Easiest path to replace fj60 drag link (relay rod) ends with fj80 ends?

[elripster]

I am looking for confirmation of how to do this. Reading on this type of modification, there appear to be a few paths. I don't have room or need of a high steer set up so that won't work for me. It sounds like the relay rod itself will accept the FJ80 ends. However, if I read correctly, the pitman arm will not accept the FJ80 end without reaming? If that is so then I take it I would have to ream the right side drag link mount as well? Can I just replace the fj60 pitman with an FJ80 pitman?

Thanks,

Frank

 

[Tapage]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/fj62-tre-reamer.826863/

 

[elripster]

That thread seems focused on GM one ton tre's. I am looking into fj80 relay rod ends.

Frank

 

[elripster]

Ok, assuming I buy a new steering stabilizer, what can I do to eliminate those crappy cylindrical relay rod ends? Reading posts packed with back and forth theorization makes it rather hard to nail down the punch line sometimes. This is one of those times. Key questions are:

Will 80 series relay rod ends OR tie rod ends thread into the 60's relay rod?
Do I need to by the 1.2" per foot reamer for the pitman arm and hole to which the relay rod mounts to the tie rod?

Frank

 

[pony20027]

Where can i find a weld in bung to match the draglink end M21x1.5.
I see the M23x1.5 style are common for 80 series high steer. Just want to have jam nuts on stock set up as i need to replace my tie rod and ends.

 

[elripster]

What I learned is that the 60 series drag link is really too short and the 80 series tapered studs are too small. One could make a new drag link, use a different stabilizer, and purchase (from 4X4labs) a tapered cone style washer to resize the pitman arm only. One would still have to do something about the size of the hole on the p-side tie rod. 4X4labs suggested going GM 1 ton if one was to replace so much of the existing hardware.

I just ordered new relay rod ends from Cruiser Outfitters. If there is a way to easily convert an SUA vehicle that has no need for high steer to more modern relay rod ends, I will explore in a few years when these new ones wear out.

Maybe one of the aftermarket outfits will make a longer drag link with the steering stabilizer hole attached. That would let one use FJ60 tie rod ends instead of drag link ends which have the correct taper diameter but a different thread diameter.

Frank

 

[darwink1]

Call bud at budbuilt, he can make you steering links of any length and thread them to whatever tie rods youre planning to use. Had his stuff on my 80 and he made me some custom length links for my 40 project.

Reaming out the pitman or steering arms isnt that bad of a job. We did it last summer to my buddies sassed mazda truck in order to fit gm 1 ton tie rod ends. Just have to take your time and test fit the tie rod a bunch of times till you get it.

D

 

[elripster]

If I was going to go with GM 1 tons I would ream up the required size (I am assuming, maybe incorrectly, that the GM tapered stud is larger than the 60's).

I was hoping to find a low resistance path to using more readily available parts but it appears none exists at this time.

Frank

 

[darwink1]

You have to make your own path sometimes.

D

 

[elripster]

Amen to that. I fell on the 80 series power steering gear upgrade last week but I hit the easy but on the rely rod ends... for now.

Frank