THIS SYSTEM IS NOT A BOLT-ON STEERING SYSTEM AND INSTALLATION REQUIRES PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL AND FABRICATION SKILLS. WELDING AND GRINDING IS REQUIRED.
With Jeeps getting larger, tires getting bigger, and rocks getting more extreme, the factory steering system just doesn't cut it anymore. Rusty's now offers a heavy-duty over-the-knuckle steering system that raises the tie rod over 3-1/2" and replaces all of the thin factory linkage with heavy-duty components designed to survive extreme trail use. However, raising the steering over the knuckles is not as simple as just bolting everything on top! There are many other things to consider in order to get the job done right, and Rusty's OTK system addresses them all with one complete package.
The Rusty's OTK Steering System consists of a tie rod with off-set rod ends, drag link, adjustable track bar, track bar frame mount, a weld-on track bar axle mount, stabilizer mount, and all the hardware. That's right, all of these components are required in order to get the job done safely and properly! Keeping the track bar and the drag link parallel is a must or you could have something that drives worse.
There are other kits on the market that use bent tubing, even .250 wall DOM. But once bent it is easier to bend this tubing on a rock or stump. Don't trust this type of "backyard" fab work. Forged Off Set rod ends that are forged this way are strong! Never trust a bent piece of tubing like you would something straight. Trust over 40 years of manufacturing and in the Jeep business, you will get the right parts needed.
The tie rod, drag link, are constructed using 1.5" solid 7075 T6 aluminum bar and track bar are constructed of 1.25"x 0.188-wall DOM tubing. We use the highest-quality 3/4" rod ends with 5/8" diameter mounting holes. 3/4 Off Set Rod Ends are used on the tie rod for the extra clearance needed, while the drag link uses an offset at the axle and a conventional rod end at the pitman arm. The rod ends that we use are stronger than tie-rod ends and should last as long as tie-rod ends, even on daily driven vehicles. Score, BITD, SCCA, and just about every type of race vehicle use rod ends at all steering pivot points. Only Grade 8 hardware is included along with machined misalignment spacers that prevent rod end failure from over-articulation. All bolt-on parts have a durable black powder coated finish, while weld-on parts are raw steel.
Note that 15" stock wheels and 15" aftermarket wheels with factory backspacing will not work with this system! All 15" wheels must have a maximum 4.5" backspacing; remember the higher the number for backspacing is not good, you can run 4.5, 4, 3.75, or 3.5, the factory 5.25" backspacing will not work. Anything set the tire in deeper will interfere with the steering. All 16", 17" or larger aftermarket wheels will not interfere.
Vehicles must have a MINIMUM of 4 inches of lift.
KEY FEATURES:
- Steering constructed from massive 1.5" 7075 T6 Aluminum
- Raises the tie rod over 3.5 inches
- Reduces steering linkage angles
PARTS INCLUDED:
- Tie-Rod (1.5" 7075 T6 Solid Aluminum) Equipped with Off-Set Rod Ends for clearance
- Drag Link (1.5" 7075 T6 Solid Aluminum) No need for bending the steering rods
- Track Bar(1.25"x0.188-wall DOM)
- Track Bar Axle Relocation Bracket (weld-on)
- Heavy Duty Track Bar Frame Mount
- Sway Bar Mounts (cut off old, weld in new)
- Steering Stabilizer Brackets
- All Hardware
Replacement Heim Rod End Package:
Part # RS-SC300-PARTS (Fits: TJ,YJ,XJ Models)
