well, i bought my car with tokiko iluminas shocks stock springs and m2 toe links. Recently these toe links started clickin and clunking and ****. It really goes on my nerves. I don't have a lot of cash to buy those new m2 links or new stock toe links.

I got some used ones, so i guess my question is, will i notice any difference in handling, driving or whatever with these stock toe links? I'm not doing any racing or stuff like that. On ocasion i do race on the road, but it's rarely.

So please make any comments.

Thanks

 

are you shure its your toe links that are making sounds mabye its some other bushings. i had stock toe links and with the m2's the car doesnt steer it self when i give it gas arround a turn because with the stock toe links the bushings flex allowing your back tires to move slightly giving you a 4wheel stering feel under hard corning. if you arnt going to race or anything the stock toe links with some new bushings wil work fine.

 

The rod ends on my M2 toe links wore out, too. I don't think any rod ends will be immune to wear from dust and what not on the car, so I guess this just goes with the territory. Baker Precision sells some rubber boots you can use to keep dirt out, and as hokey as it sounds, aluminum foil can also be used to cover them. I haven't tried either of these options, but if they keep wearing out I might try it.

I did a bunch of research on what was available and decided to try some QA-1 rod ends from Jeg's. The part number is 122-XML10 and they are $18.99 each. I haven't had them installed long (<5K miles) but they seem to be holding up so far. They seemed to have a good load rating and "Self Lubricating & Self Sealing Teflon and Kevlar Race" which seemed like it might last longer in the dusty environment. There are much more expensive ones available, but these seemed to be a bargain among the available options. If they wear out quickly, I'll just try something else, but I thought I'd start at the cheap end of "adequate" to see how they do. So far they are working well.

-Max

 

can you post link where can i get those? name, part no. and stuff.
Thanks

 

http://www.jegs.com/
part number 122-XML10
be sure to order two left and two right-handed thread rod ends

 

Thanks a lot for this info man. Is that part no. same for the left and right or is there diff no? And is that exactly the thread for M2 toe links? Also, do you know if i can also order those inserts that go inside those toe rods? You know what i'm talking about, those two peaces that you put inside this rod and then screw through them.


Thanks man

 

I think you need to add an L or R to the end to specify which direction the threads go. You just need two of each direction to replace all the rod ends.

You will need to re-use the inserts that you are currently using with the toe links. Those are specific to this application, so they won't be available with a generic rod end.

The thread is 5/8-18, if I remember correctly. I am certain that the part number I listed is the right size. They are a direct replacement.

-Max

 

I just looked at the catalog, here's what you need:

Qty 2, part #122-XML10 (left-hand thread)
Qty 2, part #122-XMR10 (right-hand thread)

You will need to re-use the little inserts that the bolt goes through, and the jam nuts from the existing rod ends. I removed the links from the car and used a big adjustable wrench to hold the body of the link and break the jam nuts free. Then the rod end should come right out. Compare the lengths of the links when you have them out, and replace the rod ends on one link at a time. That way you can use the other link to get the length about right. Try to get them as close to the length that they were before, but you will still need to get an alignment to get the toe set correctly after the replacement. Note that the links might not be exactly the same length, so compare them before you take any apart so you can get the length close to the right length after the replacement. Your toe in will be off if they aren't the right length. As long as you get them kind of close, you can probably drive the car for a short while before you get an alignment with no ill effects, but it is still a good idea to get an alignment as soon as you can after the replacement.

I've been doing some other suspension work, so I haven't taken my car to the alignment shop yet. I think the toe is a little off, but it isn't enough to cause a problem for basic street driving. I am almost done with my other suspension changes, so I will take my car in for an alignment soon. I don't want to do any track events before I get it aligned.

Disclaimer: I don't know the load capacity of the rod ends I replaced. I think the rod ends I recommended are sufficiently strong for this application, and they seem to be working for me, but I will not be held responsible if they fail on your car. Perform this change at your own risk.

-Max

 

thanks a lot man for your help. I'll order those tonight and see how they perform. If they break or something i'll just try something else later then.

Thanks man

 

anyone tried the k2rd toe link? look just like the m2 unit? i heard m2 is out of business now?

 

I haven't tried the Battle Version links (that K2RD sells), but I saw them at SevenStock and they looked nice. They have a nice hex section near the rod ends, which should make them easier to grip with a wrench. The M2 links have flats on the link body that you use to hold them, which may be stronger or something, but it is harder to grip.

-Max

 

I bought a set of Pettit toe links about a year and a half ago and I wore them out in under a year; I couldn't believe it. The parts Max refers to sound like higher quality as I have not seen anyone using teflon insert races yet; that's the way to go. I to am going to add the dust covers as that should make them live much longer.

Don't know if it's online, but I just noticed yesterday that rx7.com has their own set of toe links now as well. Didn't get the price or inspect the rod ends to see whose they were.

 

rx7club.com toe link is the same as the k2rd. paul from k2rd told me he prodvided them to rx7store and rx7.com, without carrying the k2rd name. instead their own. how about trailing link? who is running toe and trailing link? does it help with wheel hop?