Apex Chassis 2.5 Ton ProLock Tie Rod & Drag Link Kit — Jeep Wrangler JL / Gladiator JT (DOM Steel, No-Flip / Under-Knuckle) SKU: KIT115 — Dana 44 Wide (61.5") — No-Flip

Verified Fitment

This is the no-flip (under-knuckle) configuration. A separate flip-kit variant is available for higher lifts.

Dana 44 axle width is a critical selection point. This SKU is built for the wide Dana 44 axle, with a tie rod measuring 60.5"–61.5" ball stud center to ball stud center. Narrow Dana 44 axles measure 57.5"–58.5" and require a different SKU — select the Dana 30 configuration for narrow Dana 44 applications. Confirm your axle width before ordering.

Axle fitment: Fits stock Dana 30/44 axles. Dana 60-equipped Jeeps may be accommodated with modifications — contact Apex directly before ordering.

Lift height guidance: This no-flip configuration is typically suggested for lifts of 4.5 inches or less. Higher lifts may require the flip-kit variant.

Rock crawling note: DOM steel connecting rods are not designed for rock crawling. If the rods are impacted heavily on a rock they may bend, and impact damage is not covered under warranty. Owners who intend to rock crawl should consider Apex's aluminum rod variants.

Component Specifications

What Is and Is NOT Included

Included:

• Tie rod assembly with 1.75" DOM steel tube (rod ends TR181K and TR182K)
• Drag link assembly with 1.75" DOM steel tube (rod ends DL112K and DL111K)
• ProLock keyway washers (pre-bent)
• Belleville washers (alternative to ProLock washers where further adjustment is needed — use one type only)
• Jam nuts with integrated set screws
• Grade 8 / Class 10.9 hardware, castle nuts
• Zerk fittings (pre-greased)

Not included:

• Steering stabilizer bracket — must be selected separately based on stabilizer in use
• Steering stabilizer (sold separately)
• Taper sleeve (included only in flip-kit variants; not included with this no-flip configuration)
• Wrench kit required for installation — KIT521 (2x WR112 41mm/46mm), sold separately
• Thread locker (blue Loctite recommended for set screws; not included)
• Anti-seize compound (for adjusting sleeve threads; not included)
• Replacement set screws (sold separately, part number XP172)

Critical Compatibility

• Dana 44 wide axle — this SKU only: This kit is sized for the wide Dana 44 axle (tie rod measures 60.5"–61.5" ball stud center to center). Typically found on Rubicon, Mohave, and Max Tow Package Wrangler JL/Gladiator JT builds.
• Narrow Dana 44: Do not order this SKU for a narrow Dana 44 axle. Narrow Dana 44 tie rods measure 57.5"–58.5". Select the Dana 30 configuration, which has the correct tie rod length for narrow Dana 44 applications.
• Dana 60 axles: May be accommodated with modifications — contact Apex directly before ordering.
• Lift height: This no-flip configuration is typically suggested for lifts of 4.5 inches or less. Contact Apex for higher-lift applications before ordering.
• Rock crawling: DOM steel rods are not designed for rock crawling. Heavy rock impact may bend the rods and is not covered under warranty.
• Mount configuration: This is the under-knuckle (no-flip) variant. The flip-kit variant is a separate product and includes a taper sleeve for over-knuckle applications.
• Taper sleeve: Not included with this kit. If a taper sleeve is used, the knuckle drag link mount must be drilled through with a straight 7/8" drill bit.
• Stabilizer bracket: Not included. Select the appropriate stabilizer bracket separately based on your steering stabilizer setup.
• Anti-flop bearing: Tie rod ends and RH drag link end contain Flopper Stopper bearings. Do not tighten the jam nuts against these bearings. See Installation Notes for the required torquing sequence.
• Minimum engagement mark: If the minimum engagement mark on the drag link end threads is visible, thread engagement is insufficient. Adjust the sleeve position or address lift height as required.
• ProLock vs. Belleville washers: Belleville washers are included as an alternative where further adjustment is needed. Use one type only — do not use both simultaneously.
• Greasing: Use only ½ to 1 pump of grease per joint. Over-greasing can cause seals to pop or tear, leading to premature failure.

Installation Notes

Safety warning: Steering is a critical safety component. The installer must read and follow the provided installation instructions in full before beginning. Failure to follow these instructions may result in loss of vehicle control, accident, and injury. Failure to use correct installation tools or follow correct procedures may also void the warranty. Installation instructions must be present through the full installation process, including alignment.

Required tools:
Apex wrench kit KIT521 — 2x WR112 41mm/46mm (sold separately)

Required consumables:

• Blue Loctite (for set screws after alignment)
• Anti-seize compound (for inside threads of adjusting sleeve only — do not apply to rod end threads)
• High-pressure lithium grease (½ to 1 pump per joint only)

Tie rod rod ends: TR181K (driver) and TR182K (passenger)
Drag link rod ends: DL112K (knuckle side) and DL111K (pitman arm side)

Installation summary:

1. Before removing the OEM tie rod and drag link assemblies, measure from Zerk fitting to Zerk fitting on each and record those measurements for reference.
2. Identify thread direction: the passenger side tie rod ends have notches in the jam nuts indicating left-hand thread. The adjusting tube has a machined ring on one end next to the flats indicating left-hand threads. Apply anti-seize to the inside threads of the adjusting sleeves only — not the rod end threads.
3. Thread the jam nuts all the way down the tie rod ends. Install the pre-bent ProLock keyway washer onto the keyway of each tie rod end, with the bent side facing toward the adjusting sleeve. Belleville washers may be substituted where further adjustment is needed — use one type only, not both.
4. Thread the passenger side tie rod end into the adjusting sleeve in the correct thread direction until it reaches the jam nut or washer tabs. Repeat for the driver's side.
5. Adjust both ends equally to set the Zerk-to-Zerk (or ball stud center-to-center) distance to match the OEM measurement recorded in Step 1.
6. Assemble the drag link: install the ProLock keyway washer onto each drag link end keyway, bent side facing toward the adjusting sleeve. Locate the driver's side of the drag link adjusting sleeve (cut line toward the end of the rod, notches in the jam nut). Thread the drag link ends in the correct direction until each reaches the jam nut. Adjust both ends equally to the OEM measurement.
7. Remove the OEM tie rod and drag link assemblies.
8. Apply a light layer of grease to the top of each boot before installation to reduce friction between the boot and the joint.
9. Install the drag link first — knuckle side first, then pitman arm side. Torque the castle nuts to 75–82 ft-lbs. Leave the jam nuts loose. With tires pointing straight ahead, center the steering wheel by rotating the drag link adjusting sleeve.
10. Install the tie rod assembly. Torque the castle nuts to 75–82 ft-lbs. Leave the jam nuts loose. Use a tape measure to set toe to factory specifications.
11. Tighten all jam nuts on the tie rods and drag link and torque to 150 ft-lbs. Anti-flop bearing note: Tie rod ends and RH drag link end contain Flopper Stopper bearings allowing 4 degrees of forward and back rotation. Do not tighten against these bearings. Tighten the passenger side jam nut first, then center the flop in the bearing while tightening the driver's side jam nut. When both jam nuts are tight, approximately 4 degrees of forward and back rotation should remain.
12. Have a professional complete a full alignment before driving.
13. After alignment is complete, apply blue Loctite to the set screws and torque to 8–10 ft-lbs. Only after alignment is complete.
14. Once installation is complete, use a hammer to tap the ProLock tabs down firmly against the wrench flats to ensure the most secure lock.
15. Set and adjust the steering stabilizer, confirming equal travel at full lock in both directions (follow steering stabilizer manufacturer instructions).
16. Check jam nuts for tightness at 500 miles. Continue to check every 5,000 miles or at every oil change.

The Obsidian Take

The KIT115 is Apex's complete 2.5 Ton ProLock tie rod and drag link replacement for the 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL and 2019–2026 Gladiator JT, built for the wide Dana 44 axle in the no-flip under-knuckle configuration typically suggested for lifts of 4.5 inches or less. The DOM steel tubes use ProLock keyway washers with Flopper Stopper anti-flop bearings built directly into the tie rod and RH drag link ends — no hockey puck inserts, no boot removal. Two hard stops before ordering: this kit is sized for the wide Dana 44 only (60.5"–61.5" ball stud center to center); narrow Dana 44 owners must select the Dana 30 configuration. DOM steel rods are not for rock crawling — impact damage is not warranted, and aluminum variants exist for that use case. A professional alignment is required before driving, and the ProLock tabs are hammered down only after alignment is complete.

This Product Is For You If

• You own a 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL or 2019–2026 Jeep Gladiator JT on a wide Dana 44 axle (60.5"–61.5" tie rod center-to-center measurement).
• Your current lift is 4.5 inches or less, making the no-flip under-knuckle configuration appropriate.
• You are not planning heavy rock crawling — DOM steel rods are not warranted against impact damage.
• You want a complete ProLock tie rod and drag link replacement with Flopper Stopper anti-flop bearings built into the rod ends.
• You are prepared for a professional-level installation requiring KIT521, toe-setting, a professional alignment before driving, and ProLock tab hammering after alignment.

This Product Is Not For You If

• Your Jeep has a narrow Dana 44 axle (57.5"–58.5" tie rod center-to-center) — select the Dana 30 configuration.
• Your lift exceeds 4.5 inches — consider the Apex flip-kit variant.
• You have a Dana 60 axle and have not confirmed compatibility with Apex before ordering.
• You plan to rock crawl heavily — DOM steel rods may bend under heavy rock impact and impact damage is not covered under warranty.
• You do not have or are not prepared to obtain Apex wrench kit KIT521 before installation.
• You prefer aluminum rod options — Apex offers aluminum variants for this application.

Product Family Reference

The KIT115 is the no-flip (under-knuckle), wide Dana 44, DOM steel variant of the Apex 2.5 Ton ProLock Steering Kit for Jeep Wrangler JL and Gladiator JT. A flip-kit (over-knuckle) variant is available for higher-lift applications and includes a taper sleeve. Aluminum rod variants are available for owners who intend to rock crawl. Confirm the correct axle width, lift height, and rod material for your application before ordering.

Common Questions

How do I know if I have a wide or narrow Dana 44 axle?
Measure the tie rod center-to-center distance on your OEM tie rod. Wide Dana 44 measures 60.5"–61.5". Narrow Dana 44 measures 57.5"–58.5". Rubicon, Mohave, and Max Tow Package models typically have the wide Dana 44.

I have a narrow Dana 44 — what do I order?
Select the Apex Dana 30 configuration, which has the correct tie rod length for narrow Dana 44 applications.

Is this kit for lifts above 4.5 inches?
This no-flip configuration is typically suggested for lifts of 4.5 inches or less. For higher lifts, see the Apex flip-kit variant.

Can I use this kit for rock crawling?
DOM steel rods are not designed for rock crawling. Heavy rock impact may bend the rods, and impact damage is not covered under warranty. Apex's aluminum rod variants are recommended for rock crawling use.

What is the Flopper Stopper and why does it matter?
Flopper Stoppers are anti-flop bearings built directly into the tie rod ends and RH drag link end, allowing 27 degrees of left/right stud swing and only 2 degrees of forward/aft swing. They prevent the tie rod and drag link from rotating and flopping without requiring removal of the protective boot.

What is the correct jam nut torque sequence for the anti-flop bearings?
Torque all jam nuts to 150 ft-lbs. Do not tighten against the Flopper Stopper bearings. Tighten the passenger side jam nut first, then center the flop in the bearing while tightening the driver's side. When both are tight, approximately 4 degrees of forward and back rotation should remain.

Can I use both ProLock washers and Belleville washers?
No. Use one type only. Belleville washers are included as an alternative where further adjustment is needed — do not use both simultaneously.

Do I need a steering stabilizer bracket?
Yes, but it is not included. Select the appropriate bracket based on your steering stabilizer setup.

Do I need special tools?
Yes. Apex wrench kit KIT521 — 2x WR112 41mm/46mm — sold separately.

Is a professional alignment required?
Yes. Set toe to factory specifications before torquing the jam nuts, then have a professional complete a full alignment before driving. Set screws are torqued and ProLock tabs are hammered down only after alignment is complete.

How often should I check the jam nuts?
At 500 miles after installation, then every 5,000 miles or at every oil change.

What are the replacement set screws?
Replacement set screws for tie rod and drag link are Apex part number XP172, sold separately.

What is the warranty?
Apex covers manufacturer defects, premature wear, and breakage for the life of the vehicle, as long as the original purchaser owns the vehicle, with product registration required within 90 days of purchase. Impact damage to DOM steel rods is not covered. See full warranty summary below.

Manufacturer Data Disclaimer

Fitment, specification, compatibility, installation, and warranty data for this kit are sourced from Apex Chassis manufacturer product documentation and installation instructions, and OFAS-verified product data current as of publication. Specifications are subject to change without notice; confirm current documentation for this SKU at the time of purchase.

Required Legal, Warning, Fitment, and Return Notices

Safety Warning: Steering is a critical safety component. The installer must read and follow the provided installation instructions in full. Failure to follow these instructions may result in loss of vehicle control, accident, and injury. Failure to follow installation instructions and use correct installation tools may also void the warranty.

Warranty Summary: Apex Chassis warrants this product against manufacturer defects, premature wear, and breakage for the life of the vehicle, provided the original purchaser continues to own the vehicle. The product must be purchased through Apex Chassis directly or through an authorized Apex dealer, and must be registered with proof of purchase within 90 days of purchase. Products not registered within 90 days are covered only for 90 days from the date of purchase. Apex will, at its sole discretion, replace the defective part and cover ground shipping, or refund the original purchase price. Labor for removal or reinstallation is not covered. This warranty does not cover cosmetic imperfections, boots, bushings, or Heim-style joints, which are considered regular wear items. Impact damage to DOM steel connecting rods is not covered. The warranty is void if the component is improperly installed, modified, or used in an application for which it was not designed, as determined at Apex's sole discretion. This warranty is governed by the laws of the State of Arizona.