Exploring off-the-shelf tie rod upgrades

[Tricky Dick]

*Edit* Results on page 7!

Link: https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/exploring-off-the-shelf-tie-rod-upgrades.42228/page-7

I ordered a spare inner tie rod and once I can pull measurements off it am going to be doing some investigating on heavier duty tie rods that will interchange. Once I have the thread and length specs it will just be a matter of matching up to something else out there. The tapered stud of the outer TRE is somewhat standardized and some mix and matching can be done to make the inner/outer combo the right length.

Some vehicles with notoriously crappy tie rods (looking at you GM trucks) already have inexpensive HD aftermarket tie rods available. Once I find out what the inner tie rod thread size and pitch is, it's game on.

Rockauto is a great resource for looking up part specifications. For example I found that the 11-19 GM truck inner tie rod has a M20x1.5 end at the rack and is 304mm long. A 2004 F150 has a much smaller M16x1.5 thread and is 325mm long. Based on pictures my gut says Bronco is going to be M16, it looks smallish.

Stay tuned for my findings.

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[Tricky Dick]

Grr! They cancelled my order, it's on national back order. I'm going to have to pull apart my own Bronco to get the thread size.

 

[ICUGAZN]

What's your thought on the fabtech kit? Tie Rod Heim Kit - 2021 Ford Bronco 4WD | Fabtech (fabtechmotorsports.com)

 

[Tricky Dick]

What's your thought on the fabtech kit? Tie Rod Heim Kit - 2021 Ford Bronco 4WD | Fabtech (fabtechmotorsports.com)

My thoughts are heims are going nowhere near my Bronco.

 

[ICUGAZN]

My thoughts are heims are going nowhere near my Bronco.

Why not? I guess I don't understand what heims is or what it means.

 

[Tricky Dick]

Why not? I guess I don't understand what heims is or what it means.

They have no business on a road driven vehicle. They get full of grime, wear out, and get sloppy. You can get boots for them to keep them greased but it's still a compromise.

 

[ICUGAZN]

They have no business on a road driven vehicle. They get full of grime, wear out, and get sloppy. You can get boots for them to keep them greased but it's still a compromise.

Gotcha. Thanks for that info.

 

[Tcarp1]

I don't understand why you would steer away from heims? They are far stronger than any tie rod. You can get safety washers for them when ran as a single sheer application. I ordered a spare inner as well and will build a set of tie rods sourcing the parts. I have literally driven thousands of miles on steering that has heim joint ends with 40" tires and hydro assist.

 

[Tcarp1]

https://www.pscmotorsports.com/replacement-parts/clevis-kits/psc-sc16.html

Clevis ends for you

 

[Tcarp1]

https://www.kartek.com/parts/large-...mx10t-58-hole-built-in-misalignment-heim.html

Heim Tapers

 

[Tcarp1]

https://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/34TO58SAFE.html

Saftey misalingments, these would be used in case the ball came out of the heim, but that is highly doubtful.

 

[swooshdave]

https://www.polyperformance.com/jks-2021-ford-bronco-tie-rod-end-sleeve-kit

 

[1Five1 Garage]

https://www.polyperformance.com/jks-2021-ford-bronco-tie-rod-end-sleeve-kit

Hmm... that is a cheaper option then a lot. wonder how well it works.

 

[BigGarnet]

From the guy who designed the BroncoBuster fix:
#2 please please please reconsider adding any form of Hiem tie rod!!! 3/4 of my failures in initial testing have been using Hiem joints. My own build, and then another manufactures. There is not enough articulation in the Hiem and it’s like an over stretched rubber band! It will break something!! I won’t mention who due to confidentiality in what I do but I personally know of two blown steering racks this last week due to Hiem tie rods.”

Now I’m not a fan of BroncoBuster. I think he’s gouging for both parts, so TIFWIW. I do also think he knows what he’s doing to a degree. I’m adding JKS tie rod sleeves, at $50 per pair. Hopefully they are enough. Still don’t know what I’ll do with the rack.

 

[swooshdave]

Hmm... that is a cheaper option then a lot. wonder how well it works.

We expect you to purchased and test. And report back. Now get to it!

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