• RME Gear & Apparel

Sleeve Stock Tie Rod?

RockMonkey

RockMonkey

Suddenly Enthusiastic
What would happen if I sleeved the stock Ford tie rod on my 79 Bronco 44? Would I go to hell? Would it bend anyway? Is there something devilishly weak about the stock tie rod that makes it unusable even after being sleeved?
 
Tacoma

Tacoma

Et incurventur ante non
Location
far enough away
How would that be any different than sleeving any other tube? As long as you're happy with the stock threaded portion, I can't think of any physical reason it's a bad idea. The only thing that would concern me is the stock TRE's, as far as weak points, and that's maybe not an issue. This is for the XJ, yes?
 
_Auzzy_

_Auzzy_

Web Wheeling Extraordinaire
Location
Richfield Utah
the tube I used is 5/16 thick with a 1 1/8 inside diameter, I still have a bunch of it if ya need. the only problem is you have to go over the stock steering rod with a grinder or sander and smooth it out pretty good so it slides down the tube easy.
 
RockMonkey

RockMonkey

Suddenly Enthusiastic
Supergper said:
Just curious, what's your reasoning vs. just making a new one?
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Purely cost. It would cost about $170 more to make a new one versus sleeving the original. Part of that cost is because I would have to buy a 7/8 - 18 right hand tap that I would not otherwise have to buy. they run about $50.
 
Caleb

Caleb

Well-Known Member
Location
Riverton
RockMonkey said:
Purely cost. It would cost about $170 more to make a new one versus sleeving the original. Part of that cost is because I would have to buy a 7/8 - 18 right hand tap that I would not otherwise have to buy. they run about $50.
Click to expand...
Why not take it somewhere to be tapped? I'm sure you could get it done cheap/free. At that point you'd really only be pay a little more for the tube since I would assume you'll be replacing the old TREs anyways.
 
Gravy

Gravy

Ant Anstead of Dirtbikes
Supporting Member
Location
The Land Northward (Bountiful), Utah
the problem with the stock ford steering is that one of the tie rod ends is built into the tie rod. chances are it's old and sloppy.

but if it's good sleeving it would work, and the stock tie rod is solid stock (at least mine was) but it bent so fast it was insane.
 
RockMonkey

RockMonkey

Suddenly Enthusiastic
Yeah, this one is actually already bent, but I thought I might be able to get it mostly straight with the press (wouldn't be the first time...), then sleeve it and run it. Basically I'm looking at my steering geometry and wondering if I really need to invest in a flat-top knuckle and high-steer arm. I'm thinking about just running an inverted T setup (just like the axle had stock) and seeing how it goes. I may flip the tie rod to the top of the knuckles instead of the bottom, and I'll be within a few inches of high-steer. Since I don't know how well it will work, I don't want to invest a bunch in new tie rod parts that I may not be able to use. This is not the first time, and I'm sure it won't be the last time that I need to tap a tie rod and drag link, so I'm leaning towards purchasing the taps to be able to do it myself. I need to get a tapered reamer too.
 
Milner

Milner

formerly "rckcrlr"
Location
Hiding behind a camera
You can use the Chev ends and still stay T-style and ream the knuckles from the top. BC has my reamer. You can barrow it from him....
Then with the taps you can make all the custom tie rods/drag links you want.
 
RockMonkey

RockMonkey

Suddenly Enthusiastic
Milner said:
You can use the Chev ends and still stay T-style and ream the knuckles from the top. BC has my reamer. You can barrow it from him....
Then with the taps you can make all the custom tie rods/drag links you want.
Click to expand...

Yes. That's the +$170 option, and probably what I will end up doing. Still way cheaper than a new knuckle and steering arm.
 
J

jswainthug

Well-Known Member
Location
Murray
Tie rod

Rock monkey, I have a stock D44 tie rod if you want it, It is really straight and works great. You could sleeve yours and if it doesnt work you have a spare. If you want it let me know!!!
 
sixb

sixb

Will work for beer!
Location
West Jordan, UT
RockMonkey said:
Purely cost. It would cost about $170 more to make a new one versus sleeving the original. Part of that cost is because I would have to buy a 7/8 - 18 right hand tap that I would not otherwise have to buy. they run about $50.
Click to expand...

ENCO has a 7/8-18 @ 34.02 plug or bottom. 1-800 use-enco no sales tax but you do have some shipping. Call and atleast get a catalog.
 
sixb

sixb

Will work for beer!
Location
West Jordan, UT
RockMonkey said:
That's super cheap. I wonder if it's a super cheap tap? Thanks for the tip.
Click to expand...

For what your doing it will be fine as long as you use oil. We buy some tooling from them, but mostly it's from either DoAll or Paxton, they have the good stuff. Enco is right inline with Ind. supply or the tool shed as far as quality tooling is concerned.
I own a machine shop;) Not sayin I'm an expert or anything.
 
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