I figured I would write up a review for Doetsch as well as their 1-ton Aluminum Tie Rod and Drag Link kit.
Doetsch (the company)- @Chris suggested Doetsch when I started looking for a steering upgrade. I was skeptical at first due to never hearing of them and being a tightwad (I hate throwing money away, makes me sick). I was also unexperienced with aluminum steering components. I assumed steel is the strongest, but I will get into that in the product review section. I placed my order with Doetsch and it was a pretty easy process. Their website currently notes that things are slightly delayed because of world events as well as demand so I expected to wait a little while longer, but that is okay. Some time had passed and I had not gotten an update so I messaged them on their Instagram page. I got a very prompt response and I cannot stress enough how great of customer service they have. They got me an update and told me that my kit was in line to be built. Some more time had passed and I got an email about shipping notification. Some more days passed and it hadn't moved so I messaged them again, only to inquire about this. Not even an hour after we had exchanged a few messages and their team checked on my order they sent me a picture of it boxed up and ready to be shipped. It went out that same day. AMAZING customer service and for me that is worth so much.
For the product, as stated above, I just assumed steel would be the best option for steering, and steel is supposed to be stronger, right? Well after watching a few youtube videos I was set on aluminum. The strength is the same as steel and if dropped on a rock while wheeling (very likely for me) aluminum will retain its form while if steel gets bent it will not bend back.
I installed the kit yesterday in my driveway. It was super simple and straightforward. Doetsch has great instructions on their website if needed. The only issue I ran into when installing was the bolt for the steering stabilizer was ever so slightly too large to pass through the actual steering stabilizer (I went with their clamp as I planned to reuse my stock stabilizer). This was mended by replacing the sleeve in the stabilizer and all went on smoothly.
You will need to get an alignment after installation as you would with any other suspension or steering changes. I was able to align myself, but highly suggest taking it to get professionally aligned.
My Jeep steers amazingly now. I mean night and day difference. When on the freeway before I would have to give constant input while going down the road and bump steer was horrid. Now I can be cruising at 75 and it drives straight as an arrow and I do not have to worry about hitting a bump and jetting off into another lane.
I highly recommend not only this kit but also Doetsch as a company. 10/10
Attached is a shot after install. *Note, you can have this kit powder-coated at extra cost*
Doetsch (the company)- @Chris suggested Doetsch when I started looking for a steering upgrade. I was skeptical at first due to never hearing of them and being a tightwad (I hate throwing money away, makes me sick). I was also unexperienced with aluminum steering components. I assumed steel is the strongest, but I will get into that in the product review section. I placed my order with Doetsch and it was a pretty easy process. Their website currently notes that things are slightly delayed because of world events as well as demand so I expected to wait a little while longer, but that is okay. Some time had passed and I had not gotten an update so I messaged them on their Instagram page. I got a very prompt response and I cannot stress enough how great of customer service they have. They got me an update and told me that my kit was in line to be built. Some more time had passed and I got an email about shipping notification. Some more days passed and it hadn't moved so I messaged them again, only to inquire about this. Not even an hour after we had exchanged a few messages and their team checked on my order they sent me a picture of it boxed up and ready to be shipped. It went out that same day. AMAZING customer service and for me that is worth so much.
For the product, as stated above, I just assumed steel would be the best option for steering, and steel is supposed to be stronger, right? Well after watching a few youtube videos I was set on aluminum. The strength is the same as steel and if dropped on a rock while wheeling (very likely for me) aluminum will retain its form while if steel gets bent it will not bend back.
I installed the kit yesterday in my driveway. It was super simple and straightforward. Doetsch has great instructions on their website if needed. The only issue I ran into when installing was the bolt for the steering stabilizer was ever so slightly too large to pass through the actual steering stabilizer (I went with their clamp as I planned to reuse my stock stabilizer). This was mended by replacing the sleeve in the stabilizer and all went on smoothly.
You will need to get an alignment after installation as you would with any other suspension or steering changes. I was able to align myself, but highly suggest taking it to get professionally aligned.
My Jeep steers amazingly now. I mean night and day difference. When on the freeway before I would have to give constant input while going down the road and bump steer was horrid. Now I can be cruising at 75 and it drives straight as an arrow and I do not have to worry about hitting a bump and jetting off into another lane.
I highly recommend not only this kit but also Doetsch as a company. 10/10
Attached is a shot after install. *Note, you can have this kit powder-coated at extra cost*
