Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?

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Offline widing'cuda

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Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« on: March 06, 2009 - 02:47:45 PM »
I'm updating my front suspension. Replaced the power steering gear box (73-74 version), CAP Auto Products Upper Control Arms with Heim joints, new lower ball joint, new pitman arm, new idle arm and new tie rods.

What size tie rods should I get 9/16" or 11/16"? I was thinking about getting FFI tie rod set. Anyone used them?
http://www.firmfeel.com/tierods_e.htm

- Jørgen - Norwegian Mopar fanatic

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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #1 on: March 06, 2009 - 02:53:45 PM »
if you are replacing all 4 tie rod ends anyway I would use the 11/16 C body ends

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Offline widing'cuda

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #2 on: March 06, 2009 - 03:15:12 PM »
if you are replacing all 4 tie rod ends anyway I would use the 11/16 C body ends

OK so bigger is better :D

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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #3 on: March 06, 2009 - 03:26:17 PM »
you can get the sleeves & ends from Moog or Napa as well , I have done this on a number of cars , the bigger end will add some stiffness

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Offline HP2

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #4 on: March 06, 2009 - 04:44:49 PM »
Stronger is better, bigger typically means stronger, but not always.

It used to be that in orer to increase the tie rod assembly strength you had to go to the larger tie rods because the semi to full split adjuster sleeve would flex more at the 9/16 size than at the 11/16 size. Since you can get solid steel or aluminum sleeves that do not flex like the OEM splt sleeves, you don't necessarily need to go larger to reduce any potential deflection in the  tie rod assembly. Staying smaller reduces weight. However, since your'e not in the US, it may be easier/cheaper to go with a factory style 11/16 set.

IMO, you will gain more benefit in steering precision from gusseting the steering box mount than you will be going with larger tie rods.

Offline Aussie Challenger

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #5 on: March 06, 2009 - 08:30:58 PM »
you can get the sleeves & ends from Moog or Napa as well , I have done this on a number of cars , the bigger end will add some stiffness
   :iagree:  Quality parts are made out of the same material so bigger is stronger and virtually no weight difference, gussetting the steering box frame brackets will help, this is a good upgrade for a street car.   :working:   :cheers:
Dave

Offline brads70

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #6 on: March 06, 2009 - 09:06:03 PM »
Anyone have any pictures of a gusseted steering box mount?
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
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Offline Katfish

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #7 on: March 06, 2009 - 09:17:40 PM »
I'd like to see that also.

Offline RabidScott

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #8 on: March 18, 2009 - 12:02:48 PM »
I'd like to know what year range C-body works.

1970 Dodge Challenger
13.9 @ 101 with stock internally 440, OD 4 speed, 3.23 LSD


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Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #9 on: March 18, 2009 - 12:05:16 PM »
I think the adjuster sleeves are from 80s 5th ave
 the ends will work from mid 60s into early 80s

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Offline shawge

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #10 on: March 18, 2009 - 02:27:09 PM »
I copied what Firm Feel did when I reinforced my k-frame.  These are pictures from their site.  IIRC, they will sell you the plates.  They were pretty easy to make with an angle grinder and a BFH.


- Jerry

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #11 on: March 18, 2009 - 06:22:17 PM »
Moog Part #s
 are
ES440S -tie rod sleeve
ES355RL -left tie rod end
ES352R - right tie rod end

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Offline brads70

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #12 on: March 18, 2009 - 10:00:19 PM »
Thanks! :2thumbs:
Brad
1970 Challenger 451stroker/4L60 auto OD
Barrie,Ontario,Canada
Proud to own one of the best cars ever made!!!!!

My restoration thread 
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 My handling upgrade post
http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=73985.0

Offline 72hemi

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #13 on: March 19, 2009 - 12:40:59 AM »
1972 Dodge Challenger 340 6 Pack 4-speed
1996 Dodge Viper GTS Coupe

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Tie Rods 9/16" or 11/16" ?
« Reply #14 on: March 19, 2009 - 02:12:29 AM »
That would work

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