Apex Chassis 1.5" Heavy Duty Black Anodized 7075-T6 Aluminum Steering Kit | Tie Rod + Drag Link | Standard Geometry | 2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK / JKU | SKU: KIT150-BLK

Brand: Apex Chassis | SKU: KIT150-BLK | Configuration: HD Black Anodized Aluminum Tie Rod + Drag Link | Material: 1.5" Solid 7075-T6 Aluminum | Finish: Black Anodized | Lift Range: 2–6" | Free Shipping | Affirm & Afterpay Available

The Stealth Build Gets the Same Engineering as the Show Build.

Not every JK is built to be looked at. Some are built to work — to trail, to rock crawl light, to daily drive lifted without announcing themselves. The black anodized finish is the choice for that build. Clean. Dark. Zero maintenance. The same solid 7075-T6 aluminum construction as the polished version, with a hard anodized surface that doesn't need polish, doesn't patina, and doesn't reflect anything it doesn't have to.

The factory tie rod and drag link don't belong on a JK at lift height with real tires regardless of what the build looks like from the outside. The Apex Chassis KIT150-BLK fixes that — heavy-duty solid 7075-T6 aluminum, 1-ton Ninja Joints™, integrated double-adjuster, black anodized finish. Both components. One kit. Built for the JK that earns its miles.

The Obsidian Take

Three finish variants exist for the Apex JK standard no-flip aluminum steering lineup — black anodized (this kit), polished mirror (KIT150-POL), and the heavier solid steel option (KIT130-NoFlip). The KIT150-BLK is the stealth version — the same 1.5" solid 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction as the polished kit, with a hard anodized black surface that provides genuine corrosion protection rather than just aesthetics.

Anodizing is an electrochemical surface hardening process — it converts the outer layer of the aluminum into aluminum oxide, which is significantly harder than the base metal and naturally resistant to corrosion, abrasion, and UV degradation. Unlike powdercoat that sits on top of the surface and can chip or peel, anodizing penetrates into the aluminum itself. A chipped powdercoat exposes bare metal. A chipped anodized surface exposes hardened oxide. On a JK that sees trail use, mud, and real weather, that difference matters.

The 1-ton Ninja Joints™ are the same system across both JK aluminum variants — deep metal-to-metal internal bearing channels, extreme articulation without binding, fully serviceable and rebuildable when they wear. The rod ends thread directly into the solid 1.5" aluminum bar via massive 1.25" ultra-thick left and right hand threaded shanks — eliminating the deflection points common on factory parts. Dual-thread lock nuts secure both connections and cannot back out under sustained vibration or trail stress. The integrated hex double-adjuster sleeve on the tie rod lets your alignment tech dial in perfect toe metrics on the rack without disconnecting a joint.

Honest comparison across all three JK no-flip variants:

The KIT130-NoFlip is solid high-strength steel — maximum impact resistance for rock crawling and direct boulder contact. Heaviest option. The choice when the linkage is going to take hits.

The KIT150-POL is 1.5" solid 7075-T6 polished aluminum — mirror finish, same weight savings as this kit, the show-quality undercarriage choice.

The KIT150-BLK is 1.5" solid 7075-T6 black anodized aluminum — same performance as the polished version, hard anodized corrosion protection, zero maintenance finish for the trail-focused or daily-driven build that doesn't need to shine.

Same aluminum. Same Ninja Joints. Same double-adjuster. Different surface. Choose based on your build aesthetic and use case.

This is the standard no-flip kit. Engineered for OEM knuckles and mild aftermarket knuckles without a high-steer conversion. High-steer knuckles require the flip kit variant.

⚠️ CRITICAL COMPATIBILITY WARNINGS — Read Before Ordering:

High-Steer Knuckle Conversions: The KIT150-BLK is NOT compatible with high-steer knuckle conversions (Dynatrac, RockJock, Synergy, etc.). Installing on high-steer knuckles will result in incorrect drag link angle and unsafe steering geometry. The flip kit variant is required for all high-steer applications.

17" Wheel / 4.75" Max Backspacing: Due to the 1-ton Ninja Joint™ housing profile, this kit requires a minimum 17" wheel diameter with 4.75" backspacing or less. Factory JK 17" wheels run approximately 6.25" backspacing and will not clear. Factory 16" wheels will not clear.

JK/JKU Platform Only: Does NOT fit 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU. See KIT125-Dana44-NoFlip or KIT125-Dana30-NoFlip for JL/JLU. Does NOT fit Jeep Gladiator JT.

Confirmed Fitment

✅ This unit fits — all JK/JKU trims:

All trims confirmed: Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon all fit.

❌ This unit does NOT fit:

• 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL / JLU — different steering geometry. See KIT125 series.
• Jeep Gladiator JT — JL platform, different geometry
• High-steer knuckle conversions — flip kit variant required
• Factory stock wheels — 6.25" backspacing causes inner rim contact with Ninja Joint™ housings
• Factory 16" wheels — will not clear
• 2006 and earlier Wrangler TJ / LJ — different platform

2018 model year note: 2018 produced both JK and JL Wranglers. This kit fits 2018 JK and JKU only — NOT the 2018 JL or JLU.

Technical Specifications

Before You Order — 4 Fitment Checkpoints

1. Year and body style: 2007–2018 JK/JKU only. If your 2018 is the newer JL platform — see KIT125 series. TJ/LJ (2006 and earlier) requires a different unit.

2. Wheel specifications: Minimum 17" diameter with 4.75" or less backspacing. Factory JK 17" wheels at ~6.25" backspacing will contact the Ninja Joint™ housings. Low-offset aftermarket wheels or quality wheel spacers required.

3. Knuckle configuration: Standard no-flip geometry only — OEM or mild aftermarket knuckles without a high-steer conversion. High-steer knuckles require the flip kit variant.

4. Finish selection: Black anodized is the zero-maintenance choice for trail and daily use where corrosion protection matters more than aesthetics. For show-quality mirror finish — KIT150-POL. For maximum rock crawl impact resistance — KIT130-NoFlip steel.

Installation Notes

Intermediate-level install. Both components replaced simultaneously — professional alignment immediately after is mandatory.

• Alignment mandatory: Full front-end alignment — caster, camber, and toe — required after installation. Do not drive until aligned.
• Torque specs: Tie rod and drag link end jam nuts — torque to manufacturer specification per Apex install sheet. Castellated nuts at knuckle and pitman arm — torque to 55–75 ft-lbs and install cotter pin.
• High-steer caveat: This is the standard no-flip kit. Installing on high-steer knuckles will result in incorrect drag link angle and unsafe steering geometry. Do not substitute.
• Lockdown sequence: Fully torque all jam nuts and lock nuts to Apex specifications to secure the hex double-adjuster sleeve after alignment is finalized. Install all cotter pins.
• Caster correction: On lifts exceeding 3", adjustable control arms or a caster correction kit is recommended.

Installation Warning: Installing the no-flip kit on high-steer knuckles will result in incorrect drag link angle and unsafe steering geometry. Installing on JL/JLU will result in geometry incompatibility. Do not drive until a full front-end alignment has been completed. Once installed, this unit is non-returnable.

Questions We Get Asked

What's the difference between KIT150-BLK, KIT150-POL, and KIT130-NoFlip? Same standard no-flip JK/JKU geometry and 1-ton Ninja Joints™. The KIT150-BLK is 1.5" solid 7075-T6 with hard black anodized finish — same weight as polished, electrochemical surface protection, zero maintenance, trail and daily use choice. The KIT150-POL is the identical aluminum in polished mirror finish — same performance, show-quality aesthetic. The KIT130-NoFlip is solid high-strength steel at 49.4 lbs — maximum direct impact resistance for dedicated rock crawling. Choose based on use case and finish preference.

What's the difference between black anodized and black powdercoat? Powdercoat is a coating applied over the aluminum surface — it can chip or peel under impact, exposing bare metal underneath. Anodizing is an electrochemical process that converts the outer layer of the aluminum itself into aluminum oxide — it penetrates into the surface rather than sitting on top. A chip in powdercoat exposes bare aluminum. A chip in anodized surface exposes hardened oxide. For trail use and real-world conditions, anodizing provides more durable long-term protection.

Will this clear my factory 17" JK wheels? No. Factory JK 17" wheels run approximately 6.25" backspacing — the inner barrel will contact the 1-ton Ninja Joint™ housings at full steering lock. You need aftermarket wheels at 4.75" or less backspacing, or quality wheel spacers.

Does this fit my 2018 Jeep Wrangler? Depends on which 2018. Fits 2018 JK and JKU only. The 2018 JL and JLU uses different steering geometry — see KIT125 series.

What are the Ninja Joints™? Apex's proprietary 1-ton rod end system — deep metal-to-metal internal bearing channels, extreme articulation without binding, fully serviceable and rebuildable. When they wear you rebuild the wear component, not the entire assembly.

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, lift height, tire size, wheel backspacing, knuckle setup, and intended use. An Obsidian tech confirms no-flip geometry and finish selection for your specific build before we ship.
• Financing Available — Affirm and Afterpay on qualifying orders

2007–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK / JKU. All trims. OEM or mild aftermarket knuckles. 17"+ wheels at 4.75" max backspacing. 2–6" lift. 25.6 lbs. Black anodized. Built for the trail, not the show. 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 high-steer knuckles, factory wheels, a 2018 JL, or unsure which JK finish variant fits your build? Text your year, lift height, tire size, wheel specs, and intended use to (469) 407-7538 before you order. We verify before we ship.