Under Your Jeep: Steering and Suspension 101

Jeep Wrangler Front Components

Steering Components 

Tie Rod (Olive Green):Running horizontally  across the axle, the tie rod connects the left  and right steering knuckles. Its role is to  ensure that both front wheels turn together  when steering input is applied. 

Drag Link (Yellow): The drag link runs  diagonally from the steering box area on the  frame to the passenger-side steering knuckle.  This component transfers steering input from  the steering wheel to the axle, initiating wheel  movement. 

Pitman Arm (Purple): Mounted to the  steering gearbox output shaft, the pitman arm  converts the rotational motion of the steering  wheel into lateral movement of the drag link.

Suspension and Axle Location 
Lower Control Arms (Red): These arms connect the axle housing to the vehicle’s frame, controlling fore and-aft axle movement and helping manage braking and acceleration forces. 

Track Bar (Teal): Running laterally from the frame to the axle, the track bar keeps the axle centered under  the vehicle. It is critical for preventing side-to-side axle movement during steering and suspension travel. Sway Bar System 

Sway Bar (Brown/ Tan): Mounted to the frame and spanning across the vehicle, the sway bar reduces  body roll during cornering by linking the left and right suspension movements. 

Sway Bar Links (Blue): These vertical links connect the sway bar to the axle, transferring suspension  motion to the bar. 

Electric Sway Bar Disconnect (Orange): Shown near the axle, this component allows the sway bar to be  electronically disengaged for off-road driving. Disconnecting the sway bar increases wheel articulation,  improving traction over uneven terrain. Typically seen in Jeep Wrangler Rubicon