FJ80 Tie rod ends on IFS?

Ardent · 07-27-2009, 01:51 PM

I'm sure somebody may have already thought of this, but I couldn't find anything on it while searching.

I replaced my tie rods about a year ago and they're already making noise and needing to be replaced. I was wondering if anyone has made custom tie rods with FJ80 ends and DOM. I know that I would have to ream out the knuckle and centerlink to have the right taper, but I think that's doable. The DOM shouldn't cost too much and at $70 ea for the MOOGs, it seems that it would pay for itself pretty quick.

So has anyone tried it? If not, what are your thoughts about if it's possible and what challenges I would have. Also, would there even be enough benefit for the amount of work?

Let me know what you think!

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AxleIke · 07-27-2009, 02:16 PM

You got it. Ream out the knuckle and center link, either tap or weld in inserts into the DOM, and go.

Exactly whats getting done on the front of mine.

OEM has treated me much better than the MOOGs, FWIW. Last ALOT longer, and only 30 bucks.

Ardent · 07-27-2009, 02:24 PM

So is there enough benefit for the work? I'm guessing there is based on the fact that you're doing it... (love your thread btw)

tc · 07-27-2009, 02:49 PM

Which rig are you talking 'bout?

I have found my steering holds up a lot better than most people I know with lift ... all that said, I'll be keeping an eye on how Isaac's works because the steering is definitely the weak link in the early IFS.

One thought - if you beef up the tie rods, what are you gonna do about the idler?

Ardent · 07-27-2009, 03:05 PM

It's on the pickup with the Procomp lift. Well, the Idler hasn't failed me yet, I've got the Moog on there now. I'm planning on running that until it destroys itself (i carry the stock one with me on runs) then I'll rebuilt the stock on and probably add a brace.

What are ya thinkin' Troy?

tc · 07-27-2009, 07:39 PM

The bronze bushings have been holding up well for me, but then my rig is relatively easy on steering components. Biggest issue I have is with PS pumps, but I have a cooler on the fluid now, so we'll see if that helps. (Installed an auto tranny radiator, using the tranny cooler as the PS cooler)

In the end, if you have idler issues, seems the Total Chaos is about the only way to go ...

AxleIke · 07-27-2009, 08:37 PM

I'm looking at fabbing a better brace than the downey one and brass bushings.

Total chaos is the ultimate solution.

Ardent · 07-29-2009, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc

The bronze bushings have been holding up well for me, but then my rig is relatively easy on steering components. Biggest issue I have is with PS pumps, but I have a cooler on the fluid now, so we'll see if that helps. (Installed an auto tranny radiator, using the tranny cooler as the PS cooler)

In the end, if you have idler issues, seems the Total Chaos is about the only way to go ...

Yeah, I'm sure the lift is harder on the steering. I think I'll just rebuild my stock idler arm with the bronze bushing and save it until this one dies.

How's the PS cooler working? Wouldn't there be a limited amout of fluid being cooled? I would think that it just pushed some of the fluid back and forth instead of being circulated.

Back to the FJ80 TREs. I was looking last night and noticed that the Tierods are bent around the Idler and Pitman arm connections. I'm not sure that a straight piece of DOM would work for this. Have you thought about how to get around that Isaac?

AxleIke · 07-29-2009, 08:24 AM

Well, I've seen some other dudes who did straight pieces for steering, so I'm fairly sure they'll clear.

This guy has something similar:

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthrea...highlight=heim

89silverpu · 07-29-2009, 08:44 AM

If I were you I'd just go to Kragen (whatever it's called in your area, Checkers, O'reily etc..) and get there Beck/Arnley tie rods. They come with a lifetime warranty, so you can swap them out every year or sooner if you'd like. Use your current ones as trail spares and if you break one on the trail you get a new one free anyways. To get all the tie rods left inner and outer and right inner and outer its only like $150 bucks. I also have a lifetime alignment from Firestone so I can get my front end aligned after replacing one and after every time I go on a long wheeling trip so my tires don't wear bad from being out of alignment.

Ardent · 07-29-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AxleIke

Well, I've seen some other dudes who did straight pieces for steering, so I'm fairly sure they'll clear.

This guy has something similar:

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthrea...highlight=heim

Yeah those look good. I wonder if the BJ spacers are helping them clear.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89silverpu

If I were you I'd just go to Kragen (whatever it's called in your area, Checkers, O'reily etc..) and get there Beck/Arnley tie rods. They come with a lifetime warranty, so you can swap them out every year or sooner if you'd like. Use your current ones as trail spares and if you break one on the trail you get a new one free anyways. To get all the tie rods left inner and outer and right inner and outer its only like $150 bucks. I also have a lifetime alignment from Firestone so I can get my front end aligned after replacing one and after every time I go on a long wheeling trip so my tires don't wear bad from being out of alignment.

That's definitely an idea. I just don't like the idea of doing it every year. I have the firestone alignment deal on my 4runner, but not for the pickup yet. Probably after this weekend though...

If I break anything this weekend or if they get worse I might do the lifetime rods since I'll need them quick.

89silverpu · 07-29-2009, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ardent

That's definitely an idea. I just don't like the idea of doing it every year. I have the firestone alignment deal on my 4runner, but not for the pickup yet. Probably after this weekend though...

If I break anything this weekend or if they get worse I might do the lifetime rods since I'll need them quick.

You don't have to necessarily replace them every year, I'm just saying you could....especially if you wheel alot and they get alot of use. I'm just OCD about my front end alignment cause I don't want my $700 tires going bad early because they weren't aligned properly, and tie rods are a big part of that lol and the free warranty is great, break it get a new one, after a year maybe they're starting to get loose....get a new one

Ardent · 07-29-2009, 09:04 AM

I know what you're saying. I'm just looking for a *more* permanent solution if there is one (and looking for something else to fab...)

89silverpu · 07-29-2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ardent

I know what you're saying. I'm just looking for a *more* permanent solution if there is one (and looking for something else to fab...)

Go SFA and hi steer

lots of fab and alot stronger

tc · 07-29-2009, 10:41 AM

I'm all for lifetime warranty parts, but tie rods are one thing where I can see upgrading to something beefier as it's almost impossible to "trail fix" unless you have spare(s).

89silverpu · 07-29-2009, 11:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 89silverpu

If I were you I'd just go to Kragen (whatever it's called in your area, Checkers, O'reily etc..) and get there Beck/Arnley tie rods. They come with a lifetime warranty, so you can swap them out every year or sooner if you'd like. Use your current ones as trail spares and if you break one on the trail you get a new one free anyways. To get all the tie rods left inner and outer and right inner and outer its only like $150 bucks. I also have a lifetime alignment from Firestone so I can get my front end aligned after replacing one and after every time I go on a long wheeling trip so my tires don't wear bad from being out of alignment.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc

I'm all for lifetime warranty parts, but tie rods are one thing where I can see upgrading to something beefier as it's almost impossible to "trail fix" unless you have spare(s).

Ardent · 08-22-2009, 07:11 AM

Well, finally had to replace the tie rods w/o pursuing the FJ80 rod ends. The TRs were fairly easy as I had replaced them only a year ago, but I broke the pitman arm puller trying to remove the pitman arm. I also noticed that the CO4RJ was harder on my truck than initially thought. I did bend my Idler, and now it's really loose. I was going to get an alignment today, but I'm not sure if they'll align it with the idler in its current condition. I also had a few loose bolts in my front cross member which have now been replaced and lock-tited this time. I need a much better skid plate...

Now on to find those brass bushings and a brace for the stocker...

tc · 08-22-2009, 07:48 AM

SDORI is supposedly coming out with the brass bushings, I got mine from
http://www.custommachiningusa.com/Specialty_Items.html

They required some machining to fit my idler arm - a common problem as there are like 4 different combinations of OD and ID.

You can pretty easily make a brace out of plate now that Downey is out of business. I don't have a brace on mine.

Or, you can just get the Total Chaos one and never have to worry about it again.

07-27-2009, 02:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
AxleIke Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 4,887	You got it. Ream out the knuckle and center link, either tap or weld in inserts into the DOM, and go. Exactly whats getting done on the front of mine. OEM has treated me much better than the MOOGs, FWIW. Last ALOT longer, and only 30 bucks. __________________ 1987 Mutant 4runner\|Slightly Modified\|Lacking general build direction -Lifts and Tires look cool at the Mall, Lockers and Gears look cool on the trail. -Internet Nice Guy

07-27-2009, 02:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ardent Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 391	So is there enough benefit for the work? I'm guessing there is based on the fact that you're doing it... (love your thread btw) __________________ Nate 1993 3.0 Pickup - 4" lift, 33x10.50s BFG KM1s. 1995 4.5L FZJ80 - OME springs, Locked. Nitto Terra Graplers. Sold: 1993 3.0 4Runner - Fj80 Coils, 1.5" BJ Spacers 1987 2.4 4Runner / SAS'd / Got it Running!/ Project truck... Just bought my FZJ80...

07-27-2009, 02:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,372	Which rig are you talking 'bout? I have found my steering holds up a lot better than most people I know with lift ... all that said, I'll be keeping an eye on how Isaac's works because the steering is definitely the weak link in the early IFS. One thought - if you beef up the tie rods, what are you gonna do about the idler? __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

07-27-2009, 03:05 PM	#5 (permalink)
Ardent Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 391	It's on the pickup with the Procomp lift. Well, the Idler hasn't failed me yet, I've got the Moog on there now. I'm planning on running that until it destroys itself (i carry the stock one with me on runs) then I'll rebuilt the stock on and probably add a brace. What are ya thinkin' Troy? __________________ Nate 1993 3.0 Pickup - 4" lift, 33x10.50s BFG KM1s. 1995 4.5L FZJ80 - OME springs, Locked. Nitto Terra Graplers. Sold: 1993 3.0 4Runner - Fj80 Coils, 1.5" BJ Spacers 1987 2.4 4Runner / SAS'd / Got it Running!/ Project truck... Just bought my FZJ80...

07-27-2009, 07:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,372	The bronze bushings have been holding up well for me, but then my rig is relatively easy on steering components. Biggest issue I have is with PS pumps, but I have a cooler on the fluid now, so we'll see if that helps. (Installed an auto tranny radiator, using the tranny cooler as the PS cooler) In the end, if you have idler issues, seems the Total Chaos is about the only way to go ... __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

07-27-2009, 08:37 PM	#7 (permalink)
AxleIke Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 4,887	I'm looking at fabbing a better brace than the downey one and brass bushings. Total chaos is the ultimate solution. __________________ 1987 Mutant 4runner\|Slightly Modified\|Lacking general build direction -Lifts and Tires look cool at the Mall, Lockers and Gears look cool on the trail. -Internet Nice Guy

07-29-2009, 08:24 AM	#9 (permalink)
AxleIke Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Boulder, Colorado Posts: 4,887	Well, I've seen some other dudes who did straight pieces for steering, so I'm fairly sure they'll clear. This guy has something similar: http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthrea...highlight=heim __________________ 1987 Mutant 4runner\|Slightly Modified\|Lacking general build direction -Lifts and Tires look cool at the Mall, Lockers and Gears look cool on the trail. -Internet Nice Guy

07-29-2009, 08:44 AM	#10 (permalink)
89silverpu Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Vacaville/Sierra Nevada Mountains, CA/ UNLV (Las Vegas), NV Posts: 1,689	If I were you I'd just go to Kragen (whatever it's called in your area, Checkers, O'reily etc..) and get there Beck/Arnley tie rods. They come with a lifetime warranty, so you can swap them out every year or sooner if you'd like. Use your current ones as trail spares and if you break one on the trail you get a new one free anyways. To get all the tie rods left inner and outer and right inner and outer its only like $150 bucks. I also have a lifetime alignment from Firestone so I can get my front end aligned after replacing one and after every time I go on a long wheeling trip so my tires don't wear bad from being out of alignment. __________________ '89 Beater Jeep Eater in progress 4.88's, TRD e-locker, Dual Cases, 33's, Armored, Tread Lightly Mixchallenge.info Last edited by 89silverpu; 07-29-2009 at 08:45 AM.

07-29-2009, 09:04 AM	#13 (permalink)
Ardent Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 391	I know what you're saying. I'm just looking for a more permanent solution if there is one (and looking for something else to fab...) __________________ Nate 1993 3.0 Pickup - 4" lift, 33x10.50s BFG KM1s. 1995 4.5L FZJ80 - OME springs, Locked. Nitto Terra Graplers. Sold: 1993 3.0 4Runner - Fj80 Coils, 1.5" BJ Spacers 1987 2.4 4Runner / SAS'd / Got it Running!/ Project truck... Just bought my FZJ80...

07-29-2009, 10:41 AM	#15 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,372	I'm all for lifetime warranty parts, but tie rods are one thing where I can see upgrading to something beefier as it's almost impossible to "trail fix" unless you have spare(s). __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

08-22-2009, 07:11 AM	#17 (permalink)
Ardent Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Colorado Springs, CO Posts: 391	Well, finally had to replace the tie rods w/o pursuing the FJ80 rod ends. The TRs were fairly easy as I had replaced them only a year ago, but I broke the pitman arm puller trying to remove the pitman arm. I also noticed that the CO4RJ was harder on my truck than initially thought. I did bend my Idler, and now it's really loose. I was going to get an alignment today, but I'm not sure if they'll align it with the idler in its current condition. I also had a few loose bolts in my front cross member which have now been replaced and lock-tited this time. I need a much better skid plate... Now on to find those brass bushings and a brace for the stocker... __________________ Nate 1993 3.0 Pickup - 4" lift, 33x10.50s BFG KM1s. 1995 4.5L FZJ80 - OME springs, Locked. Nitto Terra Graplers. Sold: 1993 3.0 4Runner - Fj80 Coils, 1.5" BJ Spacers 1987 2.4 4Runner / SAS'd / Got it Running!/ Project truck... Just bought my FZJ80...

08-22-2009, 07:48 AM	#18 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,372	SDORI is supposedly coming out with the brass bushings, I got mine from http://www.custommachiningusa.com/Specialty_Items.html They required some machining to fit my idler arm - a common problem as there are like 4 different combinations of OD and ID. You can pretty easily make a brace out of plate now that Downey is out of business. I don't have a brace on mine. Or, you can just get the Total Chaos one and never have to worry about it again. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

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