I went below my JK looking for the reason of a clunk coming from the front passenger side of the jeep. Looking around i grabbed the tie rod and the drag link with my hands and i was able to move them easily with my hands (is like the can rotate, with limits, where they meet the "wheel")... is this OK?

Funny thing is, all i did was move them with my hands... (i did re-center my steering wheel too)... shake a couple of parts while shaking the jeep and/or moving the steering wheel... and the clunk is now Gone! don't know why, don't know how, but 2 days now and no more clunk coming from there. (Clunk was something like when i had my rear shock loose at the lower bolt... not talking about steering wheel clunk)

 

Its "normal" but the stock tie rod and drag link get very sloppy and suck. Upgrading to an aftermarket steering setup will fix these issues.

 

Sounds interesting! Can you orient me a little better where can i get this setup and what are good brands? (I am kinda ignorant in this subject)
Is this something that i can easily install? (like just bolt on)
I have no lift right now... and if/when i get a lift will not be taller than 3"... but that's not in a near future, just so you know and can point me in the best possible direction.

Will changing those parts affect the warranty?

Thank you!

 

All of your steering links (tie rod ends) are flexible ball design to ensure full rotation of the various parts during turns and bumps, etc. Grabbing the drag link and rotating it easily is totally NORMAL.

 

Has anyone replaced the tie rod ends with some like Moog ones?
Is the passengers side TRE a left handed thread?
I like that the Moog has grease fittings.

 

Currie makes beefier ones. Anything changed can void your warranty if the dealer feels like it.

 

I was having the same issue today, I can understand some play, but, should it be so sloppy that is sounds like rocks banging on the undercarraige?
Dan

 

As long as there is no vertical play at each rod end, it's OK.

 

I was worried about this too. So I started checking other Jeeps. They all seem to have some slop.

 

I've been trying to diagnose this clicking under my front end, and i noticed the play. it doesn't sound exactly like the noise I get when I go over bumps, but it is possible. can you get any type of firmer bushing for these, so that they dont clunk or is an upgrade, pretty much the only way to go?