Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler YJ radiators

Tie Rod Rotation

Chief Hof

YJ Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2020
Messages
115
Location
NJ
Afternoon all... when turning to the right I'm getting a clunking noise close to the end of steering travel. I noticed that my tie rod is rotating during travel to the point where the drag link adjusting 'clamp' is snagging on the passenger side leaf spring. Is the tie rod supposed to rotate during steering operation? I've got a 1.5" suspension lift installed, but I don't think I need a dropped pitman arm for clearance because it's simply not that extreme of a lift.
 
The lift is why the tie rod rolls, because the added angle to the drag link puts a weird force on the drag link which pushes on the tie rod in a direction that rolls it.

A drop pitman would help or you could also try loosening the clamps and rotating them to a position where they won’t hit whatever they’re hitting.
 
Copy all Brother. Thank you for the recommendation. It makes sense that the tie rod is designed to rotate since there's greaseable joints on each end. The YJ has 46k miles on it, I was concerned initially that I had premature wear going on, but steering is tight. I adjusted the drag link clamp and all is good now. Thanks again, much appreciated!
 
Novak Conversions Jeep Wrangler YJ radiators