Windrock Broke my Bronco (Tie Rod)!

[GTS104]

First chance I have had to take out my 2dr Basemansquatch. Really impressed with the "Out of the box" package. 2 days of pretty mild wheeling and right before dark on day two the tie rod let loose. I was actually shocked on how mild the terrain was when it did. I was locked up in the front at the time. I brought the Trickydicky trail kit and actually had to use it. Not real interested in adding a bunch of band aids to this weak ass rack. Probably skip the incrementall buildup/breakdown regiment and pick up a 74 Weld setup and be done. Dont go into the woods without a spare tie rod (or two) and the tools to swap. You have been warned!!!

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[MEAT_GOD]

Another day, another snapped tie rod. Good on you for taking the necessary precautions, though. Paid off well in the end.

 

[builtMIbronco]

Good on you for keeping a spare, what trail number is that?

 

[Tricky Mike]

Nice looking tool set you have there.

 

[87-Z28]

You running any kind of lift or just straight stock SAS?

 

[KABQ]

If the terrain was so mild that you were "shocked," why were you locked up front? Front lockers scare me for this exact reason. I've only had to use the front lockers twice, and both times I disconnected it as soon as got through the obstacle.

Glad you had the Tricky kit to get you out! Quick question: can you see enough of the installed tie rod to try and pre-match the length of the spares to at least get the steering pretty close?

 

[GTS104]

Good on you for keeping a spare, what trail number is that?

G3 to G39 intersection

 

[GTS104]

If the terrain was so mild that you were "shocked," why were you locked up front? Front lockers scare me for this exact reason. I've only had to use the front lockers twice, and both times I disconnected it as soon as got through the obstacle.

Glad you had the Tricky kit to get you out! Quick question: can you see enough of the installed tie rod to try and pre-match the length of the spares to at least get the steering pretty close?

When I unscrewed the threads off the tie rod end I counted the rotations and re threaded the same amount. Good idea in theory but was still out pretty bad.
Since only one side broke you can do a "red neck" alignment by holding the steering wheel straight driving down the road and incrementally tow the broke side in a few turns then drive again to check and repeat to get it back straight(ish) still will need an alignment though when you get home.

Sorry need to qualify the shocked statement about being locked up when I broke. Here is my dedicated trail rig

 

[GTS104]

You running any kind of lift or just straight stock SAS?

stock SAS. Just did rough country 1" level in the front.

 

[Strizzo]

First chance I have had to take out my 2dr Basemansquatch. Really impressed with the "Out of the box" package. 2 days of pretty mild wheeling and right before dark on day two the tie rod let loose. I was actually shocked on how mild the terrain was when it did. I was locked up in the front at the time. I brought the Trickydicky trail kit and actually had to use it. Not real interested in adding a bunch of band aids to this weak ass rack. Probably skip the incrementall buildup/breakdown regiment and pick up a 74 Weld setup and be done. Dont go into the woods without a spare tie rod (or two) and the tools to swap. You have been warned!!!

stock suspension, or lifted?
Edit: answered

 

[BigSkyBronco]

@GTS104 Glad you had the parts/skill to get you out! Are you happy with the DV8 A-arm protection?

 

[vrtical]

last time I was up there we had one in the group break and it wasnt locked but he was on a bigger lift and heavier tires. I avoid using locked front unless absolutely necessary.

 

[1st 75th ranger]

First chance I have had to take out my 2dr Basemansquatch. Really impressed with the "Out of the box" package. 2 days of pretty mild wheeling and right before dark on day two the tie rod let loose. I was actually shocked on how mild the terrain was when it did. I was locked up in the front at the time. I brought the Trickydicky trail kit and actually had to use it. Not real interested in adding a bunch of band aids to this weak ass rack. Probably skip the incrementall buildup/breakdown regiment and pick up a 74 Weld setup and be done. Dont go into the woods without a spare tie rod (or two) and the tools to swap. You have been warned!!!

its great you have parts & skills to fix on trail
i went with bronco buster tie rod braces and havent had any issues gratefully

 

[GTS104]

@GTS104 Glad you had the parts/skill to get you out! Are you happy with the DV8 A-arm protection?

Absolutley. did the rear lower control arms with dv8 as well. I I was going to go with the rci and save some coin but the Dv8 have what seems to be added welds/material on the A arms and the shock bolts are hidden smooth.

side note the Icon diff skid (pic) works well with the rough country hidden winch setup and the icon is really stout.

 

[popo_patty]

Absolutley. did the rear lower control arms with dv8 as well. I I was going to go with the rci and save some coin but the Dv8 have what seems to be added welds/material on the A arms and the shock bolts are hidden smooth.

side note the Icon diff skid (pic) works well with the rough country hidden winch setup and the icon is really stout.

Been running that Icon diff skid for awhile now. Definitely gives extra protection. Unfortunately I smashed all their bolts (I hate button heads for skid plates) and had to change them out. The metal is also so tweaked it’s a process to remove and put back lol. Metal so bent up haha.

something I’ve realized after going through multiple skid plates is straight bolt heads are better. Everything else can’t be removed without being a pain when mushroomed. At least bolt heads can be snagged with vice grips still.

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