HD Steering Kit

To open a printable PDF version of this instruction CLICK HERE

Kit Includes:

• (1) Heavy Duty 44-1/2” Tie Rod
• (1) Heavy Duty 38-1/4” Drag Link
• (2) LH FJ80 Tie Rod End w/ Hardware
• (2) RH FJ80 Tie Rod End w/ Hardware
• (1) Steering Stabilizer Shock Absorber
• (1) Steering Stabilizer Mounting Plate
• (4) 5/16”-18 Nylock Nuts
• (4) 5/16” Flat Washers
• (2) 5/16”-18 U-Bolts

Tools Needed:

• Ratchet & Socket Set
• Tie Rod Separator (Pickle Fork)
• Open-End Wrench Set

Installation Notes:

1. Read all instructions completely and carefully before you begin.

2. Check to make sure the kit is complete and that no parts are missing. If anything is missing, please contact Trail-Gear at (559) 252-4950.

3. Park vehicle on a clean, dry, at, level surface and block the tires so the vehicle can not roll in either direction.

4. This kit is for off-road use only. The installation of this kit may adversely affect the on-road handling characteristics of your vehicle. It is recommended that the installation steps below be performed by a competent mechanic. Buyers and users of this product hereby expressly assume all risks associated with the installation and use of this kit.

Installation Instructions:

1. Remove the cotter pins and castle nuts from the Tie Rod Ends.

2. Unbolt & remove the stock steering stabilizer. Save the mounting hardware for reinstallation.

3. Remove the stock Tie Rod, Drag Link, & Tie Rod Ends from the vehicle. A Tie Rod Separator (Pickle Fork) may be needed to perform this step.

4. Install the new Tie Rod Ends and jam nuts into the new Tie Rod & Drag Link. The groove in the Tie Rod & Drag Link denotes the side with left-hand threads. Typically, there should only be 3-4 exposed threads on Tie Rod Ends. DO NOT expose more than ½ of the Tie Rod End threads as this can cause an unsafe driving condition.

5. Install the new Tie Rod & Drag Link onto the vehicle.

6. Install the castle nut & cotter pins onto the new Tie Rod Ends.

7. Straighten the steering wheel and set the toe-in to 1/8”. This is done by turning the Tie Rod with the jam nuts loose. Measure the widest part of the tire at the front and rear of the tire. Adjust the Tie Rod until the front is 1/8" narrower than the rear. Tighten the jam nuts on the Tie Rod and Drag Link.

8. Turn the wheels to the left. Using the mounting hardware removed in Step #2, install the body end of the steering stabilizer to the mounting location of the stock steering stabilizer.

9. With the steering stabilizer fully extended, attach the shaft of the shock to the mounting plate provided in the kit using the hardware removed in Step #2.

10. Attach the mounting plate to the Drag Link and secure with the U-bolts, washers, and Nylock nuts provided in the kit.

11. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock and verify that the steering bottoms out on the steering stops.

12. Periodically inspect all mounting hardware and tighten as necessary.