Tie rod that doesn't cost an arm and leg?

[Kiteman]

G'day All
I think this subject has been broached a few times on here but....
Does anyone know of a complete tie rod for the JK that is a drop in replacement (i.e. no mucking about with wheel spacers and using the OEM steering damper attachment) with greaseable ball joints that can be replaced if required?
My OEM lasted over 200k, then I put on a Crown direct replacement (with Crown ball joint on the end you can replace (neither could be greased)) and its lasted just under 80k.
I've had similar experience with a Crown draglink (lasted all of 12k) but had replaced the pitman end with a MOOG greaseable which is still going strong.
I replaced the Crown with a genuine Mopar and used the MOOG again (90k so far on the MOOG ball). This (the Mopar drag link) is still going OK after 75k.
I have seen an AC Delco one online in the US but cannot find a RHD version. I think that was equiv. to under $500AU.
Hope someone is in the same situation whereby they do not really need a super dooper heavy duty tie bar..but just one that can be greased regularly.
Kiteman.

[jkjeep1]

can't you just replace the rod ends if HD is not required.? I recently purchased a used HD tie rod and drag link set for 700. I am yet to put it on to see if that makes a huge difference to the steering feel.

[Banshee]

Teraflex should work, but you'll probably need a different damper*.

SBR seem to have them: https://www.sbroffroad.com.au/TeraFlex-JK-HD-Tie-Rod

"Allows proper clearance for use with factory 17” wheels"

* Ah! You need the bracket that moves it up out of the way of rocks:

Steering Stabilizer Relocation Mount Bracket Kit – HD Tie Rod (# 1123160)
• Fits heavy-duty 1-5/8" tie rod
• 6061-T6 aluminum clamp and forged 10.9 grade stud
• Moves steering stabilizer up nearly 2.5" to help reduce damage to the stabilizer shaft or body
• Repositions stabilizer to reduce tie rod roll" associated w/ stabilizer misalignment

[Kiteman]

Originally Posted by jkjeep1

can't you just replace the rod ends if HD is not required.? I recently purchased a used HD tie rod and drag link set for 700. I am yet to put it on to see if that makes a huge difference to the steering feel.

Not sure if you have the OEM tie rod still but have a look at it.. you will see that one end is replaceable.... the other is crimped permanently onto the end of the rod. This forces you to buy the whole rod when the non greaseable ball joint wears out. The same goes for the drag link..