MC VIDEO: How to Install: MetalCloak TJ/LJ HD Steering System
This video, brought to you by MetalCloak, walks through installing and adjusting the MetalCloak HD Steering System for the Jeep TJ/LJ Wrangler—removing the old steering components, fitting new tie rods and drag link ends, greasing and setting toe, and mounting the steering stabilizer bracket. It’s a concise, step-by-step guide showing the sockets and wrenches to use, torque targets, how much thread to leave, cotter pin usage, and final centering of the steering wheel so you can get back on the trail with confidence.
Complete Transcript with Time Stamps:
[00:00] If the car already drives well, leave the tires on the ground so your toe doesn't change.
[00:08] Using a 15mm socket and 18mm wrench, disconnect the axle side of the stabilizer.
[00:16] Save all hardware.
[00:19] Disconnect the drag link from the pitman arm.
[00:24] Disconnect the tie rod on both ends and remove the whole steering system.
[00:32] Apply anti-seize to each dogleg tie rod end and thread them into the tie rod.
[00:40] Leave about 1/4" of thread showing.
[00:45] The grooved end is for the left hand tie rod end.
[00:50] Attach the tie rod assembly to the steering knuckles and tighten down to a 55ft lbs.
[00:58] Use the cotter pins to secure each castle nut.
[01:03] Install the grease fittings to the tie rod ends.
[01:08] Set the toe and tighten the tie rod end lock nuts with the 36 mm wrench.
[01:15] Make sure the driver side tie rod end is level with the passenger side tie rod end.
[01:22] Once the toe is set and the passenger side is tight, turn the wheel driver and tighten the driver's side lock nut.
[01:30] The knuckle will keep the tie rod end from flopping too far the wrong way.
[01:36] Apply a bit of anti-seize to each angled tie rod end and thread them into the drag link and drag link adjuster.
[01:44] Leave about 1/4" thread showing.
[01:49] Attach the drag link to the pitman arm.
[01:53] The adjuster side goes to the steering box.
[01:58] Attach the drag link to the passenger side into the nut guard on the tie rod end.
[02:05] When installing the drag link, make sure to angle the bend so that it is sticking out towards the front of the vehicle.
[02:12] Torque the drag link castle nuts to 55ft lbs.
[02:18] Use the cotter pins to secure each of the drag links castle nuts.
[02:23] Install the grease fittings to the drag link ends.
[02:28] Using a grease gun, fill the drag link and tie rod ends with grease.
[02:34] Turn the drag link adjuster till the steering wheel centers up, and then tighten down the jam nuts.
[02:42] It may take a few tries after driving to get it centered up just right.
[02:48] Attach the steering stabilizer bracket to the drag link with the U-bolts, washers, and nuts.
[02:56] Attach the steering stabilizer to the axle and drag link bracket, making sure the boot side is mounted to the drag link end.
[03:06] Turn the steering to full passenger and adjust the stabilizer so there is only about 1/4" of the shaft showing.
[03:14] Make sure the drag link bracket has the stud facing rearward before tightening everything down.
[03:20] Using a 7/16" socket, tighten down the U-bolt nuts.
[03:26] Using a 3/4" socket, tighten down the stabilizer nut.
[03:32] Use a 15mm socket, an 18mm wrench for the stabilizer axle bolt.
[03:38] All that's left is to get out and enjoy your Jeep.
[03:42] To learn more, visit us at metalcloak.com.
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