Inner and Outer Tie rod upgrade - Does it Exist?

[Billynath1988]

I did a little looking around and couldn't find anything specific. Does anyone know of a brand or part upgrade for the tie rods on these trucks? Or is this a case of OEM is best.

I came across some FJ heim joints, didn't see any 4runners using them. Also look like alot of maintenance. Anything else?

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Not that I am aware of?

 

[Billynath1988]

Ive seen some for other vehicles, just beefier with heavy duty better material joints and boots. Cant find anything worth it over stock for the 4runner. FJ has someone who makes Heim joints but they require constant cleaning and lubrication.

Something like this

 

[unevolved]

It's worth considering what the NEXT weakest part is in the system if you upgrade your tie rods. Right now, if your front wheel takes a large lateral hit, the tie rod is the weak link, right? But it's pretty damn easy to replace, and cheap.

If your tie rod is bulletproof, SOMETHING has to fail eventually. What if you snap the arm off the knuckle on the trail? That's significantly harder to fix.

Oftentimes, things like tie rods are intended to be "mechanical fuses" for those sorts of inevitable situations. When I used to design racecar suspensions, we'd intentionally leave the tie rod as the weakest link since it was MUCH easier and cheaper to replace in the field than an upright or control arm.

 

[Billynath1988]

It's worth considering what the NEXT weakest part is in the system if you upgrade your tie rods. Right now, if your front wheel takes a large lateral hit, the tie rod is the weak link, right? But it's pretty damn easy to replace, and cheap.

If your tie rod is bulletproof, SOMETHING has to fail eventually. What if you snap the arm off the knuckle on the trail? That's significantly harder to fix.

Oftentimes, things like tie rods are intended to be "mechanical fuses" for those sorts of inevitable situations. When I used to design racecar suspensions, we'd intentionally leave the tie rod as the weakest link since it was MUCH easier and cheaper to replace in the field than an upright or control arm.

That is a good way of looking at it, since noone else has come up with options ill go with that answer.. Thanks!