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Finished up with the IRO HD tie rod install. Used the wife’s help to measure the toe-in distance of the old rod so we could clone that value to the new rod. I ordered my tie rod from IRO with new TREs. This tie rod feels like a boat anchor and I wouldn’t hesitate for a minute to drop a **** with it.
Install went fairly well. The rod came out pretty easy with my tie rod/pitman puller. I thought I would have issues getting the castle-nut closest to the wheel off. It looked like a barnacle. I spray the castle nuts with the famed ATF/Acetone mix a few days prior. Then hit it with CRC freeze off right before attempting to break the nuts loose. When I got the old TREs out, they had ATF/Acetone dripping off their threads, a testiment to that stuffs capillary-action prowess.
I used some permatex anti-seize on the new TREs for future adjustment ease. My old rod was at about 42.125”, I set the HD rod at the length with the help of my better half. After fine tuning, I tightened each ends jam nut to hold the adjustment. Lastly, I installed the cotter-pins in the TREs. Probably could use a professional alignment at some point. Project basically done. I still need to shoot some grease in the TREs. Also applied the IRO window sticker.
Stock setup
Old tie rod out
Side-by-side comparison
Installed and “aligned”
Beer time!
Last edited by CurrySoSpicy; Oct 22, 2017 at 04:40 PM.
I'm still running 15 in rims, do I need to make any changes to them or knuckles?
Nope, should be a stock replacement. This isnt the 1 ton steering some people use. Those take the larger TREs that you have to ream the knuckles to accept. This tie rod takes the stock size TREs. It’s almost a beefier version of the V8 ZJ tie rod mod.
Rough country also makes an HD rod. However, I heard that tie rod doesn’t bite the TREs as much. As in, a lot of the TREs thread sticks out. The IRO tie rod only left a little thread stick out. So it’s a good solid threaded connection between the rod and the TREs. Still need to finsh my brake job this weekend before I put the wheel on and test drive it.
Finished up the brake pad and rotor install. Nothing really to see. I dropped in Raybestos coated rotors and Raybestos E3 premium pads. First time driving it today after HD tire rod and brake install. The front end feels a bit more stout, although that could be placebo. Brakes with out a doubt feel better, stop better, and don't sound like a witch shrieking (although that would be appropriate themeing for Halloween).
Thanks, hopefully continue on here with the build in the spring. You know how dad life is, busy with the little man here lately. I just don’t want to do anything but be a dad right now.
Last edited by CurrySoSpicy; Jan 30, 2018 at 05:09 AM.
Ahh man. I came here expecting to see some sort of update. Ill be able to relate with what you are going through soon enough. Then you will be making fun of me for getting nothing done...
