Tie Rod Upgrade, Sleeves or Nah?

LB8

For $39 I went with these: https://speedlogix.com/products/speedlogix-billet-tie-rod-sleeve-2021-2023-bronco
Small investment.

raqball

I decided to just order the 74weld stage 1 rack end cap and the icon HD tie rods from them and be done with it..

https://motorsports.74weld.com/product/stage-1-bronco-steering-cap-and-bushing-kit/
https://motorsports.74weld.com/product/icon-bronco-tie-rods/

TK1215

I have purchased the Icon tie rods as spares at this point. I am looking to purchase the 74 Weld end cap also

Jakob1972

I roll with this kit and two spare tie rods, why two IDK... if 1 is good 2 is better.
https://td-distributing.myshopify.com/products/bronco-6g-tie-rod-repair-kit
I hope to never use it but my anxiety while wheeling has come way down with the kit.
But if I was a Solo wheeler I might just do the BroncBuster as a trail repair, probably easier if you are by your self. but those aint cheap.

raqball

Shipped.. :woot: :woot:

I should have them later this week. I'll get 'em slapped on before my next off-road and camping trip, which should be towards the end of the month.

I won't need to stress over possible tie rods or steering rack failures anymore..

Kenneth

Big fan of 74Weld here, but bad stuff can sometimes happen with even the best components. Since this fellow's steering rack, which also had 74Weld's end cap & bearing and ICON's HD tie rods failure was avoidable, you may want'a see this:

Cheers

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raqball

I've seen that and his rack failure was caused by the icon's boots not being secured down thus allowing water into the rack..

I'm not concerned about that but the aftermath video is an awesome learning tool about water, boots and the resulting failure/damage that can be caused..

My main concern after I watched that video when he released it was that he could not get in contact with Icon.. He never did a follow up so I wonder if he ever got in contact with Icon.

I purchased the Icon's direct from 74 Weld so if there is an issue, I'll contact them and I know they have awesome customer service...

Love his vids BTW..

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TechnicalDisaster

This incident turned me away from his videos forever. All you need to know is what he says at 2:37: “Had I read the instructions…” How can you trust a reviewer that doesn’t check the instructions when installing parts for the first time?

Pro tip from a 20+ year professional technical writer: RTFM.

raqball

I think it's common knowledge that the tie rods on the Bronco are a weak spot. I've seen debates as to why with some stating that it was intentional by Ford to save the rack from getting damaged. But many also say the rack is just as weak..

Replacing the tie rods with beefier versions, or with a sleeve, would transfer the weak spot to the steering rack. I'd rather break a tie rod than the rack.

I could be wrong but I've seen/read about people breaking tie rods and IMO, in a few of them, it was because they were using the front lockers incorrectly. Don't engage the front locker if you need to turn, don't engage the front locker if you are going to hop around like a bunny rabbit., etc..

Ideally, I'd replace the tie rods and the rack at the same time but it's not really something I want to do at this time.

What's everyone's thoughts on beefing up the tie rods or using a tie rod sleeve? I know how and when to use, and not use, front lockers so that's not an issue for me.

I guess I'd rather have a busted tie rod on the trail as opposed to a busted rack..

I do off-road every few weeks as a solo so mitigating a known failure point is a priority for me.

Thoughts?

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Cornwelltoolman

I just carry a couple spares they are easy to change. I also think it depends on your driving style!

raqball

I read somewhere, not sure if true, that specific year Ranger Inner Tie Rods could be used and are much cheaper than the Bronco specific ones.

In my case, I just want to mitigate the possible and / or eventual failure on the trail since I am solo most of the time. That, plus I am lazy and would rather be wheeling on my tips as opposed to replacing the tie rod.

You'll probably want to get the alignment checked afterwards as well so that's more cash on top of the cost of the tie rod.

The setup I ordered from 74Weld is not cheap (my savings account wishes it was) but it's probably a final - no worries solution for me.. I'll have beefed up tie rods and a seriously beefed up steering cap end.

Of course anything and everything can fail depending on how crazy hard you push it but I generally don't do insane trails. Moderate trails are about the most difficult I'll roll on..

I should have it all installed Monday or Tuesday next week which is perfect as I have a trip planned for the 29th and 30th. If the weather fails me on those days then probably June 4th and 5th.. My next trip after that will be Overland Expo PNW, which I am pumped for.

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TK1215

We will see you at PNW!

BroncoBetty21

FWIW I have the BroncBusters installed. They are not side specific unless you care about the logo showing. I don't and they are super easy (less than 10 minutes) to install.

Jakob1972

I roll with this kit and two spare tie rods, why two IDK... if 1 is good 2 is better.
https://td-distributing.myshopify.com/products/bronco-6g-tie-rod-repair-kit
I hope to never use it but my anxiety while wheeling has come way down with the kit.
But if I was a Solo wheeler I might just do the BroncBuster as a trail repair, probably easier if you are by your self. but those aint cheap.

RETmed14!

WARNING!!!! I just tried to order this tool role, and 15 minutes later get a call that my card has been compromised!!!!!! trying to reach my bank now,, will update soon! (UPDATE: yes, card was compromised, the hackers even called me from a pouched number that came up as my bank! All is well, new card coming and old card canceled, got to be ultra diligent these days, scammers are getting way too good!)