Rusty's Over-the-Knuckle Steering Linkage

This Over-the-Knuckle (OTK) Steering Linkage is not a complete bolt-on steering system. Its installation requires professional mechanical and fabrication skills, including welding and grinding. For complete OTK steering systems: XJ Cherokee, MJ Comanche, ZJ Grand Cherokee: See Part # RS-SC300-XJZJ TJ Wrangler & LJ Unlimited: See Part # RS-SC300-TJ This is not a full steering system. It replaces the tie rod and drag link from Rusty's OTK Steering System or upgrades to an OTK setup. We recommend raising the track bar mounting point on the axle to align the track bar and drag link angles. Failure to do so may result in poor vehicle handling. For track bar upgrades: XJ Cherokee, MJ Comanche, ZJ Grand Cherokee: See Part # RC-TBOTK-UV TJ & LJ Wrangler: See Part # RC-TBOTK-TJ   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.  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, and track bar are constructed of 1.5" x 0.250-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" - 4.5" of lift. KEY FEATURES: Massive 1.5"x0.250-wall DOM tubing Raises the tie rod over 3.5 inches Reduces steering linkage angles PARTS INCLUDED: Tie-Rod (1.5"x0.250-wall DOM) Equipped with Off-Set Rod Ends for clearance Drag Link (1.5"x0.250-wall DOM) No need for bending the steering rods Grade 8 Mounting Hardware for Tie Rod and Drag Link Replacement Heim Rod End Package: Part # RS-SC300-PARTS (Fits: TJ,YJ,XJ Models)