: Beefy Tie Rods
Super Diesel 03-05-2004, 10:28 AM Any one interested in some tie rod sleeves that thread over the original tie rods? Sorry I dont have a picture to post yet. They are made out of stainless steal and are 1 inch in dia. X 6 inces long. They jam back up against the original jam nut after there on, and its easy to adjust the the alignment with them on. No more noodle rod. And they look pritty good too.
Quadzilla 03-05-2004, 10:34 AM We made some from 7/8" chromoly and turned the inside down and threaded them so that you use it like the nut to tighten them down.
Micheal Tomac 03-05-2004, 10:34 AM The sleeves work, but mine are machined to fit and loctited.
http://duramaxracing.com/images/BeefedUpTieRod.JPG
Morse 03-05-2004, 11:06 AM Super diesel I'd be interested.. Just let me know...
Amric 03-05-2004, 02:21 PM I want some.
duramaxdiesel 03-05-2004, 05:03 PM You better be prepared to work over time. Everyone I know around here are very intrested. How much and when will they be available?
Super Diesel 03-06-2004, 02:38 AM Mine are machined to fit as well. I am a toolmaker, so I like my stuff to be top notch. I'm trying to get some pics posted but I am having trouble doing so. I've thrown some big launches at these things with some heavy doses of power with no problems for awhile now. I feel much safer even driving in traffic now with these. Some years ago I had a driver in a Toyota cut me of before he was clear of my front end. Needles to say the only damage was a bent Noodle rod (tie rod). I had to have a tow home from a friend with a Dodge tow truck. Every Dodge that passed us gave him the thumbs up. We can't have that now can we? The same size wrench fits these as well as the jam nut. How does $75.00 a set which includes S&H sound? No warranty issues either because the stocker is still there. Sorry for the delay on the pics. I'll get them up as soon as I can. To much work makes Jack a dull boy, he cant figure out how to post pics.WWWGOBIODIESELPOWER.COM
I would take a set if you are willing to ship to Canada
duramaxdiesel 03-06-2004, 10:32 PM That makes two that will be heading to Canada if you're willing.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif
Super Diesel 03-07-2004, 01:17 PM Here is a pic finally!
http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/7A7_tierodstiffener.jpeg
Dmax Tim 03-07-2004, 01:42 PM Super do u get better traction w/ the mixed tires on the rear????? http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif
I assume these will work on the H2 too.
hdmax 03-07-2004, 01:43 PM That looks very stout! I may have to purchase a pair from you. That looks better then Mikes.
What type of material? Stainless? Chromolly? cold rolled?
Neaver mind, I reread your first post. I think $75 delivered is a fair price by the looks of and it being stainless.
However, it looks like they could be another .5-.75 inches in length.Edited by: hdmax
Kyle03D 03-07-2004, 04:41 PM Any reason why they arn't longer to go all the way to the boot?
sp33d 03-07-2004, 07:29 PM I too would be interested in a set. Would like to see them longer though if possible, like Mike and Kyle03D...
I wonder why someone hasn't made an entire replacement for the tie rods? I'm not a machinest but wouldn't it just take a piece of 1" (or larger) round ss or chromoly material, turn it down on one end and thread it? I'm not entirely sure what the end looks like under the boot, but I would assume it could be duplicated as well... And wouldn't this make for a stronger solution than a sleeve?
Also, would chromoly make for stronger sets? I know that chromoly is a very hard material, but isn't is also brittle?
I'm just curious. I've been looking for an upgrade and was going to talk to a local machinest, just haven't had the chance yet. Would rather buy them from a member if possible though.
eds04max 03-07-2004, 09:18 PM Super Diesel,
Looks good to me! Put me on the list too. I'm curious about that last .75 inch as well!
duramaxdiesel 03-07-2004, 09:47 PM Nice pic.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif Like everyone else, could it be a little longer?
Nick
Super Diesel 03-07-2004, 10:11 PM DMAX TIM, Very good question. G.M. is a creature of habit. I'm sure they will work great, but I'll go over to Medved (our local H2 dealer) and have a look see. I play in slop holes and sand pits alot, some times I need the extra traction. HD MAX & Kyle03D, I could make them a bit longer but then you might run into the boot trying to make alignment adjustments. The flatter the tie rods are to the ground, the closer they are to the boot. I could make some for you that were a bit longer if you wanted, also those are cleared inside by only a minimum amount to get them on. So they are very strong. They are also about 1 to 1.5 inches longer than they need to be already to acheve full holding strength. The ball at either end will go before they do. The leverage point for the bend has been eliminated. The steering will no longer be the weak link. sp33d, I I could make an entire replacement, but it's not needed. Plus the cost would be pritty high. This set up gives you massive holding power. I' ve tested it compleatly. Even under full boost launches with a PPE Tech 4, a hot juice, pressure box all stacked, prapane, and nitrous. It holds great. As for the chromoly, it depend on what kind and grade. but most arn't brittle unless they are hardened. Most of my Rod Sleeves are a 420 stainless steel. Very tough stuff. But some are made from P20 tool steel. Very tough and durable. I dont make any from cold roll or any thing soft. I trash cutters making these things out tough steels, other wise they would be cheaper. I dont want any failures out there when you guys and gals are representing us, so only the best will do. Plus no warranty issues, the stock rod is still there. Thanks for the questions and interest.
Mike L. 03-07-2004, 10:41 PM How soon can i have a set?http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif
thanks, mike
Super Diesel 03-07-2004, 10:43 PM I have some sets ready. PM me if you want some. I can fill special orders as well. Lets start beefin em up.
GSXRTURBO1 03-08-2004, 09:27 AM I just sent you a PM
Super Diesel 03-10-2004, 12:46 AM I had to delete the last post because I discovered that the PX5 wasn't up to the quality standards that I demand. So I just ordered a big shipment of high grade 420 Stainless Steel for you folks. The quality is just unbeatable. It is much more expensive though. I think you all will agree it's the only stuff that deserves to go on our trucks. I have alot of orders so I'll get yours out as timely as possible. First come first serve thing. Thanks for all the inquires and requests. I'm going to get a pic. to Clint Cannon (A.T.S Diesel) pritty soon, and I'll be realy busy then, so I want to get all your orders done first. Super Diesel
BassinRVer 03-10-2004, 02:33 PM I have been working with Bullet Proof Steering at 262-673-4077 for beefer tierods since last October. I will have the first off the production line on friday. I have the 2" keyways and I break a factory tierods everytime I go off road. My rake on my truck is 14 degrees put some may be more. They have them on there site as listed below: dvanced Automotive hnologies Corp.
let Proofring
========================
#TR9904GCQ14 TIE ROD KIT 99-04 Chevy/GMC 1/2 to 1-t PU/SUV/H2 IFS 4wd $549.00 (for highly lifted trucks) Includes 1 High-angle Close-Quarters™ 14-degree bend
at each knuckle end with four upgraded Stage-II Chromemoly rod ends. Complete
Trail-Proof set of two Tie Rod links, upper conversion brackets, fasteners,
hardware, shims, tubing, and detailed instructions
#TR9904GCQ24 24 DEGREE CLOSE QUARTERS BEND option (for severely lifted trucks)
Includes all of the above but a much steeper bend on the tie rods for
severe-angled tied rods on severely lifted trucks with no other option to
prevent joint bind due to excessive angles. upgrade option for above steering
system +$49.00 When ordered with above system ========================
ratlover 03-10-2004, 04:44 PM so the new 420 versions will go for how much?
Deadeye 03-10-2004, 07:37 PM Super D;
Let me know when you got a spare and I will drive down and give you $CASH$ http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif. You can keep the beaurat's portion for your self!! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Cool.gif
You will likely be the first forum member I will meet. http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif
Super Diesel 03-11-2004, 01:12 AM Bullet Proof Steering does some realy good work. But they are still using Hiem style joints. Very tough for sure, but not a long life span. When they start wearing, becareful, they wear fast. I know this beacause I've raced off road for many, many years, and I've used those critters before. They should hold up for you well though. I hate to hear about steering failures like yours, or any ones. Very dangerous. I could start building my own steering system as well using a true ball joint system that is in a weather proof sealed set up, but I don't feel comfortable with the idea that some one might push the envelope a little to much, and I might have a death hanging over my head because of a failed steering system at speed some years down the road. I hope yours treats you well. You sound like you have a extreme case where you need that set up. I am in the process of making a system that won't let the drag link of the existing steering swing up in back to make a toe in situation under power on trucks that have cranked up torsion bars. G.M. made a good system for the majority of folk out there, it just needs a little help in some places. Super Diesel
heartbeatcanada 03-11-2004, 08:01 AM Super Diesel- Now thats what i'm talking about. I was to have looked at doing something with the stock drag link this winter, but have not had time to start fabing something or redesigning, and by the looks of things its not gonna happen before pulling or racing season. With the tie rod sleeves and the drag link fixed, the front end would be almost indesructable. Curious as to what you are thinking of doing with the drag link??? Not looking to steal your ideas, if i think i like it, hell you just saved me some time and i'll order, if you will be selling it????http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif Edited by: heartbeatcanada
Quadzilla 03-11-2004, 10:24 AM I had to delete the last post because I discovered that the PX5 wasn't up to the quality standards that I demand. So I just ordered a big shipment of high grade 420 Stainless Steel for you folks. The quality is just unbeatable. It is much more expensive though. I think you all will agree it's the only stuff that deserves to go on our trucks. I have alot of orders so I'll get yours out as timely as possible. First come first serve thing. Thanks for all the inquires and requests. I'm going to get a pic. to Clint Cannon (A.T.S Diesel) pritty soon, and I'll be realy busy then, so I want to get all your orders done first. Super Diesel
Just out of curiosity why aren't you using chomoly? Stainles Steel is not very strong in an application like this. This is why the NHRA and other sanctioning bodies don't allow stainless. I am sure you have a reason, I was just curious.
Quad
BassinRVer 03-11-2004, 10:57 AM Here is Bullet Proof Steering Tierods:http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/uploads/C84_MVC-001F.JPG
Super Diesel 03-11-2004, 11:52 AM Nice looking set of rods. You should be proud of those when you put them on. The 420 stainless that I use is of a very high tensile strength. They rockwell ( on the C scale) at around 36-38. These are only a 1 inch tube running over the original rod. This SS is not you're typical run of the mill. Also the NHRA only states that situation in full on dedicated racing classes as well. They also State that the vehicle must be competely Tig welded at all welded joints and areas. I know some pipe fitters that can weld good enough with a Mig welder. I know this because I have many friends arond here that race Pro Street and Pro Gas classes. The Chomoly is a very good steel, it flexes better with out breaking than most other steels. If I was replacing the whole tie rod I might consider replacing it with that stuff. Remember we are already racing on drop forged comonants as is, were not very legal any way. I use it for long life and durability. The strength of the rod goes up 10 fold wth these on. Thanks for the inquire. Super Diesel
ryeguy 03-11-2004, 02:06 PM Of note for people considering this:
Heim joints can be had in various strengths. I have no spec's for tie rod strengths, and I'm sure heim joints can be had in flavours stronger (and weaker) than tie rod ends, but more importantly, I have yet to encounter any that are actually rated DOT. When I built my last 4x4, I took a choice and stuck with tie rod ends over heims for legalities. Heims would have rendered my truck illegal to drive on the steet here.
Also, as stated here, heims do wear quickly. Originally, they were used in applications spec'd for replacement after X hours of use. This may no longer apply to different types of heims, though.
Also, just because they are rated high for strength doesn't mean they are unbreakable. I personally broke EVERY strength rating 3/4x3/4-inch heim available to me (that replaced a tie rod end) on yet another previous 4x4 (on the panhard rod). A low grade ones I could break at will. The super-strong ones seemed too brittle. A mid-grade one seemed to work best in the end for me. I kept 2 spares with me all the time. Although the design showed there shouldn't be any binding, we still repeatedly checked for indications for binding, and there were none. They could fail without warning. I have bent, but never actually broken a tie rod end yet.
--RobEdited by: ryeguy
BassinRVer 03-12-2004, 08:06 AM Here is a link to show pictures and more information about these tierods.
http://bulletproofsteering.com/gmifstierod.html
Edited by: BassinRVer
Micheal Tomac 03-12-2004, 10:30 AM I'm not sure if a TRE or Heim is better for a daily driven rig and the price is a little high IMO but I'm just happy to see aftermarket options available to everyone to beef up the tierods.
I'll just stick with my beefed up stockers, they don't bend doing 4wd launches with a locked front end and they don't bend truckpulling with up to 800# hanging off the front weight bar.
BassinRVer 03-12-2004, 10:34 AM Mike,
I was sure you would be first in line to get these.
Idle_Chatter 03-12-2004, 10:48 AM Bassinrver, nice pieces, but appear to be for lifted trucks only. Michael, like a lot of us does not have a lift, so not so enticing for a majority of the DMax owners who are not and probably will not lift our trucks.
Deadeye 03-15-2004, 04:51 PM Bassinrver, nice pieces, but appear to be for lifted trucks only. Michael, like a lot of us does not have a lift, so not so enticing for a majority of the DMax owners who are not and probably will not lift our trucks.
Mine has a lift. Since I don't do off-road racing (or on-road, for that matter) I guess I don't need the really expensive version. But I do go 4 wheelling on mountain roads and those skinny little rods did concern me.
Sunday I stopped by at Michael's house and he helped me (he did most of it) install a set. Quick and easy to do and look great. I am sure they will be a big help.
I was lucky to get a quick ride in Michael's fancy toy (the truck http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Big Smile.gif). He has lots of truck related toys and a lot of knowledge related to our favorite rides! http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif
Michael, thanks for the help!
gmccall 03-19-2004, 08:28 AM http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif Just received my new tie rods sleeves. Great service from Superdiesel.
Now the dumb questions. How do I put them on ? Whats behind the boot and will I have to have a realignment ?
Edited by: gmccall
Joe E 03-19-2004, 08:51 AM Got mine too. Nice looking pieces, and good (fast) service. Install to come before I offer my final opinions/thoughts.
gmmcall, not sure. I'm sure someone else here can say, otherwise I'll be learning when I take mine apart.
Deadeye 03-19-2004, 10:42 AM I installed mine, with Super D's help, last Sunday. Quick and easy:
1) Jack up front end and put jacks under both lower A-arms.
2) Remove front tires.
3) Back off the lock nut on the outside end of the tire rod.
4) use a small file to mark where the lock nut and ball-joint sleeve meet.
5) Remove the castle nut that holds the ball-joint to the spindle.
6) Use a hammer to knock the ball-joint loose.
7) Once the ball-joint is knocked loose and lifted from the spindle, unscrew it from the tie rod.
8) Remove the lock nut from tie rod.
9) Screw on the 'Super Diesel' tie rod sleeve (the threaded end goes on last - obviously).
10) Screw on the ball-joint to the tie rod and mate up the sleeve end and the ball-joint sleeve end to the mark made with the file.
11) Re-install the ball-joint to the steering knuckle and attach and tighten the castle nut.
12) Re -attach the wheels and torque to 140 ft lbs.
13) With the help of a friend and a tape measure, measure the tire distance (right to left) on the front and back side of the tires, using the same lug positions for accurate assesment of the alignment.
14) If your alignment was correct at the beginning and you accurately filed the mark positions and installed correctly, your alignment will not change from this installation.
Good Luck,
DeadeyeEdited by: Deadeye
gmccall 03-19-2004, 10:46 AM Thanks deadeye http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Approve.gif
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