "Steering Conversion" which moves the tie-rod from below the steering mount to above it, raising the tie-rod and giving me more clearance in front.
The strength of the stock steering pieces is somewhere between a stale gummy worm and an al dente spaghetti noodle. In contrast, the Rusty's kit, though not nearly as tasty, is fabricated from 1" drawn-over-mandrel, or DOM, tubing. To paraphrase Douglas Adams, "This DOM tubing is as strong as... this DOM tubing." In English, that's four times stronger than stock. And unlike super-strong Chrome-moly pieces, if you hit the DOM hard enough to bend it, it can be un-bent. Rusty also touts his easy-to-find-even-in-remote-places conventional tie-rod ends.
Removing the old steering system
Remove the...
Installing the new Steering Conversion
Install the...
Man, did it take a long time to receive my Tie-Rod Steering Conversion set... about six weeks!
Rusty is glad to discuss your questions and make sure you're getting just what you need. In fact he's personally answered the phone every time I've called. (Don't send him an email, though. It will never get answered.)
