HD tie rods

[madmaxdmax]

OKay...so I had a few questions about my HD tie rods. I was tired of the wait online...so I got lucky by calling a few local shops here in Phx. and actually found a set of Fabtech HD tie rods for $240. I do go off-road in my truck and was worried about the lack of strength of the puny stock tierods (look like they are for a Geo). Using info from another site I measured the length of the stock tierods before removal in order to adjust the lengths of the new HD tierods. Well...I still ended up having to go in for an alignment. It seems that the alignment after install was way off, but luckily Network Alignment and Brakes were in a good mood and did the alignment for $0. What a lucky break considering they spent over an hour making the adjustments. First question I had is why if the same length would the alignment be so off? Second question is why would both the camber/caster and toe-in be effected ?? Third and final question is should I go in say after another 500 miles or so for a re-check ??

[hondarider552]

steve,
my thought of the mis alignm,wnt would be because of your lift and the angles such as the cv for one. camber/caster is effected anytime you mess with the torsions bolts so stiffen/loosen the ifs. i loosened mine more today about one turn per side to help ease the hop i still have.

[madmaxdmax]

Brian,

I talked to the shop today that Chris(owner) at Lifted Trucks dot com uses for the install. They told me at approx 1000 miles things start to settle a tad with the lift kit so it is a good thing that I did just so happen to install the new tie rods during the "settle" time frame. The guys at Network Alignment are great as they warrantied everything due to Chris giving them a call for me. So far everything checks out. BTW I will let you know when the next time Chris at the rest of the guys at the dealership are heading out to the dunes. These guys are a hoot to dune with...pretty :crazy: but fun to dune with.

[Schwinn68]

did you do any other front end parts while you were at it? I've heard the cognito braces will really strengthen everything up front. maybe you can't use them with a lift?

[hondarider552]

did you do any other front end parts while you were at it? I've heard the cognito braces will really strengthen everything up front. maybe you can't use them with a lift?
i would assume that it would be the same lifted or not, but im not sure. cognito does make the drag link stronger though..

[Schwinn68]

I know there going on my truck real soon, along with the sleeves

[madmaxdmax]

No...every thing else was left alone...for now. I'll probably fab my own