Jeep Wrangler JK Tie Rod and Drag Link Replacement

In this video, I replace the drag link and tie rod(s) in my 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara JK Unlimited 4 door.
You will need:
7mm Allen Wrench
21mm Open End Wrench
Tie rod joint separator
I used the following parts:
MOOG DS300043 Tie Rod End: amzn.to/3H1N8FT
MOOG ES3624 Drag Link: amzn.to/3B5Hgrk
MOOG DS300005 Tie Rod End: amzn.to/3B45n9A
MOOG ES800594 Tie Rod End: amzn.to/3UwgMpI
Or, you can buy the assembly as a complete unit here:
MOOG DS800982A Steering Linkage Assembly: amzn.to/3H66IRo

[@sludgetrudger]

Thank you very very much for the detailed video. I am about to do the exact same job on my 08 Wrangler. You have helped me a lot. Thumbs 👍

[@CliffsHowTo]

Glad it helped!

[@paulkaufman4901]

Tip for you on the tie rod joints - the little spindles are conical so they spin when they get loosened. Use your impact to completely remove the nuts before loosening the joint. Just spray a little oil on the threads, spin the nuts off, put them back on by hand and then Smack the steering knuckle. The joints will separate from the shock without causing damage. The separator tool is good for the attachment to the Pittman arm.

[@darrellyoung6708]

Wow a video thar the nuts don't just fall off. Glad you showed us how tough some of the nuts and bolts are to get off. Working on my 2011 Jeep JK and I swear almost every nut and bolt wants to fight me. But I do have a 21mm wrench!!

[@CliffsHowTo]

Yeah, I figured I’d show the struggle! People watch it and make stupid comments, but I feel that it’s important to show the obstacles I encounter!

[@JasonDiggs]

Is it possible to remove just the passenger-side tie rod end? Or is it crimped in place? Trying to find a video of its removal before I buy the part.

[@CliffsHowTo]

The passenger side is attached, and you cannot replace just the joint. I remove it in this video.

[@sAeth64]

Was the quality of the parts used good? I noticed the parts were all off Amazon

[@CliffsHowTo]

They are all moog components. Hood aftermarket quality, with greasable joints.

[@MichaelSmith-pf4eb]

how are the Moog parts holding up?

[@CliffsHowTo]

No issues so far!

[@escherlucier3660]

Would it be possible to just replace the seals

[@CliffsHowTo]

I don’t think so. It’s part of the joint.

[@shdw6662]

Just wanna add, if you already had a good alignment you shouldn’t really need to get an alignment again. All an alignment on a jeep is, is just adjusting the toe in and centering the steering wheel. Centering the steering wheel is easy enough and measuring the toe in doesn’t require that much work either. Saves you from paying for an expensive alignment.

[@paulkaufman4901]

Did you notice the axle seal is leaking?

[@CliffsHowTo]

I did. I did that exact seal not long after I bought the Jeep, and it started leaking about 5 months after I changed it. I used the special press in tool and everything. I just haven’t gotten around to doing the job again. It’s next on the list!

[@paulkaufman4901]

Make sure the axle surface where it contacts the seal is smooth and put a thin coat of grease on it. Also grease the seal rubber. That will prevent dry rubbing until the oil gets over to the seal.

[@CliffsHowTo]

@@paulkaufman4901 thanks for the advice! I did try to clean some of the crap off the axle shaft last time, but didn’t lube anything when installing. That may be the key to making sure it doesn’t leak again.

[@irosado-gr8fz]

Wow, next time just remove the nut completely then put the ball joint press and presto. The job will be a whole lot easier that way.

[@CliffsHowTo]

More risk of injury that way, but yes, that would have been faster!