Upgraded Tie Rod

Soo, I'm trying to think where I can find a tie rod cheap to get started while drinking beer in my gargage, then it hits me ... I have the two old tie rods that add up to longer than the new one.

So, how about this: I cut the inside ends off the original tie rods. I acquire a heavy piece of pipe (maybe 1"o.d.) that the tie rods will fit into snugly or close to snug. Next, I take said pipe and cut a 1/4" groove down it's entire length. Cut & fit the tie rod pieces into it, keeping them as long as possible. Once they're set, I can use the vice or U clamps to tighten the pipe around them. Lastly, I can stitch weld in the groove in a few places to make sure everything's solid, then run some lines of Stainless or other hard rod down the pipe to help sturdy it up.

Thoughts?

 

Just remember to check local laws as welded steering components are illegal on the street in many states.

 

wouldn't cut a groove. would use black pipe, or tubing (chrome-moly or stainless [for extra bling]) problem w/adding rod into tie rod is how do you bend it back if it gets bent? also if the rods don't have some give, other more important things break when the rod gets bent (like kunckles).

 

Hmmm ...

Well if I don't line the whole thing and use black iron pipe, it'll still have places to bend if necessary.

I could just U-bolt/clamp the split pipe, then just put a couple [inconspicuous] tack welds at the ends to make sure it doesn't slip.

Anyways, I'm mostly just guessing. It'll probably just be a prototype to get it driveable, then replaced with something more legal and safe. Once I can drive it to work, the wife will cringe less when she sees the $$ go into it.

 

If it's a CJ5 you're talking about upgrading, you could always just use M38A1 tie rods. Just a thought.

 

You know, the main tie rod that goes all the way across (I'm upgrading from the Y). I'm doing two things before I bolt the body down: saginaw steering upgrade and brake upgrade(s). I'm definitely looking at just buying the tie rod & drag link new, but I'm certainly not paying AA's $600+ for their kit.

By the way, I have a '71 master brake cylinder, pedal assembly, and various clutch pieces I may be willing to part with. I also plan on getting rid of most of the Y steering components as well. I'm putting in hanging pedals, power brakes, and a hydraulic clutch setup. The last two I will hopefully be putting together entirely from used chevy parts (since they're free for me), so I'll take pictures and do a writeup as I go.

 

I'd avoid the whole idea of using pipe, especially black iron. Pipe is made out of fow grade metal and black iron pipe is one step removed from pot metal. Steering is one of those things that you don't want to skimp on.

 

They said they have two commandos, but won't sell the tie rods because of liability.

I'll probably want to drive it down my driveway before that, although I don't expect to hit the freeway for a while yet. I think the general opinion is correct in that I should just buy a new one made to fit and go with a used gearbox and fabricated brackets to control cost.

 

Well, saying "because of liability" might translate to "because we don't feel like it and have a convenient excuse." I'm sure they're not interested in the $20 they might be able to charge me in comparison to the remote chance of liability if I get hurt in an accident where it failed.

Besides that, I thought all junk yards had standard disclaimers disavowing any liability. Oh well, it's their sale to lose.

 

how about you go buy some 1 1/4" DOM steel tubing, then tap the ends, and buy 2 1/2" heim Joints. it wont be as cheap as buying crappy metal or a used tie rod, but it wont break. you wont have to replace it when u do have money, because yours will already be money. haha. bolt the new spherical joint(heim) to the old knuckle, and there u you. done. i dont liek the idea of 2 tie rods cut and then putting a piece of pipe in the center scares me. What if they seperate? that would suck.

 

Check Herm's tie rods out. Not that spendy. Not sure of the length you will need but he might even be able to make you one the right length. Messing (welding, cutting, fabricating) with steering is a calculated risk. Always go with tried and true. I know things can be done, and done well, but if there's a problem, well there will be one! My .02.
Joe

 

You're all right. I was looking at Advance Adapters and theirs are actually quite cheap, so I was just seeing the wrong ones. I don't think I'll ever have need for one strong enough to hold 10 elephants on this Jeep. Maybe the next one ....