Heim joint tierod upgrade

[Illestreker]

I saw there are a couple kits offered but I'm faily certain they are designed to work with long travel setups.

Has anyone build there own, know if a standard kit is available anywhere, or if something like this is worth it to do.

I have seen this done on other trucks before and just ran across this forum where some guys designed a kit and will probably start production on it.

Check this out!
Slick and Dirtys secret project... - Chevrolet Colorado & GMC Canyon Forum

Seems like it would be a nice upgrade on our 3rd gens to do something similar, what you think?

 

[NateMob]

I dont really see the need for our trucks. Our tie rod setup isnt weak by any means and they last for 100k+ regularly. Any particular reason you have a want for them? They look trick no doubt but i dont want heims as a part of my daily's steering setup.

Another point that isnt an issue where i live but could be for some, is the fact that heims arent exactly street legal and not easy to hide from inspectors.

 

[Dous]

Yea I agree with NateMob

I have never seen a tie rod bend/snap on the trail on the 1st gen Tacomas and 3rd Gen 4runner. They are pretty dang strong.

Another thing to consider is having the tie rod as a "Fuse"

A big shock-load will bend a tie rod, but if it is overbuilt the shock-load will then transfer to the steering rack and ruin it.
I'd much rather bend a tie rod than destroy a $600 steering rack.

 

[Illestreker]

Thanks for the feedback. I wanted to get opinions to see if its worth it. Everyone makes upgrades by replacing LBJ UBJ ITE OTE and usually it's best to use oem products. I thought perhaps something like this would be even better and overall stronger.

But you seem to be correct and more realistic thinking, being that our oem tierods will last 100k and are not a "week link" so for our trucks it's really just a bling factor.

Thanks for your input

 

[white_n_slow]

This would be a good upgrade for a nissan or some other IFS 4x4. My buddy broke one tie rod and bent the other while running Fins 'n Things in his '00 Xterra.

Toyota managed to make pretty beefy tie rods for these trucks and they just plain old don't break. I have slightly bent one, but that's it. And I consider a slightly bent tie rod a much better outcome than a buggered steering rack.

 

[steezemcqueen]

Ditto to what others said. No need unless you are doing LT. Even then, its not required.

 

[Nelsonmd]

The heim joint system will put more stress on your steering rack.

The stock tie rod system has a different loading than a heim joint would. In the stock setup, there is a moment load applied to the LBJ (and also internally to the OTRE), which is bulky and strong, and the only force applied on the steering rack is an axial force. In the heim joint setup, you have radial force on the steering rack in addition to the axial force.

The stock tie rod takes alot of stress in its ball joint which spares the steering rack that stress. The steering rack does actually take some radial loading, but much less than if you used the heim joint system.

 

[Illestreker]

Exactly the feedback I was looking for. I guess I can focus my efforts else where. Thanks everyone!