"Y" Link Steering Upgrade - RuffStuff Specialties

In this video I'll show you the route we took to install over the knuckle (OTK) steering on my Jeep Cherokee making no modifications to the axle components using RuffStuff's "Y" link steering kit and GM 1 ton tie rod ends!
RuffStuff "Y" Link Kit: www.ruffstuffsp...
Pitman Arm Removal: • How-To Remove a Pitman...
DIY Alignment: • How to do an Alignment
Website: www.bleepinjeep...
FaceBook: / bleepinjeep
This product is meant for entertainment purposes only. Your mileage may vary. Do not try this at home. Void where prohibited. Some assembly required. For off-road use only. Slippery when wet. Batteries not included. Do not use while operating a motor vehicle, heavy equipment, cherokee XJ, wrangler TJ, wrangler JK, or any Jeep vehicle, especially the newer Fiat ones. How-to videos may be too intense for some viewers and children under 30 years of age. Please remain seated until the 4x4 ride has come to a complete stop. Studies have shown viewing these videos causes increased cancer risks in laboratory test people. I am not a professional, I have no training, I'm not even particularly good at horse whispering. Don't believe everything that you know. Please keep your hands in the vehicle at all times. Do not tap on glass. Do not eat anything that has been on the floor for more than 3 days. Keep your hands to yourself. Not to be taken internally. Reproduction strictly prohibited. Driver does not carry cash. Objects in Bleepinjeep mirrors may be farther than they appear.
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[@FireEater]

You restored my faith in the youth of America I don’t think kids nowadays knew how to do anything good job thanks 👍🏻

[@Katarinarabbit]

You’re wrong!

[@CarlosRios1]

Cause y'all didn't teach us so we had to figure it out for ourselves

[@zachzimmer6922]

Im a proud zoomer and absolutely have done more custom automotive work then you ever will. Self taught.

[@TPAK-tb6gr]

What Mike Blake said.

[@Katarinarabbit]

Carlos Rios and fucked up the earth now I gotta work on my 96xj in the heat all the time😂

[@JeepITguy]

Great video, except I STRONGLY caution against cooling the hot weld down with water. Let it sit and air cool. This is a critical joint, go have a glass of tea or do something else. Do not ruin the weld by flash cooling.

[@andypastore3299]

Very impressed with how detailed you explained each step you took. Excellent tutorial young man. Keep up the good work. Wish I had a shop set up like yours. lol

[@SouthMainAuto]

Job turned out great! Looks like you have a pretty sweet set up there!

[@micahmichael4691]

i guess Im asking the wrong place but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account? I stupidly forgot the password. I would love any tricks you can give me!

[@gradygavin9917]

@Micah Michael instablaster :)

[@micahmichael4691]

@Grady Gavin thanks so much for your reply. I got to the site thru google and im waiting for the hacking stuff atm. I see it takes a while so I will get back to you later with my results.

[@micahmichael4691]

@Grady Gavin it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy! Thanks so much you saved my ass !

[@gradygavin9917]

@Micah Michael no problem xD

[@arturoguerra1249]

I feel you guys are so knowledgeable I give you guys the upmost respect you guys explain it real good step-by-step I'm going to try this on my Jeep myself also

[@thamerendyck1795]

I recommend when you mock up everything with tacks take out the springs and jack up the diff to the bumps top and steer lock to lock to make sure the drag link doesn't contact anything

[@benwils0n]

Awesome video. So much effort and skill! Truck is looking good

[@hellcat1988]

I ended up taking my steering box and pump out of the truck and cutting the pitman arm with a dremel to get it off for my dakota.

[@bemyers123]

This is an awesome idea that I'm going to barrow! That set-up really looks tough. Thanks again.

[@85cj74cyl]

I know this is an old video but I am glad that you have it. I am about to do the same thing to my "stock" XJ

[@jdsilvaca]

Good news, RuffStuff sells this kit complete, with the bends.

[@wvjeepguy8178]

Could you please link the vendor that you got the reamer from? I went ahead and ordered this steering kit, then went to ebay to get the reamer and can't find one for less than $50-$60.

[@jesselyons2002]

thanks for the info on how to adjust toe. A guy came in today and I looked at it and was wonder if I had to remove the ball joint parts. Thanks for the info.

[@jeremy8715]

Is it possible to have a straight tie rod if you relocate the sway bar axle mounts?

[@DBNEBMUSICGROUP]

Where can i get some one experienced enough to install this? Looks great and sturdy! If possible ... in NYC!

[@priyankarachandrasena1294]

Hey Tim, I am from Toronto ,we got a shop here and just started doing a project on 2000 cherokee. we have done the otk steering system following your info. everything went good. Just wanted to know we did the wj conversion to the front knuckle, akebono caliper and big rotors . is it going to be a problem for doing the adjustment? and with your knowledge, can you tell me if we can go with the 20x9 alloys with 33x12.50 10'' tires. neg, offset.

[@7storm776]

Very well explained young man....

[@saranpaafamily]

Awesome video. 7018 DC arc weld would be more appropriate for the weld in bugs.

[@woomdawg]

I used a similar kit from ruff stuff and was surprised I bent both the drag link and tie rod.

[@fiveninegarage]

Wj knuckle swap is a better way to go imo

[@rachelbowen2353]

Is that a swimming noodle i saw tucked in the passenger wheel well? Good cheap idea to keep all that mud and junk out.

[@headlesnorseman701]

the way ive always gotten those pitman arms off... tension the pitman arm puller nice and tight, and run a 5-10 sec bead of weld around the pitman arm lol. it seems to be the only thing that will get it hot enough. one time i did this and the pitman arm fell off without even touching it

[@motownXJdad9565]

i miss Tim and his Green Machine 2 door on the channel, hope he is doing well👍

[@jeremy8715]

Hows the highway handling after this upgrade??

[@aaleexsaalaazaar]

now your steering is thicker than that Dana 30 lol loving the way your XJ is turning :D

[@hectorsandoval6817]

Felicitaciones! Bien técnico!!

[@itsheff3929]

What’s the reason for the welding? Just a piece of mind so you know it won’t come loose? Bc once together it can’t screw out?

[@chadashton7029]

Is clearance the only benefit of going over instead of under? If I don't need the clearance, is under still a good upgrade to do for my stock steering? I don't have the tools to do the custom bending and mods that are needed to get above.

[@maverickslayervids9749]

Thanks for showing me how to install this Francis.

[@johnpenner1318]

Are you using the Factory pitman arm or a drop?

[@MileytheJeepV2]

Im wanting to do something with my front end.. Pretty new to this but im not enjoying having a wobble once i hit 65

[@miketatum5717]

wanting to know what size or tapered reamer you used on drilling out the pitman arm and why did you choose to ream it to size vs useing the tapered inserts

[@smileycamel5635]

Nice job!

[@Pabkojdim]

Is it possible to put a straight bar in without taking off the tires?

[@SBAkita4820]

Well done, nice job guys.

[@doruksimsek3636]

Thanks for the vid. Does this sytem decrease the pressure on steering box? Because my steering box on ZJ keeps breaking down with 33''s, I wonder if this Y link steering upgrade helps or not.

[@badgerpa9]

You obviously know what you are doing, say it with more confidence. Excellent video nice job, do you want to do mine for me? I am old and do not fit in places I used to, or at least if I am going to get myself back out I do not fit.

[@kylewolanski8665]

Awesome video man!

[@WJ4x4OR]

awesome work guys

[@vonguido1]

Love the videos you put up Tim. Any chance of seeing you make anymore wheeling videos out there in the beautiful Oregon woods?

[@bleepinjeep]

+vonguido1 You bet! Might be more back woods cruising than "wheelin" but I'd like to share some of the cool roads and awesome places around here.

[@vonguido1]

+BleepinJeep Tim check out "budnixon" channel he used to live in Oregon, he had a LJ. He posted a lot of videos out wheeling in the Oregon woods.

[@adamshartley]

Good video man no bs thanks

[@cc5341]

O yea like everyone has a hydraulic tube bender sitting in their garage.

[@INCC74656I]

i called around to some exaust shops and was quoted two packs of doughnuts to bend this pipe, i plan to take on this build in a couple weeks

[@MrMrsregor]

not everyone has a garage but we still make due if you can be creative and work i think this kit will NOT have to be bent if you install under the knuckle instead...

[@lesdavenport6649]

Snowflake.

[@Katarinarabbit]

Les Davenport you dumbass😂

[@airic2897]

Well if you watched to the end you know its not his garage lol

[@bgrey55]

Heyy can you help me oit I'm am looking fir shocks that will do well in NY bad streets. I notcie you have a reserver builsten shocks. Are they good for daily driving amd really bumpy roads. I have the regular builsten shock with out the receiver. They are fine on smooth roads but are really bad when it get a bumpy. Are the onea with the reserver better on the regular roads?

[@BB3557]

In the Cure video, it looks like the tire might contact the TRE on the drag link, when it is full over. Is that the case?

[@brandonc.9244]

Upgrading to WJ knuckles is a better steering and braking upgrade, but comes with the downside of not being able to fit 15” wheels. So if you don’t want to buy new wheels or big spacers so the calipers will fit, this upgrade is a great alternative

[@jeeplj6669]

Hey Tim I have a 2001 cherokee and would like to start working on it I have factory size BF mid terrain but I was looking at your white cherokee what size are those they seem pretty wide

[@kcermit1]

Hi guys, thanks for the great vid. I am going to do this 2 my 98 dodge cummins. Two questions: Where did you find the $1 bit? Are the tie rod ends actual OEM?

[@esti5506]

I installed this kit today. But my steering wheel doesnt center after a turn. Everytime i put the tires straight the steering wheel is in a different position. And when i turn the steering wheel i hear 1 single “pop” sound. All castle nuts are tight, all jam nuts are tight. No idea what could be the issue.

[@coltons9522]

What do you guys think about synergy manufacturing XJ heavy duty steering kit. 100% bolt on replacement. Can you guys do a review video on this product? I'm not super excited about JCR's quality on this kit.

[@Douglasssmoore74]

Great video, how did you address the tierod roll?

[@jaybourbon8608]

Make a video on installing a pool noodle in the fender well

[@austincox7465]

Turns out doing it under the knuckle you run Into similar problems. I have this kit for my 94 cherokee and the tie rod is hitting the track bar bolt as well as the diff cover

[@GoldStarTech]

Nic video! im going to be doing this same steering kit soon. still debating between heims or tie rod ends though. So what are you now going to do with the track bar?

[@HardEarnedBacon]

Any bump steer or tie rod roll? Any plans to move the track bar bracket on the axle up?

[@bleepinjeep]

biggn235 There was some tie rod roll but we made minor modifications after filming to address that. I'll touch on the topic when I shoot the stabilizer vid. Thanks! - Tim

[@SamSam-ke9zy]

I see this with nearly all the steering upgrade videos and products, no one is concerned about or knows what bump steer is. I have a 98 ZJ as a daily driver and I am stuck unable to pick a set up because my concern is getting stuck with a set that causes bump steer for years to come. The fact that Im also sick of dust boots cracking on tie rods doesn't help.

[@fogstain]

@@bleepinjeep where is that video?

[@traea.doornek4363]

Plan on using this same set up... "otk"... on my 98 XJ. Couple questions for ya. 1. Did you have to cut sway bar links off? 2. Will the stock pitman arm work? If not what is the drop measurement on the aftermarket product. 3. Can I run my stock track bar?

[@JeepITguy]

+Trae A. Doornek - did you actually watch the video?

[@miguelreyes3274]

question would the tierod ends fit the B Lee's Offroad 1ton steering system... not the straight bar that requires one to cut the Sway bar mounts but the one that is angled around them.

[@alanwarner684]

That was an excellent video!!

[@jacklarsen3624]

With this setup did you experience any bump steer?

[@ericfaley9019]

what about bump steer. I had to raise my trackbar when I did otk on my 87. I also has tie rod roll. I had to make plastic spacers for the tie rod ends to stop it.

[@travismcvey]

Have you flexed the suspension out since installation? I'm concerned that the clearance bend on the drag link isn't enough and will contact the tie rod during suspension flex. Maybe I'm wrong, but doesn't the axle push forward on compression? That would cause your clearance to come closer and possibly contact and limit your steering to the right.

[@MoonyJohn]

Where in Oregon are you? It would be nice to have an extra hand doing this to my WJ. Looking at the parts to order pretty soon

[@dylan.helton01]

Wat size tires rims and lift u running buddy?

[@Tuner9069]

What degree is the bends in the tie rod? What are the specs on the tie rod after all mods?

[@ronnie955i]

i saw where you broke this steering set up, do still have the same opinion of it?:

[@shilopreslar6946]

I bought and installed a HD steering upgrade for my 1999 jeep Cherokee and after installation of the tie rod I tried to rotate the tie rod left to right and it's stiff and is really hard to push all the way to the right

[@me53317]

I'm glad I found this video, but I'm gonna diy a kit to make it a little cheaper. I'll still get the bungs from rough stuff.

[@dufty08]

As if you removed the pitman arm with a wrench by hand! I had to use a breaker bar with a 10ft snipe, after letting it soak in liquid wrench for 2 days!

[@JohnnyJ50f]

Did you get any bumpsteer, since the track bar is still at the stock angle?? How's the tie-rod roll? Bad, Okay, None? Do tell... like the work, and great explanation(s). How many times have we (DIY fabricators) spun our hand on the end of a newly cut tube to lacerate our overly soft palmolive skin?! haha... sucks. And... as Nick mentioned, any advantage to Inverted-T over Inverted-Y... or reasoning as to why you did it this way (other then it's how ruffstuff intended - yet they call it Y-Link as well)

[@josephblakemore6084]

Any videos on the relocation of the sway bar link ends.

[@mrkultra1655]

Thanks

[@roncook8566]

This is not Y link. The factory setup is Y link. This is T link

[@meaghanwilson8728]

If i were to do this kit and install it OTK, could i get away with not bending the tubing if i cut the sway bar links off? My jeep is slowly creeping to dedicated trail rig so im not worried about having the sway bar links for on road driving. Thanks

[@meaghanwilson8728]

lol just noticed my fiance was logged in as soon as i submitted my comment. lol

[@jdsilvaca]

Meaghan Wilson yes, it will hit. Need to bend it to clear, or find offset TRE's

[@tekk688]

Learn alot thanks

[@NickInTimeFilms]

So I noticed this advertised as a Y-Link kit. I hate to be that guy, but this is just an Inverted-T like every other 1-ton kit out there (Tie Rod goes from knuckle to knuckle = Inverted-T / except for crossover steering.) You could have made it a true Y-Link by welding the Passenger Side Outer Tie Rod bung to the Drag Link and then connecting the Passenger Inner Tie Rod to the Outer Tie Rod hole. You did a beautiful job building it yourself, but I'd hate to see the ever so popular Tie Rod Roll sneak up on you. This is the only thing holding me back from any kind of 1-ton setup.

[@bleepinjeep]

NickInTimeFilms Stay tuned for a follow up vid focusing on the steering stabilizer. I'll touch on tie rod roll and some measures we took to address it in that video. Thanks - Tim

[@choking0smurf]

+BleepinJeep when or where is the link for the how to on the steering stabilizer for this set up. Im about to do mine

[@TheSoonToBeTrucker]

+BleepinJeep you shouldn't have quenched the weld in water, you should have let it air cool. Since you quenched it could Monday snap because its brittle.

[@lordaleksandre]

mild steel

[@jaymartin5434]

I don't car for the sleave method. Looks like the sleave is going to move in the spindle, causing wear.

[@pathutt9122]

Hey I have the same diff covers as you. I bought them a while ago.... did you paint yours or did you put clear coat on them? I sprayed mine with clear coat cuz I want the raw steel look but it's rusting a little bit :(

[@bleepinjeep]

Patrick Huttner I clear coated mine too... They look too good to paint! haha - Tim

[@pathutt9122]

+BleepinJeep did you just rattle can them or automotive clear coat? mine are discolored and rusting a tad

[@allennewman632]

how about some final measurements and bend degrees

[@jaybourbon8608]

Hey did you ever do this? Looking for the same info.

[@ARC928]

Where did you get the reamer from?

[@jdsilvaca]

Did you tack weld your inserts in the knuckles?

[@mmiller1188]

I couldn't keep the factory setup aligned ever. I never had bigger than 31x9 tires on it, either. I can't imagine how bad it would have chewed up those bigger tires

[@CoBrAChiCKeN948]

Great video but I'm curious why you didn't go with offset tre's for the tie rod. You wouldn't have to bend it and it would make alignments so much easier

[@jeremysyrop4552]

The issue is that nobody seems to make an offset Y link TRE... If you see one let me know because I need it!

[@KINGJB3100]

Did you end up needing to adjust the trac bar angle any to make it parallel with your drag link?

[@bleepinjeep]

+KINGJB3100 No, didn't need too but it could be moved closer to parallel. The Jeep handles fine with very very minor bump steer, hardly noticeable the way the geometry is set up as seen in the vid. I figure why mess with it... Good observation!

[@jeremy8715]

Is that the HP Dana 30? I have the LP Dana 30

[@davidjeep6543]

ok what happen to the fuff stuff video with the track bar frame brace

[@jaymartin5434]

And you should hit pitman arm puller bolt not arm which is attached to steering box.. on most gm trucks it's impossible to get a puller on . I usually use an phenumatic cut off tool . And cut pitman arm off steering shalft ..

[@brokenlegz]

How big are those tyres!?

[@zomblake]

It's a good idea to leave the bolt threaded in the nut when welding a nut to something. Just protect the threads with tape or anti spatter spray or even grease. That way the nut won't shrink.

[@Razorfish]

How much does a solar-lite warehouse/workshop like that cost? Is it as durable as a traditional structure?

[@chloeharris5365]

Razorfish in

[@760boxinglife]

I’m new to jeeps I just bought my 1st one.. what’s the difference between over the knuckle or under?

[@seanmuehlhauser9612]

Clearance and better drag link angle for over knuckle.

[@spaight711]

I’d regain the fine adjustability by adding 2 bungs and a piece of two-way threaded rod (with jam nuts, of course) in between the bends. A DIY turnbuckle, really...

[@mmadrid295]

do you have ream or drill out the hole on passenger side tie rod end

[@jdsilvaca]

Yes

[@gaylaalls6058]

What will happen if I put chf 11s power steering fluid in

[@pagelcm0]

arent you supposed to drill holes in the stock half way in the weld in and weld it there too?

[@allenmckinney9533]

Corinthian Pagel plug welds. It's one of those things that is a good idea but not required.

[@godsgifttogamble]

Just to be clear you did not need a sleeve for the pit arm?

[@jdsilvaca]

Godsgifttogamble he reamed the pitman, no sleeve

[@nxfreak95]

How big of a lift are you running and what tire size?

[@bleepinjeep]

nxfreak95 Roughly 4.5" up front and 6" rear. 35x12.50R15s

[@UnlceAlex214]

he'll how much y'all charge to make them for a 01 wrangler

[@pearldrmmr4]

Ruff stuff put out a recall on the Y steering adapters....call them!!

[@TypicalGuy84]

Lol sharpen that knife. You said it as I was thinking it. Great video

[@ericfaley9019]

I've seen several questions on bump steer but they have not answered.. Hum

[@mrtropical8319]

what is parts number you used tie rod?