Apex Chassis 2.5-Ton Steering Kit | Dana 44 Black Anodized | 2018-2026 Jeep JL/JLU & Gladiator JT

Apex Chassis 2.5-Ton Steering Kit | Black Anodized Aluminum | Dana 44 Standard Geometry | 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL / JLU & 2019–2026 Gladiator JT

The Apex Chassis KIT120-Dana44-NoFlip is a 2.5-ton heavy-duty black anodized aluminum complete steering kit — tie rod and drag link assembly — engineered for the 2018–2026 Jeep Wrangler JL/JLU and 2019–2026 Gladiator JT with Dana 44 front axle and OEM or mild aftermarket knuckles. Black anodized aluminum construction provides corrosion resistance and a stealth appearance while reducing unsprung weight vs. the steel KIT115-Dana44-NoFlip (52.5 lbs). Standard (no-flip) geometry — designed for builds running factory or mild aftermarket knuckles without a high-steer conversion. Phosphate-coated rod ends and fully serviceable joints deliver long-term durability.

Verified Fitment (OFAS Standard)

• Jeep Wrangler JL (2-door): 2018–2026 — Dana 44 front axle (Sahara, Rubicon, 4xe trims)
• Jeep Wrangler JLU (4-door Unlimited): 2018–2026 — Dana 44 front axle (Sahara, Rubicon, 4xe trims)
• Jeep Gladiator JT: 2019–2026 — Dana 44 front axle (Rubicon and select trims)

Does NOT fit: Dana 30 axle (Sport, Sport S trims — see KIT120-Dana30-NoFlip). Does not fit high-steer knuckle conversions on Dana 44 — use KIT120-Dana44-YesFlip instead. Does not fit 2007–2018 Wrangler JK/JKU (see KIT130/KIT135/KIT140 series).

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: KIT120-Dana44-NoFlip-JJSP
• Configuration: 2.5-ton complete kit — tie rod + drag link assembly
• Axle: Dana 44 front axle specific (Sahara, Rubicon, 4xe trims)
• Geometry: Standard (no-flip) — OEM and mild aftermarket knuckle compatible
• Material: Black anodized aluminum (lighter than steel KIT115-Dana44-NoFlip at 52.5 lbs; same weight class as polished KIT125-Dana44-NoFlip at 44.6 lbs)
• Rod Ends: Phosphate-coated high-misalignment ends
• Weight: 44.6 lbs
• Application: Lifted JL/JLU/JT builds — 2–6" lift range

Installation Notes

• Alignment required: Full front-end alignment (caster, camber, toe) mandatory after installation. Complete steering linkage replacement directly affects toe, caster, and bump steer — do not drive until aligned.
• Torque specs: Tie rod and drag link end jam nuts — torque to manufacturer specification (verify in Apex install sheet). Castellated nuts at knuckle and pitman arm — torque to 55–75 ft-lbs and install cotter pin.
• Axle confirmation: Dana 44 is standard on Sahara, Rubicon, and 4xe trims. Sport and Sport S trims use Dana 30 — order KIT120-Dana30-NoFlip instead.
• High-steer caveat: This is the standard no-flip kit. If running high-steer knuckles on your Dana 44, use KIT120-Dana44-YesFlip — do not substitute.
• Lift requirement: Designed for 2–6" lifted applications. Verify drag link angle on lower lifts before installation to avoid bump steer.
• Caster correction: On lifts exceeding 3", adjustable control arms or a caster correction kit is recommended to restore factory caster angle after installation.
• Material note: Black anodized aluminum offers corrosion resistance and stealth appearance vs. polished KIT125-Dana44-NoFlip. For extreme rock crawl or high-impact use, consider the steel KIT115-Dana44-NoFlip for maximum bend resistance.

Installation Warning

Installing the no-flip kit on high-steer knuckles will result in incorrect drag link angle and unsafe steering geometry — use KIT120-Dana44-YesFlip for high-steer applications. Installing on a Dana 30 axle will result in geometry incompatibility — use KIT120-Dana30-NoFlip instead. Do not drive the vehicle until a full front-end alignment has been completed by a qualified alignment technician. Once installed, the unit is non-returnable.

What is your JL/JT trim level (to confirm Dana 44 vs. Dana 30), are you running OEM knuckles or a high-steer conversion, and what is your intended use (rock crawl / trail / street) to confirm black anodized aluminum vs. steel is the right spec?