Fusion 4x4 Steering Clearance Issues

[JMP]

I got the Clayton stabilizer relocation bracket removed and installed the synergy style bolt. Eliminated most of the interference. The drag link still hits the steering stabilizer when full left, AND the link is dropping. I have a different drag link arriving tomorrow that doesn’t droop and all should be fixed.

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[JMP]

Got the RPM drag link on. Didn’t change the fusion tie rod. Totally different story!!! No binding, no interference, no flopping, and steering is FAR more positive with consistent “trim” and no dead spots. Very very happy

Fusion was an expensive mistake.

 

[DLW]

I bought, but have not installed yet the fusion steering kit for UD60 swap. After hearing of a couple Apex ends on the RPM tie rod breaking with a couple folks using hydro assist, I got a little gun shy of them. Not knocking them at all, plenty of great feedback on the RPM stuff. If RK made a UD60 steering kit, I really like the design of their tie rod/drag link.

From what I see though, the fusion looks to be a good quality kit, it's unfortunate about the drag link not having anti-flop end on it though. It looks like the RockJock uses the same rod ends as fusion on their modular extreme duty steering kits, and I saw this option (https://www.rockjock4x4.com/JK-9703TRB) on RockJock site, so I just bought one to try, hope it's that easy, and at least it's cheap enough to find out. Makes me wonder why they don't use them on the drag link though, not even RockJock does. It could be that the drag link has way too much of an extreme angle to use it. Worst case is I buy one Apex end and call it a day.

 

[JMP]

I bought, but have not installed yet the fusion steering kit for UD60 swap. After hearing of a couple Apex ends on the RPM tie rod breaking with a couple folks using hydro assist, I got a little gun shy of them. Not knocking them at all, plenty of great feedback on the RPM stuff. If RK made a UD60 steering kit, I really like the design of their tie rod/drag link.

From what I see though, the fusion looks to be a good quality kit, it's unfortunate about the drag link not having anti-flop end on it though. It looks like the RockJock uses the same rod ends as fusion on their modular extreme duty steering kits, and I saw this option (https://www.rockjock4x4.com/JK-9703TRB) on RockJock site, so I just bought one to try, hope it's that easy, and at least it's cheap enough to find out. Makes me wonder why they don't use them on the drag link though, not even RockJock does. It could be that the drag link has way too much of an extreme angle to use it. Worst case is I buy one Apex end and call it a day.

Do you know if the apex ends will thread into a fusion aluminum bar? The joints are just so much better. Debating putting apex ends in my fusion tie rod.

 

[JMP]

I wheeled the new steering setup pretty hard on Fun Run and Rubicon Ridge badge trails this weekend. Zero interference issues now. Way more positive. Ran great!

 

[DLW]

Do you know if the apex ends will thread into a fusion aluminum bar? The joints are just so much better. Debating putting apex ends in my fusion tie rod.

I don't know for sure, but I think the thread size/pitch is the same. Total length also has to be pretty close for proper thread engagement.
You can verify since you already have apex ends in your draglink and you have fusion ends as well.
Besides the one track bar anti-flop end, better in what way? Sounds like the fusion tie rod is working for you fine? I am asking as I legit want to know if I should bother installing mine, or find another option.

 

[JMP]

I don't know for sure, but I think the thread size/pitch is the same. Total length also has to be pretty close for proper thread engagement.
You can verify since you already have apex ends in your draglink and you have fusion ends as well.
Besides the one track bar anti-flop end, better in what way? Sounds like the fusion tie rod is working for you fine? I am asking as I legit want to know if I should bother installing mine, or find another option.

The fusion ends on the tie rod just use plastic or Delrin donuts to keep them from flopping. They are greasable, but nothing keeps the grease in. It just oozes everywhere. The APEX ends have some sort of internal anti-flop and there are rubber boots to contain the grease.

 

[JMP]

I don't know for sure, but I think the thread size/pitch is the same. Total length also has to be pretty close for proper thread engagement.
You can verify since you already have apex ends in your draglink and you have fusion ends as well.
Besides the one track bar anti-flop end, better in what way? Sounds like the fusion tie rod is working for you fine? I am asking as I legit want to know if I should bother installing mine, or find another option.

I know APEX ends won’t work on the drag link. The aluminum is longer and the end is shorter on the Pittman end. Not sure on the tie rod.

 

[Roky]

I don't know for sure, but I think the thread size/pitch is the same. Total length also has to be pretty close for proper thread engagement.
You can verify since you already have apex ends in your draglink and you have fusion ends as well.
Besides the one track bar anti-flop end, better in what way? Sounds like the fusion tie rod is working for you fine? I am asking as I legit want to know if I should bother installing mine, or find another option.

Apex ends will work on fusion tie rod……pic from another forum member……

 

[DLW]

Apex ends will work on fusion tie rod……pic from another forum member……

Thanks Roky.
From that pic, it looks like the fusion draglink with apex ends as well, at least that aluminum bar does not look like RPM's.

As for the Fusion setup, those pucks seem fine to me, they are a little pliable, and you just grease often and clean off the excess. Fusion ends are made by Rare Parts (https://www.rareparts.com/) plus I think Fusion heat treats them. Same ends Currie uses. I think I prefer the fusion rod ends better for strength. No anti-flop on the drag is too bad though.

My current Steer Smarts have pretty darn good rod ends as well IMO.
I have the RPM aluminum bars made for steer smarts ends, so I could buy 1 new drag link end made for JK (I have UD60's), and just swap that in place of the fusion DL since steer smarts has built in anti-flop as well.

 

[Roky]

Thanks Roky.
From that pic, it looks like the fusion draglink with apex ends as well, at least that aluminum bar does not look like RPM's.

As for the Fusion setup, those pucks seem fine to me, they are a little pliable, and you just grease often and clean off the excess. Fusion ends are made by Rare Parts (https://www.rareparts.com/) plus I think Fusion heat treats them. Same ends Currie uses. I think I prefer the fusion rod ends better for strength. No anti-flop on the drag is too bad though.

My current Steer Smarts have pretty darn good rod ends as well IMO.
I have the RPM aluminum bars made for steer smarts ends, so I could buy 1 new drag link end made for JK (I have UD60's), and just swap that in place of the fusion DL since steer smarts has built in anti-flop as well.

I’m running RK Pro X aluminum steering, it’s awesome, but I’ve been working my ass off to make them work like I want them to, lol…First I wanted to run my ss on the tie rod like we do but the drag link was hitting stabilizer before getting to full lock driver…. I finally figured out how to make it work with a modified upside down MC bracket…..

So got that sorted out then I noticed I was driving around with drag link flopped over….

According to RK this is acceptable, there’s a built in anti flop washer but they put a 15 -/+ degree of misalignment built in for long travel articulation…….

I put (4) 1/8” rubber washers on the knuckle end……..

and now I’m rolling like this……

But now I wouldn’t trade it for any of them, lol…love the longer bars and compact ends….anyway, I’m pretty sure they will work on ud 60s, Jeremy is running it with fusion one tons.

 

[JMP]

Thanks Roky.
From that pic, it looks like the fusion draglink with apex ends as well, at least that aluminum bar does not look like RPM's.

As for the Fusion setup, those pucks seem fine to me, they are a little pliable, and you just grease often and clean off the excess. Fusion ends are made by Rare Parts (https://www.rareparts.com/) plus I think Fusion heat treats them. Same ends Currie uses. I think I prefer the fusion rod ends better for strength. No anti-flop on the drag is too bad though.

My current Steer Smarts have pretty darn good rod ends as well IMO.
I have the RPM aluminum bars made for steer smarts ends, so I could buy 1 new drag link end made for JK (I have UD60's), and just swap that in place of the fusion DL since steer smarts has built in anti-flop as well.

Maybe I wound up with the best setup by accident ? I’ve only got the HD44 and 35s. Maybe I’ll go to a small/light 37 when I wear these out. It’ll take a while. Not my DD.

 

[JMP]

I’m running RK Pro X aluminum steering, it’s awesome, but I’ve been working my ass off to make them work like I want them to, lol…First I wanted to run my ss on the tie rod like we do but the drag link was hitting stabilizer before getting to full lock driver…. I finally figured out how to make it work with a modified upside down MC bracket…..

So got that sorted out then I noticed I was driving around with drag link flopped over….

According to RK this is acceptable, there’s a built in anti flop washer but they put a 15 -/+ degree of misalignment built in for long travel articulation…….

I put (4) 1/8” rubber washers on the knuckle end……..

and now I’m rolling like this……

But now I wouldn’t trade it for any of them, lol…love the longer bars and compact ends….anyway, I’m pretty sure they will work on ud 60s, Jeremy is running it with fusion one tons.

Same problem. I ruined a SS. RPM drag link fixed everything.

 

[DLW]

I’m running RK Pro X aluminum steering, it’s awesome, but I’ve been working my ass off to make them work like I want them to, lol…First I wanted to run my ss on the tie rod like we do but the drag link was hitting stabilizer before getting to full lock driver…. I finally figured out how to make it work with a modified upside down MC bracket…..

So got that sorted out then I noticed I was driving around with drag link flopped over….

According to RK this is acceptable, there’s a built in anti flop washer but they put a 15 -/+ degree of misalignment built in for long travel articulation…….

I put (4) 1/8” rubber washers on the knuckle end……..

and now I’m rolling like this……

But now I wouldn’t trade it for any of them, lol…love the longer bars and compact ends….anyway, I’m pretty sure they will work on ud 60s, Jeremy is running it with fusion one tons.

I'm with you on the longer bar shorter end deal, which is one of the things I like about RK and synergy steering.

 

[DLW]

Maybe I wound up with the best setup by accident ? I’ve only got the HD44 and 35s. Maybe I’ll go to a small/light 37 when I wear these out. It’ll take a while. Not my DD.

You might be right, I would run what you have right now personally.

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