Exploring off-the-shelf tie rod upgrades

[PCDan]

I think I'll go ahead and get the tubular Icons. The billet is overkill for my needs.

Thanks for all the work figuring the tie rod out, really appreciate it.

I have two spare Ranger inners and the JKS sleeves. Not going to spend a ton on band-aids. And in the mean time while we all wait for a proper fix I’ll just try to be smart when wheeling.

And believe it or not … it’s often driver fault when things break

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[Tricky Dick]

Thanks for all the work figuring the tie rod out.

I have two spare Ranger inners and the JKS sleeve. Not going to spend a ton on band-aids, and in the mean time while we all wait for a proper fix I’ll just try to be smart when wheeling.

Believe it or not … it’s often the driver when things break

I agree driver plays a big part. I still haven't seen confirmation that any stock Bronco has broken one either.

Frankly at $10-20 a pop I'd rather have a Ranger tie rod be a fuse than possibly wipe out the rack.

 

[DREWR13]

I agree driver plays a big part. I still haven't seen confirmation that any stock Bronco has broken one either.

Frankly at $10-20 a pop I'd rather have a Ranger tie rod be a fuse than possibly wipe out the rack.

This is my thought as well. I would much rather throw a new inner on than deal with a blown rack on a trail somewhere.

 

[VoltageDrop]

I agree driver plays a big part. I still haven't seen confirmation that any stock Bronco has broken one either.

Frankly at $10-20 a pop I'd rather have a Ranger tie rod be a fuse than possibly wipe out the rack.

Tank trap guy was all stock

 

[PCDan]

Tank trap guy was all stock

I actually think he mostly did in the tie rod a few logs back when you kept pushing the fully locked front end into the log.

 

[sea382]

I ended up ordering these:

https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/level-up-suspension-tie-rod-sleeves-21-bronco

I was worried that the JKS threads were not coated (or any powdercoat/paint that was one them would come off when they were installed) and would rust and seize over time. The rough country ones looked good too, but they covered most of the adjuster (especially when you loosen it) which seems like it would make alignments difficult.

 

[Snacktime]

I ended up ordering these:

https://www.levelupsuspension.com/products/level-up-suspension-tie-rod-sleeves-21-bronco

I was worried that the JKS threads were not coated (or any powdercoat/paint that was one them would come off when they were installed) and would rust and seize over time. The rough country ones looked good too, but they covered most of the adjuster (especially when you loosen it) which seems like it would make alignments difficult.

Google seizing and stainless as your statement is a contradiction.

 

[sea382]

Google seizing and stainless as your statement is a contradiction.

I had stainless tie rod sleeves on my Colorado for years with anti seize and never had any issues. This kit comes with antiseize as well. I really think the JKS raw threads will be even worse over time...

The difference here between a stainless steel fastener and a stainless steel tie rod sleeve to me is how much its being tightened. A faster is usually torqued to a specified amount, which can cause galling of the threads. Here the sleeve is being used as a nut. If you ask any good alignment tech they will tell you not to overtighten the tie rod nut. There is no need, especially since even if the nut come loose the tie rod end cannot rotate. The inner tie rod would have to rotate in it's ball joint to have the tie rod actually come loose and fail.

 

[VoltageDrop]

Cease and Desist delivered in 5, 4, 3….

Looks like you were right... they gone!

 

[Tricky Dick]

Today we proved the Ranger tie rod will get you home. @Tarheel_Wes broke one on Dickey Bell at Uwharrie. A trip to the nearest auto parts store netted a Ranger tie rod and we got him fixed up. He reported it drove well.

If someone in the group had carried one, we would have only lost half an hour and gotten another trail or two in. It's cheap insurance, grab a spare guys.

 

[Tarheel_Wes]

Today we proved the Ranger tie rod will get you home. @Tarheel_Wes broke one on Dickey Bell at Uwharrie. A trip to the nearest auto parts store netted a Ranger tie rod and we got him fixed up. He reported it drove well.

If someone in the group had carried one, we would have only lost half an hour and gotten another trail or two in. It's cheap insurance, grab a spare guys.

Amen. And thanks again. You saved me.

 

[Tricky Dick]

Amen. And thanks again. You saved me.

I'm glad we made it work. Your tow home could have been pricy.

The Broncbuster splint to get it off the trail was pretty slick too. I love that this community is coming up with homegrown solutions.

 

[Tarheel_Wes]

I'm glad we made it work. Your tow home could have been pricy.

The Broncbuster splint to get it off the trail was pretty slick too. I love that this community is coming up with homegrown solutions.

Yes without that it woulda been a trail change in a really tricky spot

 

[Tricky Dick]

Yes without that it woulda been a trail change in a really tricky spot

Hey, tricky is my specialty. It was easy peasy in the parking lot though.

 

[bodean]

I'm glad we made it work. Your tow home could have been pricy.

The Broncbuster splint to get it off the trail was pretty slick too. I love that this community is coming up with homegrown solutions.

Do tell?

Where’s the best place to get cheap ranger tie rods.

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