Tie rod end upgrade options?

[Octanejunkie]

I don't wheel half as hard as y'all do, yet, but I'd like to go heim on my steering and get rid of the outer tie rod ends, possibly both inner and outer.

Tried searching but didn't find the kids section. What options are out there without modifying/swapping racks on my 3g4r

 

[4runner DOA]

I don't wheel half as hard as y'all do, yet, but I'd like to go heim on my steering and get rid of the outer tie rod ends, possibly both inner and outer.

Tried searching but didn't find the kids section. What options are out there without modifying/swapping racks on my 3g4r

@Dezert4Runner just did his. Any way you slice it, it's going to require some modifications, but most solutions bolt onto the stock rack.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

All heimed steering upgrades I’ve ever seen for older Toyotas are for the stock rack. Some include inner joints but most just replace the outer and are tapped to screw onto a stock ITRE. The only crappy thing is having to add another tab to the LBJ to double shear it. Since it’s an expendable, it’s something that has to be dealt with when replacing it. I’m not sure who makes it for stock length setups, most are an upgrade for LT kits so the heimed outer is longer.

 

[snowtank]

@Dezert4Runner just did his. Any way you slice it, it's going to require some modifications, but most solutions bolt onto the stock rack.

I thought he just did the swap to lbj's to the uniballs from anonymous fab. For inner out tie rods you need to do the tundra rack. Atleast I thought. I may be a bit of whiskey in tonight

 

[Octanejunkie]

All heimed steering upgrades I’ve ever seen for older Toyotas are for the stock rack. Some include inner joints but most just replace the outer and are tapped to screw onto a stock ITRE. The only crappy thing is having to add another tab to the LBJ to double shear it. Since it’s an expendable, it’s something that has to be dealt with when replacing it. I’m not sure who makes it for stock length setups, most are an upgrade for LT kits so the heimed outer is longer.

I've read a few threads on a few sites that poo poo Heim for anything other than LT saying stock is strong enough/puts less strain on the rack.

Total Chaos makes an LT heim kit, and the double shear makes sense. What about a rebuildable uniball option to just replace the OTRE?

 

[Dezert4Runner]

I've read a few threads on a few sites that poo poo Heim for anything other than LT saying stock is strong enough/puts less strain on the rack.

Total Chaos makes an LT heim kit, and the double shear makes sense. What about a rebuildable uniball option to just replace the OTRE?

Like drill out the original joint on the OTRE and weld in a uniball cup like the Anon Fab uniball LBJ? That could work.

 

[Octanejunkie]

Like drill out the original joint on the OTRE and weld in a uniball cup like the Anon Fab uniball LBJ? That could work.

I'm running his LBJs, so yeah,.like that.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

I would think it would be better to find someone to make the machined and threaded extension (same as what’s out there, just stock length) to weld a bung to accept the heimed rod end.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

I thought he just did the swap to lbj's to the uniballs from anonymous fab. For inner out tie rods you need to do the tundra rack. Atleast I thought. I may be a bit of whiskey in tonight

The uniballs can be bought with or without the double shear, so for those running the uniballs it’s a one time modification. Octanjunkie most likely bought them in stock OTRE single shear form, but it can always be added.

Tundras from the same era (2000-2006) I believe run the same spindle and steering rack as 3rd gen 4Runners and 1st gen Tacomas.

I think the tundra rack upgrade you’re thinking of is for 2nd gen tacomas and 4th gen 4Runners?

 

[Blender]

Replaced the stock inner with camburg's clevis and 3/4" heim. Had adapters machined out of 17-4 stainless to omit the LT spacer. Kept the outer TRE since they weren't the weak link and have a canted head that prevents binding at full droop. Next incarnation will be 3/4 x 7/8" heims for inner and outer, but im slow and can't finish anything.

 

[snowtank]

The uniballs can be bought with or without the double shear, so for those running the uniballs it’s a one time modification. Octanjunkie most likely bought them in stock OTRE single shear form, but it can always be added.

Tundras from the same era (2000-2006) I believe run the same spindle and steering rack as 3rd gen 4Runners and 1st gen Tacomas.

I think the tundra rack upgrade you’re thinking of is for 2nd gen tacomas and 4th gen 4Runners?

Oh that's it. The 2nd gen taco. (Have one if them too) I can't keep track anymore what I read about which vehicle.

 

[Octanejunkie]

Tundras from the same era (2000-2006) I believe run the same spindle and steering rack as 3rd gen 4Runners and 1st gen Tacomas.

If that cross compatibility exists, is there any strength benefit to upgrading the rack? I don't see anyone doing that so I assume the answer is no...

 

[Dezert4Runner]

If that cross compatibility exists, is there any strength benefit to upgrading the rack? I don't see anyone doing that so I assume the answer is no...

There’s no easy rack solutions. Some people run custom rack sliders, which are somewhat involved, and others replace and go full hydro. These are not solutions for the average wheeler, to say the least.

I think the biggest area you can ease strain on the rack is the inner tie rods. When they’re getting bent due to running out of articulation, just think of what strain the rack is under. Replacing with the clevis and heim I think is the biggest bang for the buck.

 

[Octanejunkie]

There’s no easy rack solutions. Some people run custom rack sliders, which are somewhat involved, and others replace and go full hydro. These are not solutions for the average wheeler, to say the least.

I think the biggest area you can ease strain on the rack is the inner tie rods. When they’re getting bent due to running out of articulation, just think of what strain the rack is under. Replacing with the clevis and heim I think is the biggest bang for the buck.

Clevis and Heim ITRE like Total Chaos and then figure out the OTRE (stock until uniball option)

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Clevis and Heim ITRE like Total Chaos and then figure out the OTRE (stock until uniball option)

I’m not sure if there’s enough metal to work with on the stock outer to drill and weld on it now that I think about it. Or if the metal they use is cast and not recommended to be welded on in the first place.

 

[Octanejunkie]

I’m not sure if there’s enough metal to work with on the stock outer to drill and weld on it now that I think about it. Or if the metal they use is cast and not recommended to be welded on in the first place.

In reality, if I can address the ITRE and carry spare OTREs that would work, too, and probably be cheaper

 

[Dezert4Runner]

In reality, if I can address the ITRE and carry spare OTREs that would work, too, and probably be cheaper

Those aren’t a high failure part anyways. Mostly cv’s and the occasional LBJ or ITRE on 3rd gens that wheel hard. Never hurts to carry spares though.

 

[snowtank]

In reality, if I can address the ITRE and carry spare OTREs that would work, too, and probably be cheaper

You see the video on Matt's offroad recovery of the new bronco that snapped a otre? Not saying it happens all the time or anything but was just crazy to see.

 

[Octanejunkie]

I emailed both Camburg and Total Chaos, both declined to offer any help/support, but I was directed to RC.Fabtication on IG

 

[Airdog]

https://jdfabrication.com/collectio...tacoma-05-15-double-shear-steering-tabs-49-99

2005-2015 Tacoma Steering Slide Rack

INSTALL INSTRUCTIONS Please call for details, this product is only sold over the phone. THIS KIT DOES NOT COME WITH TIE RODS! The tie rods will need to be purchased separately under the tie rod section of the Tacoma products.

jdfabrication.com