| Building and Installing a SSP Offroad HD Tie Rod |
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| During one of our off road trips I decided to play on some rocks. While getting winched backwards off the rocks I bent my tie rod. I wasn't about to replace it with the small, weak stock unit. I looked at after market heavy duty tie rods and decided that it would be easy enough to make my own (with some help). I also decided to upgrade the tie rod ends in the process, giving me a stronger all-around tie rod. |
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| The tie rod is made from 1-1/4", 3/16" wall DOM tubing.
We cut the tube to 36".
In order to thread the tie rod ends into the DOM Dan welded (as usual) threaded tube inserts inot the DOM. With the tube inserts the overall measurement off the tie rod is 38".
We used a RH and LH threaded inserts for ease of adjustability. You could use two RH (not left, they're more expensive) inserts and TREs to eliminate carrying two spares on the trail.
Insert Part Numbers
These pics show the comparison of the new HD tie rod and the old, gay tie rod.
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For the upgraded tie rod ends (TRE) I used Dodge 1/2 ton parts. The TREs have the same taper as stock Jeeps (XJ, TJ, ZJ) but the threaded shank is 3/4" diameter with 16 tpi.
TRE Part Numbers
Jam nuts are needed to keep the tie rod from loosening/tightening while driving.
The lower picture shows the comparison of the new TRE and the stock, gay TRE.
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| To install the tie rod simply unbolt the old one. Then adjust the new tie rod to length and bolt it in. Put the cotter pin and you're done.
Since my tie rod was bent I couldn't adjust it to the proper length and I did a booty fab alignment. It's not great but it's good enough for government work.
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| Part Numbers: |
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| Left Tie Rod End |
ES2848L |
$27.99
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| Right Tie Rod End |
ES2847R |
$27.99 |
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| RH Tube Insert |
INS-R341611478 |
$7.99 |
| LH Tube Insert |
INS-L341611478 |
$9.99 |
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| RH Jam Nut |
JMN-3416 |
$.75 |
| LH Jam Nut |
JMN-3416 |
$1.85 |
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| 1-1/4", 3/16" wall DOM |
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$5.00 |
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