Whats worse? (track rod related)

[barshnik]

D2, recently bent track rod in a rock encounter. Replaced it with the beautiful RTE rod. Now, I don't PLAN on repeating the incident, but, if it happens again, it looks like the rod will no longer be the 'weak link'. Is there a chance that, due to the beefiness of the RTE rod and the much smaller diameter of the tie rod end, that one or both of the tie rod ends will be damaged, bent, or broken, instead of the rod just being bent (and the vehicle still drivable)?

Might I want to add a spare tie rod end to my spare kit? Thanks for your opinions...

John F
LV, NV

 

[AlanB]

Its always a good idea to carry spare tie rod ends in your spares kit.

 

[RichardS]

I followed that exact line of reasoning and bought some new ball joints, put them on the truck, and keep the old ones in my tools/spares bag in the truck. It really does look like the threaded part of the ball joint will break before the RTE rod bends.

Note that you cannot buy just 1 spare - they are different, one with right and one with left hand threads.

 

[barshnik]

<<Note that you cannot buy just 1 spare - they are different, one with right and one with left hand threads.>>

Somehow that just cost me more $$$, but better to learn it now than out in the desert somewhere...
Thanks,


John F

 

[bri]

In my experience even the RTE will bend before the ball joints break. Have never given one a direct hit though.

 

[KevinNY]

I'm on #2 tie road as well. I think the real solution is to encase it like a 3 link does. I plan on having that done in the new year. The tie rod is the achilles heel that I always worry about.

 

[barshnik]

Well, then, what about an offset rod like from Rockware (not that I PLAN on doing damage to the RTE rod). Don't know if they fit D2, or if they are any good...

John F
LV, NV