Why is the tie rod in front of the axle?
The tie rod in front designs work on independent suspensions because they can position the tie rod to the rear and have the links bent forward to achieve the corrct geometry. I wince when I see Mustang II racks mounted in line with the steering arms. They should be mounted to the rear like Ford designed them.
Is the XJ / ZJ / WJ axle a bad axle?
Many people upgrade this axle with 30 spline axles and lockers. The upgrade many times is known as a SUPER 35 kit. The weak part of this axle is the axle tubes. Under extreme pressure they flex which results in broken axles or pinion failures. Lug Pattern: 5 on 4.5″ Notes: Stronger the earlier D30’s. Not a bad axle with 33″ or smaller tires.
Where does the tie rod go on a hot rod?
The principle states that for proper alignment, if you draw a line between the center of the rear axle and a king pin, the point where the tie rod attaches to the steering arm must lie on that same line, whether your tie rod is in front of or behind the axle. You will need to bend the ends of your steering arms outward until they lie on that line.
What’s the right lug pattern for an XJ axle?
Lug pattern: 6 on 5.5″ Notes: Right width for XJ or ZJ’s, can be converted for 5 on 5.5 or 8 on 6.5″ lug pattern, they are relatively cheap and easily found. Avoid the vacuum disconnect version.
What kind of axle does a ZJ / WJ have?
They came from 1/2 ton truck or HD vehicles (wagoneers, cherokee’s). They are a common upgrade for ZJ/XJ/WJ owners looking for a HD axle.
The principle states that for proper alignment, if you draw a line between the center of the rear axle and a king pin, the point where the tie rod attaches to the steering arm must lie on that same line, whether your tie rod is in front of or behind the axle. You will need to bend the ends of your steering arms outward until they lie on that line.
The tie rod in front designs work on independent suspensions because they can position the tie rod to the rear and have the links bent forward to achieve the corrct geometry. I wince when I see Mustang II racks mounted in line with the steering arms. They should be mounted to the rear like Ford designed them.
Lug pattern: 6 on 5.5″ Notes: Right width for XJ or ZJ’s, can be converted for 5 on 5.5 or 8 on 6.5″ lug pattern, they are relatively cheap and easily found. Avoid the vacuum disconnect version.