Apex Chassis 2" Heavy Duty Black Anodized 7075-T6 Aluminum Steering Kit | Dana 44 High-Steer Flip Geometry | 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL / JLU & 2019–2026 Gladiator JT | SKU: KIT120-Dana44-YesFlip

Brand: Apex Chassis | SKU: KIT120-Dana44-YesFlip | Configuration: 2.5-Ton Black Anodized Aluminum Tie Rod + Drag Link | Geometry: High-Steer Flip (Over Knuckle) | Axle: Wide-Track Dana 44 (M210) Specific | Lift Range: 3.5–6"+ | Free Shipping | Affirm & Afterpay Available

You Flipped Your Dana 44 Knuckles. The Steering Kit Has to Match the Geometry.

A high-steer knuckle conversion on a Dana 44 JL, JLU, or Gladiator JT changes the geometry of the entire front steering track. Moving the drag link mounting point above the knuckle eliminates the bump steer that standard geometry introduces at aggressive lift heights — but only if the steering linkage is built to work with that flipped geometry from the ground up.

The Apex Chassis KIT120-Dana44-YesFlip is the complete black anodized aluminum solution for wide-track Dana 44 builds running high-steer knuckle conversions at 3.5–6"+ of lift. 2.5-ton solid 7075-T6 aluminum — 2.0" tie rod, 1.75" drag link — over-knuckle flip geometry, Internal Flopper Stoppers™, integrated double-adjuster, and a hard anodized finish that requires zero maintenance. The stealth version of the Dana 44 high-steer flip kit.

The Obsidian Take

The KIT120-Dana44-YesFlip is the black anodized version of the Dana 44 high-steer flip lineup — the same flip geometry and 7075-T6 aluminum construction as the polished KIT125-Dana44-YesFlip, with a hard anodized surface that provides genuine corrosion protection rather than a finish that requires upkeep.

The 2" x 1.75" split — same engineering as the Dana 44 NoFlip:

The main tie rod is machine-cut from a massive 2.0" diameter solid 7075-T6 aluminum rod. Because aluminum has a different modulus of elasticity than steel, scaling the cross-section to a full 2" gives this bar the structural yield capacity of solid high-tensile steel across the knuckle-to-knuckle span. The upper drag link is machine-cut from an overbuilt 1.75" diameter solid 7075-T6 rod — stepped down to provide the clearance envelope needed to cycle past the frame rails and track bar drop brackets at full compression.

At 44.0 lbs combined — 8.5 lbs lighter than steel equivalents — the unsprung weight savings are directly measurable. Less front axle mass means faster suspension response and improved tracking compliance on 37" or 40" tire packages. 7075-T6 also features native flex memory — the bars absorb harsh trail impacts and spring back to their original profile.

Hard anodizing converts the outer layer of the aluminum itself into aluminum oxide — not a coating on top, but a conversion of the surface material. It cannot chip, peel, or flake under trail contact. For a Jeep running a high-steer conversion on a demanding trail build, the anodized surface stays intact without any maintenance schedule.

The Internal Flopper Stoppers™ inside the forged joint housings permanently eliminate the steering dead zone — 27 degrees of lateral stud swing for articulation, 2 degrees of forward and aft deflection. The integrated hex double-adjuster sleeve lets your alignment tech set perfect toe metrics on the rack without disconnecting a joint.

Polished alternative: KIT125-Dana44-YesFlip — identical flip geometry and 2"x1.75" construction in raw polished mirror aluminum. Same performance. Choose based on build aesthetic.

This is the flip kit. Engineered exclusively for Dana 44 builds with high-steer knuckle conversions. Installing on OEM or standard knuckles without a high-steer conversion will produce incorrect drag link angle and unsafe steering geometry. For standard Dana 44 geometry, order KIT120-Dana44-NoFlip.

⚠️ CRITICAL COMPATIBILITY WARNINGS — Read Before Ordering:

3.5" Minimum Lift Required: Flip geometry above the knuckle strictly requires a minimum of 3.5" of suspension lift. At less than 3.5", the drag link will violently contact the passenger-side frame rail during suspension compression. Do not order this kit for any build under 3.5" of lift.

High-Steer Knuckles Mandatory: Engineered exclusively for wide-track Dana 44 builds with high-steer knuckle conversions (Dynatrac, RockJock, Synergy, etc.). Installing on OEM or standard knuckles will result in incorrect drag link angle and unsafe geometry. For standard knuckles, order KIT120-Dana44-NoFlip.

Wide-Track Dana 44 (M210) Only: Fits Rubicon, Sahara, 4xe, Mojave, and Gladiator Dana 44 trims. Does NOT fit standard-track Dana 30 Sport/Sport S trims — order KIT120-Dana30-YesFlip.

17" Wheel / 4.5" Max Backspacing: Requires minimum 17" wheel diameter with 4.5" backspacing or less. Factory Rubicon and Sahara wheels at ~6.0" backspacing will not clear.

Knuckle compatibility: Confirm your high-steer knuckle brand is compatible with this kit's flip taper geometry before ordering.

Confirmed Fitment

✅ This unit fits — Wide-Track Dana 44 (M210) + High-Steer Conversion + 3.5"+ Lift Required:

❌ This unit does NOT fit:

• OEM or standard knuckles without high-steer conversion — order KIT120-Dana44-NoFlip
• Any build with less than 3.5" of suspension lift — frame contact will occur
• Dana 30 Sport/Sport S trims — order KIT120-Dana30-YesFlip
• Factory stock wheels — deep backspacing causes inner barrel contact with joint housings
• 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU — different steering geometry

Technical Specifications

Before You Order — 4 Fitment Checkpoints

1. Lift height (Critical): Minimum 3.5" of suspension lift required. Under 3.5" — drag link contacts frame rail on compression. Cannot be safely installed below 3.5".

2. High-steer conversion confirmed: Your Dana 44 must have an operational high-steer knuckle conversion. Confirm your knuckle brand is compatible with this kit's flip geometry. Text us your knuckle brand before ordering if unsure.

3. Axle confirmation: Wide-track Dana 44 (M210) only — Rubicon, Sahara, 4xe, Mojave, 2024+ Willys, and Gladiator Dana 44 trims. Sport and Sport S with Dana 30 require KIT120-Dana30-YesFlip.

4. Wheel backspacing: Minimum 17" with 4.5" or less backspacing. Factory Rubicon and Sahara wheels at ~6.0" backspacing will not clear.

Installation Notes

Advanced-level install. High-steer flip geometry requires understanding of how the drag link interfaces with the over-knuckle position — professional installation and alignment are not optional.

• Alignment mandatory: Full front-end alignment — caster, camber, and toe — required. Do not drive until aligned. Failure to center the steering wheel will trip the Jeep's ESC traction warning light.
• 3.5" minimum: Verify lift height before installation. Under 3.5" — frame contact will occur.
• Knuckle compatibility: Confirm your high-steer knuckle brand and model is compatible with this kit's flip taper geometry before installation.
• Double-adjuster lockdown: Fully torque lock nuts after toe is finalized on the alignment rack.
• Caster correction: High-steer builds at aggressive lift heights frequently require caster correction. Verify post-installation.

Installation Warning: Installing on OEM or standard knuckles without a high-steer conversion will result in unsafe drag link geometry. Do not install on any build under 3.5" of lift. Installing on Dana 30 axle will result in geometry incompatibility. Do not drive until full alignment is complete. Once installed, non-returnable.

Questions We Get Asked

What's the difference between KIT120-Dana44-YesFlip and KIT125-Dana44-YesFlip? Mechanically and dimensionally identical — same 2.0" x 1.75" solid 7075-T6 bars, same Flopper Stoppers and double-adjuster, same 3.5" minimum lift and high-steer knuckle requirements, same 44.0 lbs. The KIT120 is hard black anodized — zero maintenance, corrosion protection fused into the surface. The KIT125 is raw polished mirror aluminum — show-quality finish, occasional polish required. Same performance. Choose based on build aesthetic.

What's the difference between KIT120-Dana44-YesFlip and KIT120-Dana44-NoFlip? Same black anodized 7075-T6 aluminum construction, same Dana 44 platform, same weight. The NoFlip mounts under the knuckle for standard geometry without a high-steer conversion. The YesFlip mounts over the knuckle for high-steer conversions at 3.5"+ lift. Installing the wrong geometry for your knuckle setup produces unsafe steering.

Why does flip geometry require 3.5" minimum lift? When the drag link is flipped above the knuckle, it sits higher on the axle. At less than 3.5" of lift the drag link doesn't have enough vertical clearance and contacts the underside of the frame rail when the suspension compresses. Below 3.5" this kit cannot be safely installed.

Does this fit my 2024 Willys? Yes — the 2024+ Willys upgraded to the wide-track Dana 44 and is confirmed compatible with this kit, provided you have a high-steer conversion installed and minimum 3.5" of lift.

Will this clear my factory Rubicon 17" wheels? No. Factory Rubicon wheels run approximately 6.0" backspacing — the inner barrel will contact the joint housings at full steering lock. Aftermarket wheels at 4.5" or less backspacing, or quality wheel spacers required.

Why Buy From Obsidian Forged Auto Supply

• Authorized Apex Chassis Dealer — full manufacturer warranty, factory-direct product
• Free Shipping, Lower 48 — no minimums, no handling fees
• Real Fitment Verification — text (469) 407-7538 (SMS only) with your year, trim, axle, high-steer knuckle brand, lift height, and wheel specs. We confirm flip kit compatibility before we ship.
• Financing Available — Affirm and Afterpay on qualifying orders

2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU / 2019–2026 Gladiator JT. Wide-Track Dana 44 (M210). High-steer conversion required. 3.5–6"+ lift. 17" wheels at 4.5" max backspacing. 44.0 lbs. 2"x1.75" black anodized. Zero maintenance flip kit. Add to cart.

Disclaimer

The technical and product information presented above is compiled from data provided directly by the component manufacturer. Obsidian Forged Auto Supply maintains a rigorous engineering audit workflow to ensure vehicle fitment compatibility; however, we are not responsible or liable for sudden manufacturer-driven specification updates, raw metadata changes, or accuracy discrepancies in the foundational data sheets provided by the manufacturer.

Running less than 3.5" of lift, standard knuckles, Dana 30, or factory wheels? Text your year, trim, knuckle brand, lift height, and wheel specs to (469) 407-7538 before you order. We verify before we ship.