Why we moved away from Synergy Steering on Our Jeep JL

We recently changed out our steering from Synergy to RPM. We have gotten a bit of questions as to why. We focus this video on addressing those questions and explaining our decisions. I have nothing negative to say about it, but for see problems in the future. Im not telling you you wasted your money, nor am I saying not to buy it. TO each their own, Im just explaining our thought process. enjoy!

[@scottm6125]

The thing I like about your channel is that you 2 are just normal average people that are brutally honest about the products you use. I trust what you have to say about the stuff you use. Keep it up, you 2 are great!

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Thanks Scott, the nice thing about YT being a hobby and not a career/ job. Love ya man! And thank you for the support! It’s the supported like you why we keeping making these!

[@hatenlebron]

Good info. I went through a full review of options and will be installing the Doetsch Offroad 2.5 ton set up next week.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Glad it was helpful! and best of luck installing the Doetsch!

[@joshualuk]

Really nice to see both of you. I missed you guys. Bill

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Sorry buddy, im not going to lie, we have had some big changes in our lives and been kinda focused on it. PLUS this crap weather. content will slow down for a bit, but we will still be putting stuff out! I just ask you hang with us ;)

[@ScareCrow1562]

Definitely need to keep all this in mind when I plan to change our steering. Unfortunately we don't go crazy like you do and ours is mostly a pavement princess for the most part. But when the time comes Definitely keep this in mind.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Plenty of choices out there to change to when you get there! Thanks for watching!!

[@ProjectXJ]

My one ton steering is much stronger but has its problems. Tie rod roll and dailing in the alignment. Then the inserts wallowed out the knuckles and i had to get new ones. I made sure to ream the new knuckles, no inserts.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

There is nothing that is perfect. Just things that work a little better. Reid has finally come out with knuckles for the JL, Im thinking about getting them. But glad to hear you got it fixed up better.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

myself and a friend have experienced the steering wheel being off after a day of wheeling with synergy. i don't have that JK anymore but she still does... we have to constantly screw with that drag link. kinda annoying.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

That and not having holds on the actual TRE are what bother me most. My Steersmarts, rarely needs to be tinkered with after, makes life nicer lol. Thanks for watching my friend.

[@kevinhagen3231]

I was thinking steersmarts or metal cloak for mine. Which do you think is better?

[@chuckisbusy]

Metalcloak

[@jkustockaphobia2421]

Steer smarts ! That what I have and them things are dumb strong! And massive !! Plus no flop like the stock ones do .. they are worth the money

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Well, I have no first hand experience with MC steering. SS has held up very well for me, but the TRE's are pricey. $170ish.... replacing all 4 will cost as much as new steering, thou they say it will last a lifetime with regular maintenance. RPM (which is what is in Heathen now) has also been great, stiff and replacing a TRE is $70ish

[@Flyboy207]

I’ve had Synergy steering, track bar and bracket, control arms and coil springs on my Dodge for years now and I’ve never had any issues. I know a lot of the guys who work there since they’re in my home town. It’s really disheartening to see people complaining about something that I know my friends have put a lot of work and time into, trying to make it the best they can, but in the end it’s all preference. If you need deuce and a half steering on your Wrangler, then you’re just not the target market I guess. Weirdly, I don’t think the powder coating chipped off my bars when I installed them. Also, if I’m not mistaken, the allen on the top of the tie rod end is for installing them when the taper isn’t seated. If it’s spinning when you take the nut off, you might have a damaged taper in the knuckle.

[@terryallemann2654]

I just added Synergy steering to my JL and I'm very happy did not have a problem with tie rod ends spinning and managed to install with out chipping all the powder coat off. As for the 11/2 ton ends these are going into a Aluminum knuckles the Synergy ends at 1 inch are stronger then the aluminum cast knuckle they are mounted to.

[@TaskForceOffroad]

Great video as always good points to make when people are considering steering upgrades 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Totally agree! Thanks for watching

[@adolfocolon4673]

You are crazy funny & scary smart) It is this issue that's holding me back from making any changes to my suspension. Looks like steering will be a constant denominador with any suspension upgrade. The both of you are a match made in heaven - love your videos, presentaciones are exemplary- simply to the point.

[@Intentsrig]

The tie rod end spinning when removing is annoying. I used a floor Jack underneath to keep tension on the end. Be harder to do that on the drag link. Its held up though 5 years or so, lots of rubicon trips. Synergy beats the snot out of theirs even more. I used the factory drag link for a long time (JL). This time (JT) I think I’ll get a different drag link simply for the fact of it being a pita to remove if it spins. Already have the synergy tie rod again.

[@bradcallander7789]

Steering is fun, but very important

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

simple parts, but like you said, super important

[@Jeep.Generation]

Nicely thought out and very well explained.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Thanks buddy, always appreciate you

[@cody8217]

While I didn't put Synergy stuff on my Wrangler, I did put their "Heavy Duty" steering upgrade kit, i.e. drag link and tie rods, on my Ram 2500. The powder coat flaked off in large spots almost immediately. Some in areas where I tightened cross bolts to Synergy torque specs, and adjustment sleeve nuts on the rod ends, and other areas on the drag link and tie rods itself. In no time it looked like the parts had been on the truck for years. Within a week, one of the tie rod ends was already worn and clunking. Took an act of God to get Synergy to replace it. Provided video proof and they were still skeptical. They sent me another one and within two weeks, the opposite side wore out and started clunking then too. When the shop removed the tie rods, we found that the driver side tie rod end spun freely inside the adjustment sleeve. We tightened it more and it would still spin freely. Provided more proof to Synergy in the form of videos and they refused to fix the junk they sent me. Ended up having to do a charge back, and suddenly Synergy wanted to talk to me, wanting me to ship the very heavy and very long parts back on my dime. Keep in mind all parts were professionally installed and proper alignment was provided by the shop.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Thats another theme I hear often with them. Seems they just assume everyone is lying to them, or they think their quality control is perfect. Man, IDK. Thats insanely frustrating. I doubt I need to say it, but stay away form companies that treat you like that. >:/

[@ShockWaveOffroad]

Agree 150%! If you see something that has the potential to be a problem in the future, it's best to address it BEFORE it becomes a problem.👍🏻

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Bingo! I don't need that stress lol!

[@gregy3660]

Great video very informative

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Glad you liked it! and thank you for watching!

[@TJrubicon]

Great, I bought synergy cause of you guys. Now I need to upgrade to TMR 2.5

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Bro, we spent money on this also. Its not bad, run it and enjoy it. We abused ours plenty and will serve as backup. I always give my honest opinion.

[@michaelmurray2592]

I’ve been missing y’all!

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Thanks man! our scheduling has been altered. Makes it harder to get videos out like we were doing. But just bare with us! trying to get through this part of life!

[@Flyingpigadventures]

So have a question, far as maintenance/and doing alignments. What brand do you think is better for that aspect. I dont do alot of off-roading, when we do its nothing crazy. But I prefer to do my own alignment/ maintenance etc. Thanks for the videos. Yall do a good job.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

It’s been holding up great.. no complaints… only had to adjust the alignment once… smashed it pretty hard on a rock and jarred it loose.

[@markcaruana2697]

Wondering how it's holding up? Also are the jam nuts staying right out do they require constant tightening.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

If you tighten them right, they stay put

[@cespool]

I've got Synergies Y link on my zj and I like it. The only draw back I noticed was how much the weight difference slowed down my steering. Other than the obvious differences between the two styles of linkages. I've had the same issue with powder coating and rocks but that comes with the territory.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

The issue with this powder coating was all the chipping and flaking from tightening the clamp... not hitting it on rocks.

[@austinlong1600]

This was extremely helpful content

[@rickbarmore1167]

Wow, shaking up the after market selection. But, your views and opinions are valid and appreciated . Funny thing, my 2 wranglers carry the Synergy Suspension System along w/the Sector Shaft Support Bracket. Long story short, just got a Gladiator and went w/the Rock-Jock 4" lift with King Shocks. Steering, Johnny Joints, Roc'Jock Amti Swsy bar 🍸 ( f/back), SteerSmart Yeti Drang Link, Teraflex Steering Stabilizer and the rest, you see where it's going. Wife pointed out the chipped paint and rust and said the same thing you said. AWESOME 👌 CATCH & what a way to point it out. Nicely, Didn't Down Play Synergy 👌, a d you were spot on and politely correct. You Rock 🪨🎸💪😎 Give the man a - 🦴🦴 & 2 Gold Stars ⭐⭐ AWESOME 👌🆒️🙌

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Thanks man, im glad you enjoyed the video and glad to hear you think it was fairly presented. Im waiting for warm weather... its not fun wrenching in the cold lol. But plenty of things are still needed to get done.

[@rickbarmore1167]

I swore I proof read it. 📚 Ahhhhh

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

😂😂😂👍

[@austingipsygarage]

When you remove a nut from a tie rod or ball joint the stud should never turn especially with a castle nut... it's trying to tell you something.

[@johncortese745]

I had synergy's tie rod on my JKUR and it would flop around with hydro steer. I couldn't keep it steady and refused to spend the money on the "sleeves" for the rod ends to keep them where they needed to be. In my opinion, Teraflex HD lineup is some of the best stuff available.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Kinda gross over sight... or not thinking it was worth correcting...

[@guylongley1573]

Thank you professor MO. I've seen them all break or bend at some time or another . Put the new steering on and let Misty beat it up a little. 😁

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

agreed, there is no 'perfect' set up. Its more so trying to mitigate the problems before you get there.

[@Jeff-wu6wn]

weather is real nice here in Az perfect for wheeling.....echem....

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

LOL, except in the summer when everything is melting LOL

[@Jeff-wu6wn]

@@JLLIFEOFFROAD it only gets up to 122 degrees max plus its a dry heat ...lol

[@rukenheb]

Nice vid. Thanks. What are u guys gonna do with the retired Synergy stuff? I could really use it 😁. Fer sale?

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

LOL, no sorry, it is not for sale. It will serve as a backup when we go on road trips :)

[@rcsskier]

Crazy to hear about the drag link, I have't had that issue at all with my Synergy stuff. However, I did see the powder coating flake off when I tightened up the clamps and that pissed me off after spending so much on the setup.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Im amazed how many people had the same flaking issue after tightening the clamp bolt.

[@rcsskier]

I had the exact same issue with them, it was extremely disappointing right away. But, I will say Synergy did offer a great driving experience right after install.

[@darrenroos6408]

Are you keeping the Synergy track bar support on your Jeep?

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Yes, as for now. Steersmarts has come out with a new and better design. I would like to upgrade Bromace to that one in the future.

[@darrenroos6408]

@@JLLIFEOFFROAD nice! and the way steersmarts has their name printed on their version probably gives you an extra 3-4HP.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

@@darrenroos6408 grind it off 😂😂😂

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

@@darrenroos6408 it’s thicker and uses a upgraded bearing

[@wetcoastwheelin]

I've been looking at upgrading my steering and looked at the synergy but I think I'm going with the TMR 2.5 ton aluminum tie rod and drag link

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

🙌 quality stuff and fairly priced!

[@wetcoastwheelin]

@@JLLIFEOFFROAD $1400 can for the tie rod and drag link

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Oh damn, thought u meant RPM lol

[@mrderek800]

@JL LIFE OFFROAD, I would love to see a comparison between STEER SMARTS & RPM.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Tht would be a good one 🤔

[@smarterthanyou2674]

Is there a road handling benefit (due to weight) or sacrifice (due to flexibility ) to using aluminum steering?

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Would make a great video to discuss that. Some of the immediate benefits... less weight... and more flexible (mainly important for hitting it on rocks)... and rust resistant...

[@jergernice1]

if i dont off road would steel steel smarts better than aluminum? they are similar price to me. @@JLLIFEOFFROAD

[@danielmelton5573]

Another issue with the synergy rods is if you go to hydro assist, the clamp on the tie rod hits the the ram bracket.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

We have still not gone with hydro yet.

[@woosch]

What's up with the LS motor, one of you doing a swap??????

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Yea, the truck LOL!

[@80smxpro41]

Dude I wish I could try all the parts you guys go through. Let me know if I can buy any of it.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Its expensive man, We are holding onto the steering thou. will serve as the spare when we go on long wheeling trips. :(

[@SLODUSTIN_SLAYZ]

Missing the whole point of this video. You guys weren’t happy with your free steering?

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Free? Bro... my bank account says different

[@HoneyBadgerAP]

@@JLLIFEOFFROAD He's just one of Dave's henchmen that is sent out to hate on anyone that says anything negative about their products. They'll make up anything they can to try and save face...problem is their face is being worn off again and again, so there isn't much face left to save.

[@ddkk17045]

Who need steering? It’s so overrated! Nice video!!

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

LOL, baling wire is easily a better choice ;) LOL!

[@mikehoffman3690]

Honest review. 🤟

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Glad u agree... thou It’s bound to hurt some feelings

[@TheVtecdelsol]

Yayayayayyaya a new video

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Thanks for always hanging in there with us buddy

[@fwschnaar3179]

You mean after every Wheel’n Trip You don’t Sand/Buff and ReSpray with Paint 🤔... If You did You wouldn’t have a “Rust” problem... Or is that just Me 🤔🤪🍺

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Guess im just lazy like that lol

[@ati573]

I switched from synergy to steersmarts. Best decision.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

It’s been good to me... and Iv been rough on it

[@bsideadventures2180]

Don is a great guy. I just didn't have good luck with the rod ends.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Fair enough. With Covid, we don't put as many miles on the Jeep. so we haven't really gotten to abuse his steering yet.

[@bsideadventures2180]

@@JLLIFEOFFROAD I wish I would of went 1 ton. The 2.5 is super beefy but like you said with covid I'm 4 weeks for new rod ends and by the time you buy the replacement parts you could of bought a 1 ton kit

[@offroadgarageaustria6224]

nice video very useful and interesting;)

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Glad you think so! thank you for watching!

[@terryallemann2654]

Ok I know I'm late to the party here because I just saw this video. But I did just add Synergy Track bar mount drag link and tie bar when upgrading steering I looked at a couple options and your older video of upgrading to Synergy was one that came up. So now after my upgrade I get video's pop up about how you took all this off for another brand. So my problem is as a content provider and would say influencer as another popular content provider we see you make upgrade and strongly endorse a item then we go out and spend our hard earned money to add this item only to see you guys change to something else in a year or less well a lot of us do not have the money to burn like that and do not receive any free or discounted parts. I'm tired and some what mad at not only you but all the other channels that show how great a upgrade product is and save or money to finally make these upgrade to our own vehicle only to see shortly after how we should use something else that you have now put on taking all the happiness and pride of what we just added to our rig and crapping all over it. I feel you have an obligation to your watcher stand behind products you so strongly endorse now if latter you do find a real flaw yes tell us about it but when you put Synergy products on you did not complain about powder coating chipping in video of you first installing the Synergy products and now you tell us about how bad the powder coat chips when installing item. So thanks for telling me that I just spent $1,500.00 on the wrong product that earlier you told me this is what I need I guess I will have to go out back and pick a bunch more $100 dollar bills off my tree.

[@michaelhalstead64]

Fair review. Had the same issues. Every pinch bolt cracked the powder coating. I live up north and was already having corrosion issues with the steel ball joint and the aluminum knuckle. Every pinch bolt had to be tightened significantly past spec to keep from spinning. Especially the drag link. Also, customer service was awful as soon as you have an issue. I guess you get what you pay for. I should have known that.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Always glad to hear im not the only one experiencing the issues I make a video about. On that same note, hate seeing people have issues. There are companies out there that people swear by and attack anyone who critiques em. This steering will be going on a shelf in the garage and will serve as a back up in the case we break something when we are out on a trip.

[@hardlifesurvivor4404]

"BOOGER"ing up, PLUG 🤣

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

LOL

[@macysmith9141]

Hi!this is Macy from Maxpeedingrods,do you have any contact？there has a business enquiry for you！

[@TheVtecdelsol]

Sup Mo and Misty

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Aside form all my stocks taking a crap? LOL living the dream!!!

[@m2003h]

Sounds like Barnes is A Better Option

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

Iv still been happy with my steersmarts... 🤷‍♂️

[@GevoA1]

Synergy is total crap. Overpriced, overhyped and overly marketed crap. Already changed out the springs I got from them and am in the process of changing out the drag link, tie rod, track bar as well. Poor design.

[@JLLIFEOFFROAD]

It’s always frustrating dealing with stuff like that. They brag about how robust their stuff is... but in reality.... it’s metalcloak with adjuster sleeves... but Mc has probably the best customer service Iv ever experienced

[@GevoA1]

@@JLLIFEOFFROAD you're right. In fact MC looks like at least it will work. What really bugs me is how so many people keep eating the BS and acting like this is the best thing since sliced bread. Makes you question if they dont know what they're talking about or if they are purposely lying to you