I decided to post this simply for reference since I searched a TON and never could find the info I was looking for.

I needed to upgrade my tie rod and tie rod ends. Last time I was out I bent my factory tie rod, and I was having problems with DW and keeping the front end alligned correctly. So I decided it was time to upgrade my tie rod. I looked into several on the market, some I liked, some I didn't. I really wanted to go with the full Currie setup, but at the moment need to be putting funding for the XJ in other places. I wasn't happy with some due to the fact I've heard that they don't stay tight or the TRE's included suck. It came down to the Big Daddy or "another brand". To be honest with you I didn't go with the other brand due to the simple fact that they we somewhat rude to me when I contacted them about sponsorship. (note to possiable vendors, I'll support you if you support us!).

I decided on the Big Daddy one for a few reasons. First off the price, got a good deal on it from a good vendor, and he promised it to me in 2 days as I needed to get it soon so I could get it on before Haspin. The other reason was it has the fixed ends on both ends for a wrench, not just a bar that you have to use a pipe wrench on. This was a major plus to me. Additionally, I liked the fact that it did not come with TRE's, that way I could get whatever one's I wanted. So I placed the order and sure enough it showed up 2 days later.

I debated on what TRE's to go with, and decided if I was going to spend the money on "ok" one's I should just get the one's I really wanted for a few extra bucks. I decided on the Moog brand ones. Talk about hard to find Moog brand TRE's locally. I than decided I was just going to order them online. Well it was EJS week at Moab and most vendors were closed. I finally found a guy who had them both on the shelf in Indy, so I placed the order. Ordered part numbers MOG-ES2223R and MOG-ES2221L. One is right hand threaded and the other is left hand threaded.

So I received everything and layed it out.



I was very impressed with the Big Daddy tie rod when I received it. The thing is HUGE! Weights like 8-9lbs and I'm sure I won't be bending it anytime soon. I was also happy with the build on the Moog TRE's.

The TRE's come with everything needed to install. You have to install the zerk's yourself though. One was a size 7mm wrench and the other was a size 8mm wrench. The one on the drivers side is on the bottom, the one on the pass side is on the side. So it's easy to tell what side goes where.



So I got the TRE's in the rod and now it's time to replace it with new. Here is a pic of my old bent tie rod.



And here is a pic of the new one installed.



Overall the install was pritty easy. Old one came right out and new one came right in. While I was intalling it I did an alignement myself on it as well. I simply measured the tires front and rear and got them pritty close. Tightened everything down and it was time for a test drive.

My front is now TIGHT! It definatly helped out a ton driving around town. On the highway I no longer have a shimmy (could be since now it's alligned as well). I also finally (I think) curred my DW problems. I hit some pot holes at the "magic speed" pritty hard on purpose and no DW. So I'm hoping that this took care of it as well.

Overall I highly recomend the Big Daddy tie rod and Mood TRE's.

Hopefully my new steering stabilizer will show up tomorrow and I'll be able to get it in before Haspin as well!