Heim Joints tie rod ends
 

I see the tie rods for sale and they look great. There really only replacing the ends with Heim joints. Really that's where we have the trouble. Does anyone know where one could get just the joints to fit the F.D. I am going to look into the size needed and if something could be easily machined to fit one. Anyone with experience with this would be great.

I have done some searching around and have a few ideas about how to build the tie rod ends. I have seen solid couplers made of high grade aluminum which were originally designed for a much heaver car and might use them. The Heim joints are not hard to track down and I plain to use larger diameter ones. I see 14 MM and 1/2 inch are easy to get. Surely the 17,000 lb rating is what I will use. I am guessing I can build them for around 50 a set (for the rear). I don't know about the front as yet. I hope to have a prototype up this week at least a incomplete one to post a picture or two.

tie rods on the front. toe links on the rear.

so you are planning to replace the front tie rod (outer steering joints) with... rod ends?

"that's where we have the trouble." ?

what trouble? i have yet to encounter anyone w a worn tie rod end. the oem item is for all intents and purposes a rod end so there will be no performance advantage.

if you are by chance working in the rear on the toe links..

yes, they are #3 on the chronological replacement list behind #1 two pillowball/spherical bearings in the lower lateral link and #2 the front bushing on the lower longitudinal link.

you can replace the oem toe link w aftermarket (rotary extreme makes a good one) or w new bearings. the cheapest (maybe smartest) move would be just to buy a set of used toe links from someone in the classifieds for 25-50 bucks...

howard coleman

Howard,

I will admit I read carefully when you post a recommendation and understand you know what you are talking about. I am not replacing the front tie rod ends. The statement was pure ignorance. I wouldn't recommend replacing or building anything unless you know the product. The system is sound and will be carefully installed. The parts are all used on auto applications under similar loads if not much higher loads. I am one of those people who build things for the enjoyment and am over careful when designing systems.

J.S.J., I have no idea what this thread is about? Did your post get truncated?

DamonB,
Then just let it pass by