The Ultimate Steering Upgrade For A Jeep Wrangler Or Gladiator!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.ค. 2021
- This is a must have upgrade for any Jeep JL or Gladiator owner with larger tires!
www.apexdesignsusa.com/produc...
Ever since we installed the 37" tires on our Jeep Gladiator, the steering power has been greatly reduced. Not only offroad, but onroad as well. During low speed turning, the steering wheel is very hard to turn, and it seemed like the only thing that would help is to rev the engine or move at a faster speed. Offroad it was even worse... On the last offroad trip to Wolf Caves, Cassie was driving the JT in the rocks and had multiple occasions where she was unable to turn effectively and navigate the terrain.
In the past, the only option was to go with an expensive PSC Hydro Assist Setup, or their still expensive "Big Bore steering Box". Both of those are great options, however they might not be suited for everyone.
Luckily, APEX Designs has been in the Lab cooking up some secret sauce for us JL and JT owners..
This kit simply works!! For a fraction of the price, we get the power of a hydro assist setup, without a ton of work!
The install is nothing to shy of. It might look in depth, but its fairly straightforward and doesn't take more than a few hours out of your weekend! Honestly, if you are doing this at the same time as a winch and bumper upgrade then it would be even easier.
I will continue testing the Apex power steering boost kit in various terrains and report back to you guys. But so far, i would say that this is 100% worth it!
Power Steering Fluid: amzn.to/3qQUORb You'll need 2, or reuse some of your factory fluid
Allen Socket Set: amzn.to/3xnNcYI You'll need this eventually.
Crocs: amzn.to/3qSaMuc These just make you cooler
Notes from APEX:
Any time a Jeep is lifted with larger tires and higher offset wheels, the drag on the hydraulic power steering is greatly increased. Deflate your tires for off-road and it’s even worse. The stock system pressures are set low as it’s enough for 33” tires and stock wheels and helps prevent overheating of the system.
With aftermarket performance parts and harder use, the stock pressures and lack of cooling ability become an issue. We have found that the factory power steering is capable of running at a higher pressure with ease.
The boost kit allows for a retune of the factory blowoff valve so we can increase steering power by 40%. While this is good news, more power = more heat and the factory system was barely acceptable. This is why a power steering cooler is included. This boost kit MUST be used with a cooler to operate correctly.
WHAT DOES THE STEERING BOOST KIT FIX?
No more stalled steering when it’s sub-freezing temperatures.
Smooth steering in parking lots on hot days.
Proper steering feel while in sand dunes.
Less feedback from terrain inputs.
Easy steering while aired down.
Overall it feels like stock but no more steering issues regarding power.
HOW LARGE OF TIRES IS IT DESIGNED FOR?
It will work any size tire and have great improvements. A 39” tire is about the largest tire where most to all issues will be solved.
40s you may see some sticking while aired down on high traction surfaces. It’s still a great improvement and with one of the many ram assists available, you will have all the power you need.
We recommend you try the boost kit first on the 40 and larger crowd before adding other devices. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
What size tires are you running? How do you like your performance? I’m super happy with how the Apex kit turned out, and it wasn’t even that hard to install.
Running 37s on my Gladiator as well, it is a pain in parking lots or if at a red light and need to change lanes. Awesome video and may be moving towards the top of upgrades list!
I've got 37" K02s - I don't think I have this issue? Maybe that's because they're a lot less rubber than KM3s (or any other MT). I'll have to recheck..
My JTR is new to me and has the 33in MTs by Falken. Is it safe to go 35s on a stock Rubicon?
@@blainehigginbotham4035 I have 35s on my jl Rubicon with no issues
@@blainehigginbotham4035 I went 37 on my stock JTR. Over a year ago, no issues.
Looking forward to wheeling the gladiator more often now!! I think we need to take it back out to wolf caves🤘🏼
I love the fact that you've upgraded that JT at least a dozen times, but haven't fixed the crack in the windshield! Lol. Love your vids!
I have the same crack. Im waiting for G&G to install and give feedback on a gorilla glass windshield 😎
You need to upgrade your windshield to an uncracked version.
I always appreciate the fact that you and Cassie actually do all of the work on your vehicles.
Cool setup, be curious to see the life span.
Oh! Macho Man is happy his glasses are being used again
I’ve had it for over a year
Man I wish they would make one of these kits for JK
Agreed. They do make a cooler that supposedly helps as well, that works with the JK. But not quite the same.
Apex needs to listen up. I would buy this for my jk in a heartbeat
@@maxdominguez5543 JK's don't have electric pumps guy. Might as well just get a PSC overland kit or their kit a la carte. Even just a ps cooler helps steering.
Keep them videos coming Ben!!! Much love from Louisiana
Now you tell me. I didn’t know the bracket could be taken off for me to make my cuts. I’ve had it installed for a month and absolutely love it!!!!
My builder introduced me to this a few weeks ago when we was discussing my gladiator build. Ordered it Monday so I cant wait to try it out
Been following you for about a month now and my wife and I are enjoying the videos since we do have our first jeep. A jeep gladiator willys. And what’s awesome is you’re about an hour south from us!!
Houston here. Your videos are definitely making me lean towards a gladiator for my next purchase. Thanks for the informative videos.
Awesome timing! Was literally just having this debate with myself. Cheers and thanks Ben
I have a 2021 gladiator sport ass and I have noticed the things that you’re telling me and I had figured on an upgrade and I’m gonna look at this option hard thank you for the help
Great video! When i had my gladiator (traded it back in for a wrangler after a year), I didn’t have the steering issue, even when i put it on 37s. I bought my gladiator in 2019 and it still had the aluminum steering box. I wheeled it up and down the east coast along with a lot of “over landing”. Never wanders on the highway, nor was it ever hard to turn. Maybe i got lucky and mine was built on a Wednesday or something. I ran the core 4x4 track bar front and rear along with the upper and lower, front and rear control arms. Ready to see some good wheeling coverage vids with all y’all’s Jeep’s. Cheers
That is AMAZING! Definitely getting this kit for my JL
Hey Ben! Love your videos! Gladiator looks great! I notice you have the Sunrider top on it.. ... I get mine in this weekend, can't wait!! 👍
Great video Ben. I ordered mine. Going to install it first and then will add the Hydro assist if needed.
Great stuff, Ben! Just put it on the upgrade list.
Badass! It’s a major difference having easy steering.
Nice! My JLUR definitely needs one.
I’m running 37s and very happy I had this installed by Dixie 4x4
Sawzall is the duct tape of power tools.
Love your vids man. Ordering my Jt rubicon today.
Thx for the video. I'm gonna do some research on that product.
You guys should put together an off road meetup. I live in Louisiana and would love to go wheeling with you guys some time! I have a 2 door jk.
The big bore is awesome even without hydro. I'm only running 35's on the JK but steering is super light and I have no worries about that sector shaft now. Pure beef.
My only question is whether the steering system's hard-parts will stand up to the higher force provided by the booster? Does the kit allow you to force the other components past their limit in situations where the wheels are bound...like between two rocks, or against a Boulder face?
Amazing 🤩 stuff for the Jeeps
That’s pretty cool….You guys should meet up with us and Rock Solid Rig at HotSprings ORV July 22nd through 25th for the Wheelin for Warriors veterans event.
Let us know when u going to hidden falls I’ve been wanting to go
Now that its been a good long time. How is that back hatch light holding out on the JK ??? And that high and tight looks good on you.
was it that difficult to turn 37s on your jk with stock power steering? or was the jt a lot more difficult?
We just got back from our Ouray/Moab trip. It took all of about 35 minutes on Hells Revenge to over heat our power steering on our stock Rubicon with the stock 33's aired down to 19 psi.
Granted it was 110° on a rocky Hells revenge with a bunch of turning back and forth to get good lines. However should that not have been test bed number 1 for Jeep when developing the JL?!? I hate how little overhead Jeep builds into these things.
Wonder how this would feel on stock tires and can it be used with stock tires
How does this correlate to older JKs? I’m running 37s on my 08 Jk 3.8/6speed and mine operates how yours is after the swap. Always been super easy to turn no issues at all. Do I have an aftermarket steering setup and I just don’t know? What do you think?
My factory turns my 37s easily not moving on asphalt. I never considered wanting a upgrade
The clip in this video where you show the “before” is EXACTLY how mine behaves now with 37s and the Clayton lift, so thanks for that. I was previously concerned something was wrong or that my caster was just too much. Do you think that without the boost kit, the steering box or other components will wear out faster with the additional strain through the components without the assist?
No. The newer Jeeps can handle the 37s pretty well in regards to strength
I think your next upgrade should be your windshield, with Gorilla Glass. It is listed as an option for the 4xe(98 bucks).
I’ve been looking at this since the PSC big bore kit is over $2600.
I install a PSC kit on a Gladiator with 40" tires on it. It was way worth it.
@@Trex76us I definitely think it would be worth it especially because I want to go to 38” Mickey Thompson Baja Pro XS’s next I’m on 38” Patagonia’s right now but with the extra traction and weight the PSC is probably the way I should go. Plus my gladiator has a massive dead spot in the steering.
...and worth every penny!
@@mrwonkwonk Good to know! I’d like to feel the difference between stock and PSC. I’ll probably save my money and get the PSC kit.
@@BTHAlaska I got the "overlander" kit for my JK on 35's. Doesn't have hydro but can turn the wheel in park with one finger. My wife's CRV is harder to steer while moving than my JK now. Night and day difference.
Great video! Please tell me this will work with the 3.0 ecodiesel.
I’m fairly certain it does! I’d call them to verify though
When are you going to fix that windshield? I bet Safelite would sponsor a video.
Man this would be sweet to see for JK's.
I have been to east cut several tims if you want someone to come along I am ready Brownsville tx
great video. i would question the location of the cooler. can't see air flow with it hidden behind the wench
It doesn’t need too much airflow, the size of it will just help dissipate the heat
@@JKGearandGadgets I'm sure if you have issues you will let us know. Love the videos. we bought two jeeps. 2017 jku with a 5 inch lift and a Rubacon 2018 pu style. 2 inch lift with wench. looking forward to adding on to the 2018. lockers extra. shocks is something i'm looking into. still learning.
Wonder if it would help on the wondering to the right issue a bunch of us have ?
Most likely not. Do you have the new steering box?
How much did hydro assist help on the JK, and did you increase the power of the pump?
The assist helped tremendously, i did not change the pump out. I have a video review on the setup
Those sunglasses remind me of Macho Man Randy Savage
Did you move from Alaska to Texas?
Is there any warning about blowing lines or the pump? Interested to see what the longevity of this item will be.
Great vid!
I’ve been using it for over a year zero issues
I’m glad they sell the kit without the cooler. I don’t think it would fit a rubicon with the metal bumper
It fit mine with the factory bumper and a Gen 3 smittybilt 9500 but the cables did rub the cooler.
It fits anything you can throw at it
Now that you have some time wheeling with this kit how has the performance been?
Still holding up amazing! There are still some certain rock situations where I wish I had hydro assist, but this is a very nice kit.
@@JKGearandGadgets Great to know. I may add that kit to my wife’s 2 door soon.
👍
Great videos. I am looking into getting a 4 Dr jeep. I went to you're Facebook private group and sent a request for your group
Thanks for letting me know! Went ahead and added you 🤟
Your thoughts on the valve now?
Still working amazing
How’s this been working for you since the install? I’ve got one just need to find time to put it in
It’s been amazing
@@JKGearandGadgets would love to see a follow up video!
Any updates on reliability of this system?
Still working amazing!
Just curious how long did the install take start to finish time wise?
Took me about 8 hours total
Takes me 2 hours lolly gaging
Your videos are bad ass, but for the love of Jesus fix that windshield!!! 😂🤣😂
You’ll probably have more fun at hidden falls with the gladiator than wolf caves.
You said Barnes 4wd bumper? I thought you had 7 slot customs? Did they get bought out?
7slotcustoms was Barnes jeep specific line of parts. They just decided to stick everything under the same name
@@JKGearandGadgets ahh got yah thanks!!! Keep up the great content!
Dude how many vehicles are in your fleet now? I spy a couple of performance cars in the background of your video
Haha, 5 now. We picked up a Scat pack charger for the new “family daily”, and then we found a C6 vette for a crazy deal (needs a lot of work). Cassie has done a few Charger videos on her channel, and has one on the vette. She will be doing videos on the vette rebuild on her channel as well.
@@JKGearandGadgets what is cassies channel listed as?
@@edwardstone5018 jeep gear and gadgets
Would this help with a dead spot / play in the steering?
Most likely not, do you have the new steering box? Do you have good caster (adjustable control arms if youre lifted)
@@JKGearandGadgets yes lifted with 35s. And yes I have adjustable lower control arms steering damper as well as the steel steering box from jeep and still have the dead spot. I've almost given up at this point. I've thought about tightening the steering box but I hear you're not "supposed" to 🤦🏻♂️
@@bval0014 do you have a JL? You might have the old steering box (aluminum) they recalled those and swapped them with steel steering boxes. The new steering boxes are black, the old ones were a lighter grey I think
@@AustinH7 yes I have a 2020 jlu sport. I had the tsb steering box done already. Still have the dead spot
How long did the install take ?
Like 5 hours total.
why not go pse something you already know works ?
I like to try new things. And so far, I prefer this over hydro assist in regards to steering feel on the road
What timing... My JT is at the shop having this done right now.. I have 37" patagonias
You are going to love it! But I don’t think you’ll need it with 27s 🤷🏼♂️
Why such small tires?
@@accobra5631 he is going to be steering sooooo freaking fast now
@@JKGearandGadgets yeah I have a 91 S10 Blazer and the factory tire size is 29" I can fit a 30x9.5 without a lift so a 27" on a jeep seems strange to me
@@JKGearandGadgets Well I Guess I should just be happy that TH-cam has an edit feature for comments...
If you upgrade to a Ram...I'll raise my hand for this kit!
Well this would stay on, this would help tremendously with a ram setup
Did you know the 4th VIN on Gladiators tells you if you have the wide axles or not. If it's a J, you have them, if it's an H, you don't.
I did not know that! Interesting. I just went off rubicon and max tow having the wide axles
@@JKGearandGadgets Been collecting miltary vehicles since 2004 and found the pickups had an HD in the 7th an 8th VIN places for their HD disignation. The trucks that had this were the M1031 and M1028, and would have helper springs in the rear and a limited slip in the front D60 kingpin axle. When I was shoping for my wife's Gladiator, I figured out the 4th VIN being a J in all Rubicons and Mojaves along with the Sports with Max Tow option always had a J in the 4th digit. Have not found an exception yet. Also, none of the WIllys or High Altitudes will have a J there since the max tow is not an option for them.
Who makes the front bumper?
Nevermind. I watched again and caught the name. Missed it 1st time
Barnes4wd
where is cassy
Yo get a dang gorilla glass window!
Wouldn't you kill for 8' garage doors!
Love it, love it, love it!!! Best car ever created!
And what's more? Jeep is now partly owned by Dongfeng of China #MadeInChina2025 #BeltAndRoad 🇨🇳
Great video , terrible sunglasses
They are so comfortable. Best fitting glasses I have ever worn.
I hate that "Game Changer" phrase. Nice up grade though.
70k Gladiator with a cracked shitty windshield ?😂🤦♂️ ohhhh boy!
Nice system, but adding any kind of add on to the steering for assisting turning larger tires will in fact find your next weak link. I wouldn't recommend this or a ram without changing all of the JL steering to at least 1ton. I have the doetschoffroad.com/products/doetsch-off-road-2018-2021-jeep-jljt-no-drill-25-ton-2in-7075-aluminum-tie-rod-and-drag-link-steering-kit 2.5 ton steering. But at his point it will be your ball joints that I have seen give out on the trail. My next upgrade before adding steering assist.