Are heim joints ok for tie rod???

[jlalonde]

Anybody have experience with heim joints on tie rods? Also is their anybody local that sell tube adapters? kenyon racing?

 

[Mlorint]

They work well for steering systems. Alot stronger than factory tie rods. Any machine shop should beable to make you tube adapters. Here's a picture of a system on an DD XJ

 

[jlalonde]

I'm trying to figure out if it would be cheaper to to build the steering linkages rather than buy them. PJF wants almost $500 for the tie rod and drag link, and that would be the same strength as a factory. As for axle i'm not sure if going to put the waggy axle i have or look for a D60 to put under my YJ. (the price is for the waggy tie rod)

 

[Zooklounge]

if you plan on running trail only they would be a good option, and strong enough, however they do not pass DOT on steering components. With that being said just don't get pulled over by a cop that knows what he's looking at

 

[bradleyfitz]

I run heims (same as the XJ above). When I first got my steering system I looked into the legality of heims as well ... I couldn't find anything other than the typical "I was told yes, it's ok" and "I was told no, it's not legal". This discussion came up again on jeepqueens this week: http://www.jeepkings.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=86183

General consensus seems to be it's much like the beadlock issue ... there's nothing in the MTO regulations saying it's not allowed. Neither is DOT approved, which doesn't necessarily make it illegal to run... but that doesn't mean you won't get hassled over it either.