Questions? Call 480-470-5500 to talk to a human!

Questions? Call 480-470-5500 to talk to a human!

KIT120 - Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT - 2.5 Ton ProLock Tie Rod & Drag Link Assembly - Blk Aluminum

Your Differential Model (Pick One): Dana 30 / Dana 44 Narrow Axle - Typically on: Non-Rubicon (Sport/Sahara)
Do You Need A Flip Kit? (Pick One): No - Typically suggested for lifts of 4.5 inches or less...
Would you like to include JAM nut wrenches?+ $40.00

This is a complete replacement steering kit for your 2018-2026 Jeep Wrangler JL or 2019-2026 Gladiator JT. It includes the tie rod (black anodized aluminum) which is also the adjusting sleeve, and left & right forged steel tie rod ends, the drag link (black anodized aluminum) which is also the adjusting sleeve, and left & right forged steel drag link ends. Plus our NEW ProLock Washers.

Depending on the options you choose above, it can be sent as an under knuckle mount (standard) or over knuckle mount (flip kit). All Flip Kits include the taper sleeve!!

Note: taper sleeves require the knuckle drag link mount to be drilled through with a straight 7/8" drill bit.

It does not include the steering stabilizer bracket which you will need to choose in the options above based on the steering stabilizer you use.

Dana 44 narrow axle or wide axle ??? Unfortunately, this can be confusing. NARROW axle Dana 44s are unusual, but the tie rod measures 57 1/2" to 58 1/2" ball-stud center to ball-stud center. The standard WIDE axle Dana 44 tie rod measures 60 1/2" to 61 1/2" ball-stud center to ball-stud center. If your Jeep has a narrow axle Dana 44, PLEASE select the Dana 30, which has the correct length tie rod.  

What It Fits: Jeep Wrangler JL (2018-2026), Jeep Gladiator JT (2019-2026) with wide axles, typically Rubicon, MaxTow.

FITMENT: This steering system fits stock Dana 30/44 axles. If your jeep has been upgraded to a Dana 60 axle, we have modifications that can work with that as well, just contact us to order.

Boot Replacements:

XP153 - DL112K/DL112KF
XP154 - TR181K/TR182K
XP109 - DL111K

Jam nut wrenches:
KIT521 - 2x WR112 41mm/46mm

Replacement set screws:
Tie Rod/Drag Link - XP172

The Special Sauce:

HOUSING
  • SAE 1045 Solid Steel Forged Housing: This is unequivocally the best carbon alloy steel for this application.
  • CNC Machined Housing: Make our parts and bearings dimensionally perfect, eliminating any die wear issues.
    BALL STUDS
    • SAE 4140 hot forged Chromoly Ball Studs: For strongest possible metallurgy.
    • Induction Heat Treated Ball Studs: Provides a very precise heat treatment to the exact depth and location we want it.
    • Rolled Threads: Are made by pressing the shape of the threads into the ball stud instead of cutting. This strengthens the threads instead of weakening them and allows for easy movement of hardware. This ain't no Ikea furniture!
    • Step Threads: Allow for very easy movement of hardware on install and superior holding when torqued. (installer choice).
    BEARING DESIGN
    • Rugged Metal to Metal Bearing.
    BOOTS
    • CR Rubber Boots: The most durable material for undercar applications. Resistant to deterioration from road level ozone, oil/gas/engine fluids and extreme heat or cold
    • DuroBoot - The Ultimate Off-Road and 4x4 Boot for Extreme-Duty Steering and Suspension. Made from solid rubber, DuroBoot replaces traditional flimsy dust covers / boots with a rugged solution built for extreme conditions while still allowing full articulation.
    FINISH
    • Tie Rod Ends and Drag Link Ends: E-Coating- Extremely durable electrochemical finishing process
    • Adjusting Sleeves: Black Anodized
    HARDWARE
    • Grade 8 - Class 10.9 Hardware: Superior tensile strength.
    • Castle Nut: Industry standard where high vibration loads occur.
    ADJUSTING RODS
    • 2" 7075-T6 Aluminum Rod: The best aluminum available for this application. Extremely durable but has some flex and memory if you really bash it into something.
    LUBRICATION
    • Pre-threaded Zerk Housing: If you have ever installed a MOOG Ball Joint without a pre-threaded zerk fitting you will understand what a simple but great feature this is. Another installer fav.
    • Greaseable: Because it should be.
    • Pre-Greased: Just in case you forget, we have you covered.
    • Gull Winged Grease Grooves: Allows for improved lubrication disbursement around the ball stud.
    • Zerk Fittings: Included for every application.
    SPECIAL FEATURES
    • ProLock Washers™ – An APEX Exclusive
    • Our patent-pending ProLock Link Connect System™ is engineered to eliminate one of the most common steering system failures: unwanted tie rod rotation and loosening jam nuts.
    • At the heart of the system is our precision-machined keyway washer, which mechanically locks your tie rod and drag link ends to the adjusting sleeve — preventing connecting rod rotation under load.
    • We’ve paired this with a purpose-built jam nut featuring integrated set screws, designed to positively lock the assembly in place and eliminate the common issue of jam nut loosening over time.
    • Minimum Engagement Mark on Drag Link End Threads: If this mark in the thread of the drag link is showing it means you are beyond the safe engagement of threads into the adjusting sleeve. You may be lifted too high and need to switch to a flip kit or you may need to equal out the adjusting sleeve between the two ends.
    • Tie Rod Ends & RH Drag Link End - Flopper Stoppers Built In: Unlike the poly hockey pucks that most brands use, our heavy duty "Flopper Stoppers" are built into the tie rod end and drag link end bearings, giving you an industry leading 27 degrees of stud swing left and right and only 2 degrees of stud swing forward and aft, keeping your tie rod and drag link from rotating and flopping. The competitor hockey puck style systems also call for the removal of the tie rod end boot, which is there to keep the dirt out and the grease in.
    • Our adjusting sleeves are made in the USA

    Where It Fits:

    Vehicle Position: Front
    Quantity per Vehicle: 1 Kit

    What It Fits:

    Jeep Wrangler JL (2018-2026) 4WD
    Jeep Gladiator JT (2019-2026) 4WD

    • 5 stars: 16 (80%)
    • 4 stars: 3 (15%)
    • 3 stars: 0 (0%)
    • 2 stars: 0 (0%)
    • 1 star: 1 (5%)
    M
    Michael H. (Orange, US)
    Easily bent/death wobble

    I bought the aluminum drag link and tie rod. Loved it till I hit 2 consecutive potholes just the right way. These bent where the tie rod ends screw onto the aluminum. To much play and even if you tighten the nut down. This will cause death wobble. I wouldn't trust this driving my family, totally unsafe. Put my old drag link and track bar back on the next day. I blame myself, should have just got the steel drag link and tie rod, man Im so disappointed and I still have to pay these lawn ornaments off.

    D
    Danny D. (Westminster, US)
    Outstanding quality & Performance!

    The KIT120 - Jeep Gladiator JT - 2.5 Ton Tie Rod & Drag Link Assembly is hands down one of the best upgrades I’ve made to my Jeep. The build quality is top-notch — solid, precise, and clearly engineered to handle serious off-road abuse. The polished aluminum finish not only looks great but also resists corrosion really well.

    The steering feels noticeably tighter and more responsive now, especially after replacing the factory setup. Installation was straightforward with good fitment right out of the box. I also appreciate the heavy-duty rod ends and overall sturdiness — you can immediately tell this kit is built to last.

    If you’re looking for a premium steering upgrade for your JL or JT that combines durability, performance, and great looks, this is definitely the one to go with. Worth every penny!

    T
    Tony M. (Wentzville, US)
    One of the best upgrades I've done to my Gladiator!

    I ordered the wrong product for my Jeep and they took care of it before it even shipped.

    Once I got the product, everything was shipped properly and couldn't be more happy with the final project! My steering is so so so much better. Everything is so heavy duty. highly recommend for gladiator steering!

    I also installed the Apex ball joints for this project. The ball joints and this kit completely changed the way my jeep handled and steered.... and no more death wobble. thank goodness.

    S
    Spensah (Fort Mill, US)
    Great quality!

    Love the black! Looks so good on the jeep and is great quality. Immediately made a difference in the steering, making it more stable and solid.

    Z
    Zach L. (Zionsville, US)
    Jeep Gladiator 2.5 Ton Kit

    Great Product, easy installation, and even better customer service. Help me out with my questions and was able to get it installed in the driveway! HUGE upgrade over the cheap, hollow factory ones! HIGHLY recommend if you increase your wheel size or wheel your vehicle!

    T
    Tracy C. (Tampa, US)
    Alex Chasis

    Installed easily. Looks badass.

    C
    Chance T. (Springfield, US)
    Great kit but better direction need with stabilizer

    The setup is great and will last a long time. Perhaps a bit of direction is needed for online sales to determine what you need for your steering stabilizer needs. I ended up having to purchase a new mount for the axle side from another manufacturer to mount it high. Not a big deal but could be helpful for others.

    S
    S.P.
    Straightness

    I tried to release my hand on the steering wheel when I crossed the bump.
    You've definitely gotten more straightforward.

    H
    Hottmess_jl (Ontario, US)
    Best steering components around

    We installed the JL 2.5 ton tie rod and drag link and the feel of the vehicle is more solid then ever. Skip the hassle of having to buy twice and grab these for a great and solid ride.
    P.S. They hold up to abuse better then any of the competitors I've used!

    M
    Matt P. (New Iberia, US)
    Jeep Gladiator 2.5 Ton Aluminum tie rod and drag link

    I have had the new tie rod and drag link installed for a little over 2 weeks. Very impressed with the overall build quality and coatings. The joints are tight and you can tell a substantial improvement over the factory links. They give my gladiator the tight feeling with the 40” tires that I had when it was brand new. Would highly recommend this over any other steering system I have researched prior to choosing Apex.

    F
    Francisco V. (Los Angeles, US)
    Excellent product

    Excellent product

    S
    Scott Z. (Memphis, US)
    IDK

    It appears to be high quality, I have yet to install

    M
    Matt H. (Marietta, US)
    Confidence Booster!

    I purchased the 2.5 ton Black Aluminum Tie Rod and Drag Link to replace the stock versions, along with a Falcon Nexus 2.2 steering stabilizer and mounts. After hours of reading reviews and watching install videos, Apex Chassis met all of my requirements.
    Unboxing and preparing the Tie Rod & Drag Link for installation on my Jeep Gladiator Mojave I am 100% confident that these Apex Chassis parts will handle anything I can throw at them.
    The quality of materials, strength & durability, as well as the fit & finish are testaments to work done by Apex Chassis.

    H
    Heather M. (Canton, US)

    KIT120 - Jeep Wrangler JL & Gladiator JT - 2.5 Ton Tie Rod & Drag Link Assembly - Blk Aluminum

    L
    Luis C. (Wylie, US)
    Great product

    Easy to install
    Quality parts
    Instructions are good
    Great customer service any question I had they answered and didn't try to up sale me. in my book that's great service

    Will be using this company again in future projects

    W
    William M. (Walbridge, US)
    So far good but parts are starting to rust.

    Tie rods and drag link is all good besides the rust this is starting on it. Not to good there.

    R
    Robert S. (Grove City, US)
    Awsome

    These are very good quality tie rod and drag link. Heavy duty and will withstand punishment

    M
    M.M. (Rocklin, US)
    Excellent product

    Super happy with my apex setup. I’ve had their aluminum tie rod/ drag link for two and a half years now.
    Apex is a solid company that stands behind their product with their no BS warranty. They sent me a new tie rod boot kit when my aluminum steering box was replaced by the dealer, they tore my boot. No charge.
    I had recently over extended one of the rod end joints. When tightening the other end. Apex sent out a new one. No charge.
    If I somehow sold my Jeep and get another, one of the first mods will be their alumni tie rod and drag link.

    L
    Lucas B. (Austin, US)
    4-5

    Pretty good. Steering stabilizer is way too close to front differential with this setup and rubs.

    B
    Brady (Ogden, US)
    These guys have their business figured out!!!!!

    I haven’t had a chance to get off-road.
    Fast shipping, great packaging,
    Won’t be worrying about stock jl steering any more

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