New tie-rods and TRO

[phyler]

As part of my disc conversion, I've realized I need new tie-rods. After looking at it, just to buy the left and right tie-rods is almost (if not a bit more) expensive as it is to go to 1-ton tie-rods it appears. Ruff Stuff has their special going and this is what I'm thinking of buying:

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/YLINK.html

I will add on the steering inserts and the stabilizer bracket. I know that those two pieces combined with paying someone to weld it will cost me more but not by much and then the TRE's are much easier to swap and adjust later on. In addition, I can do the TRO.

First, anything I should consider instead of the Ruff Stuff kit?

Second, before doing the disc conversion, I had great steering, no bump steer or death wobble. When I just mocked up the TRO, it looked like the track bar and drag link will not be parallel. I have 2.5" of lift currently. Everything I've read has said not to do a dropped pitman with TRO but the raised track bar bracket seems to be for 3.5" of lift or more. What should I be considering? Or am I doing what I tend to and just over thinking at the moment?

Thanks for the advice.

Adam

[Gunnibronco]

I did the Ruffstuff 1 ton set up, 3 years ago, when I went full width. I'm very happy with it, but I've already worn out a set of tie rod ends. I bought TREs from Carquest & they have a life time warranty. I'd say buy a set of TREs locally & make sure they can be swapped out.

As for the TRO & drop pitman, I ran a drop pitman arm with 15 year old 3.5" springs, bowed out to full width axles, and a winch, no problem. I'm sure I was closer to 2.5" lift than 3.5". I did run the drag link end down through the pitman arm, instead of up through it for better geometry.

I say put it together and see how it handles. I had minor bump steer when I'd bounce through stuff going too fast. But normal town driving and sensible trail driving & rock crawling it was not noticeable. Nice thing is you can swap pitman arms, or do the track bar riser later, if needed.

[Kinder]

A bunch of us, like 5+, built up the Ruffstuff TRO setup a couple of years back. I'm happy with my system and have yet to replace a piece of it and I've used it for sure. That being said, I'm with Gunni above on local parts as I believe 76fordbronco did have a issue with a Ruffstuff TRE when he needed a replacement.

[Rox Crusher]

Mine has been working great, no issues.

I have been meaning to buy a couple replacement ends as I believe they are proprietary?

What year is your Bronco ?

[Gunnibronco]

A bunch of us, like 5+, built up the Ruffstuff TRO setup a couple of years back. I'm happy with my system and have yet to replace a piece of it and I've used it for sure. That being said, I'm with Gunni above on local parts as I believe 76fordbronco did have a issue with a Ruffstuff TRE when he needed a replacement.

Just to be clear, I bought my kit before they offered TREs. I bought my TREs from Carquest (Raybestos brand), they are what went bad, not Ruffstuff's.

I don't think that Ruffstuff is using proprietary TREs, just sourced out Chevy TREs. Its a 7/8"-18 threaded shank. But I'm not sure of that.

[phyler]

My Bronco is a 75. I thought ruff stuff was using standard Chevy ends. Probably a good idea to check but they sell the ends alone for like $20 each which isn't bad.

I think I'll go ahead and do it. Worse case, I move on to upgrading something else on the front end. :)

[Justin]

I'd do it, it's a great upgrade that saves money in the long run. Here's the write up on mine: viewtopic.php?f=32&t=963&hilit=heavy+duty+tie+rod. I'd buy your stuff locally, as it's likely going to be cheaper and easier to replace. I went with the spendy ends for mine and still shelled out less than the RuffStuff kit. That said, if you do buy from them, there's a 22.5% discount right now. I seriously doubt they're proprietary, other than maybe being different in length, which could be a problem should you ever need to replace one.

[phyler]

I pulled the trigger. Everything with shipping was just under $250 due to the discount. I'm traveling for the next 3 weeks so my hope is to get it all put back together the week between Christmas and new years. I'm sure I could find everything for cheaper but based on my schedule, I'm good with the kit. Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

[Justin]

That's a great deal, esp with the convenience of the kit. I'd have done the same thing.

[Jesus_man]

If anyone is in need for Chevy TRE's check rockauto.com. Ordered up a couple sets from them a few years ago and still have a brand new set as a spare. I don't recall the brand, but the box was white & blue as I recall.