projectXJ: Affordable steering upgrade and trackbar, step-by-step (ZJ+TJ=XJ), 97-01 Jeep Cherokee

Today on Workshop Quick Takes (wqt): OE steering components are fine for general use, but what happens if your offroad adventures are pushing the limits of the stock kit? Is there an alternative to spending $1000-plus at the local 4x4 shop?

Join us in our 2000 Jeep Cherokee XJ as we demonstrate the basics of replacing the stock XJ steering linkage with a popular ZJ/TJ hybrid assembly, and then replace a worn-out track bar to complete the job.

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Related Episodes:
"Easy Front End Maintenance"    • projectXJ: Easy front suspension maintenan...  
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Reddit Thread on XJ Steering options:
  / the_official_unofficial_guide_to_upgrading...  
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Parts list:
-- Moog DS-1430 (x1, steering drag link)
-- Moog DS-1312 (x1, long tie rod / end link)
-- Moog ES3096L (x2, stubby tie rod end links)
-- Moog ES-2079S (x2, adjusting sleeves)
-- or equal components sometimes sold as a kit:
RT-21005 (with damper strut), RT-21004 (without)
-- Moog DS-1235 (x1, track bar)
-- Replacement pin bolt: 3/8" dia x 16T x 3"L, SAE Grade 8
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All trademarks used in this production are and remain the property of their respective owners. All original content © 2019-2024 by Aaron Vienot, dba aaronv.net & avey productions. Published on YouTube under the standard YouTube license.

"Funny Song" courtesy of Bensound.com.

"Gaiety in the Golden Age" by Aaron Kenny, "Spy Funk" by Qunicas Moreina, "Fingerprint" by the Mini Vandals, "Choose Your Path" by the Jingle Punks, "Fused" by RKVC, and "Running Errands" by Track Tribe courtesy of the YouTube Audio Library.

Additional sound effects courtesy of Freesound.org.

This production may contain tips, tricks, and techniques that are unsafe for your application or flat out illegal to replicate in your country of residence. Use this information at your own risk.

Chapter List:

00:00 Introduction
01:11 St.1- Inspect the Goods
03:13 St.2- Front Wheel Removal
04:28 St.3- Steering Linkage Removal
07:48 St.4- New Linkage Build-Out
11:31 St.5- Steering Re-installation
17:02 St.6- Clearance Testing
17:43 St.7- Track Bar Replacement
24:24 Closing Comments