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wj steering

89jeepxjw

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Colorado
Yes I have searched but cant find any clear answers. A detailed write up would be ideal in my case. I want some feedback from people who actually run it. Was it worth the cost/labor? What rotors did you use to redrill? calipers?
 
I fit the Teeves (sp?) calipers under my Soft 8s (4" BS). Akebonos (sp?) are the newer ones and will definitely need trimming of the ribs on the backside.

I bought the JKS steering linkage setup, as well as JKS spacers. I don't think you can run the earlier style hubs, I had to run 00-01 hubs along with Sport Trac rotors. I also had to space out the rotor (a washer on each wheel stud behind the rotor) so maybe you can get away with it? I'm not 100% sure.

Get new WJ balljoints. One of them is the same as an XJ(I forget which, upper or lower) and the other is different. Either way you MIGHT be able to get away without doing an OTA track bar. My buddy reelbigdundy87 runs the WJ setup as well on his XJ, but his is UTK and runs an Iron Rock trac bar in the factory axle mount. The angles aren't ideal but he's good until he goes OTK and OTA track bar. JKS also makes a build-it-yourself trac bar that you can cut to length and weld on the fixed end (what I used).

JKS Steering Linkages w/ 2 pairs of jam nuts - $210 before shipping
http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/me..._Code=FABParts

JKS Knuckle Spacers - $42 before shipping
http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/me..._Code=FABParts

JKS OTA Trac bar mount (works on factory mounts, remove stabilizer mount I believe) - $53 before shipping
http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/me..._Code=FABParts

JKS Build-it-yourself Adj Trac Bar Kit - $191 before shipping
http://store.jksmfg.com/merchant2/me..._Code=FABParts

As for reviews? I also just put on the C-Rok brace and the RE trac-bar brace this past weekend and my jeep handles and stops like a DREAM (for a lifted jeep :D). The whole setup is pretty costly, but if you need new steering, a new trac bar, and want to upgrade it's DEFINITELY worth it. I have absolutely 0 problems stopping with 33s, and I don't anticipate having an issue with 35s. I also swapped to explorer rear discs and that made for even better braking performance.

Oh, and I can use factory WJ TREs if I wear them out, as well as all other factory components for brakes. Still easy to swap shafts if I have to, and much better than the stock setup I had before.
 
Yes I have searched but cant find any clear answers. A detailed write up would be ideal in my case. I want some feedback from people who actually run it. Was it worth the cost/labor? What rotors did you use to redrill? calipers?

Clear answers and a write up from Socal's own jeep god, MJR, circa 2003:

http://www.4x4wire.com/jeep/tech/brakes/xj_wjbrakes03/

Worth the cost? Yes, if you like to stop, have beefier steering, going over the knuckle and correcting geometry issues cause by lifting by going over the axle with your trackbar.

Rotors and calipers? Late model WJ, of course. ;)

Search on this site, there is tons of info, tons of reviews and tons of opinions.
 
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