Overview
The Rugged Ridge 18050.88 is a heavy-duty steering kit with damper for the front end. It is a bolt-on kit that fits Jeep Cherokee (XJ), Grand Cherokee (ZJ), Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) and Wrangler (TJ) vehicles. The damper comes in the kit, and the kit is built for vehicles with 2 to 4 inches of lift.
The steering tubing is 1-1/4 inch steel with a 1/4 inch wall, drawn over mandrel (DOM) so it has no seams or welds. The 7/8 inch heavy-duty rod ends use standard tapered ends for stock knuckles, and the kit is rated for one ton strength.
Key features
- Damper included
- Bolt-on design
- 7/8 inch heavy-duty rod ends with standard tapered ends
- DOM tubing, no seams or welds, per the manufacturer
- Designed for 2 to 4 inches of lift
Choosing the right setup
Steering dampers work against sudden steering input, such as a front tire hitting a rock or a rut at speed. On a lifted Jeep the front axle moves through a larger arc, so tie rod and drag link angles change, and a damper helps keep the front wheels from kicking back through the steering wheel. Heavy-duty tubing and rod ends carry the load that a stock setup was never built to handle once the tires grow.
When choosing a kit, look at how the parts work together rather than the kit alone. A steering damper, tie rod ends and drag link should match the lift height and steering geometry on the vehicle. Worn stock components often wear faster after a lift, so inspect ball joints and track bar bushings during the install.
- Check tie rod ends for play before installing
- Inspect the steering box and pitman arm for wear
- Verify the damper bracket clears the axle and frame
Specifications
| Brand | Rugged Ridge |
|---|---|
| Part number | 18050.88 |
| UPC | 804314276522 |
| Tubing | 1-1/4 inch steel, 1/4 inch wall |
| Rod ends | 7/8 inch heavy-duty, standard tapered |
| Included | Steering damper |
| Position | Front |
| Lift range | 2 to 4 inches, per the manufacturer |
Vehicle fitment
It fits 1984 to 1996 and 1999 to 2001 Jeep Cherokee (XJ) models, 1993 to 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) models including the 5.9 Limited, 2004 to 2006 Wrangler Unlimited (LJ) models with Unlimited and Unlimited Rubicon trims, and 1997 to 2006 Wrangler (TJ) models.
It does not fit Wrangler JK or JL models, and 1997 and 1998 Cherokee years are not covered. Confirm fit for your vehicle’s year, model and trim before ordering.
Installation notes
Smaller OEM steel wheels and wheels with deep backspacing do not suit this kit, and Factory Rubicon wheels will not work with it. Check your wheels and lift height before fitting, then align the front end.
What’s included
The kit includes one steering damper. Check the package contents against your installation before starting.
