Extended Tie Rods?

[RustyShackleford11]

I've just bought a 2001 2WD Ranger with extended control arms and tie rods. This is clearly something that somebody's done on their own in their garage, which is fine, but I can't find tie rods for this thing anywhere. I need to replace them, and they need to be about 4" longer than stock. Are there any premade tie rods for something like this or will I have to fabricate them myself?

 

[Uncle Gump]

Well the outer is just a heim joint. Measure it up and just buy a new one.

The inner is probably just a stock inner tie rod... unless the rack was replaced. See how it compares... stock vs. Yours. You can most likely find the specs at moog or TRW.

 

[RustyShackleford11]

Well the outer is just a heim joint. Measure it up and just buy a new one.

The inner is probably just a stock inner tie rod... unless the rack was replaced. See how it compares... stock vs. Yours. You can most likely find the specs at moog or TRW.

Sorry, inner is stock but the outer is custom. I'd love to use the heim joint that's already there, the problem is that the bolt on it isn't tapered. The dude before me just drilled out the spindle to match the straight bolt that's on the current heim joint, and that sounds super sketchy to me. I just need a heim joint with a tapered bolt, which I am unable to find.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Pretty common to just use a bolt.

You will probably have to drill this spindle too.

 

[RustyShackleford11]

Pretty common to just use a bolt.

You will probably have to drill this spindle too.

Ah, not a huge deal... just inconvenient. Thank you for the information.

 

[snoranger]

You could probably find a heim joint adapter if you look hard enough and know the measurements you need.

 

[Uncle Gump]

We've done a couple heim conversions over the years... always drilled and used a bolt.

I see you can even get them on Amazon these days.

Amazon.com: Adjustable GM Tie-Rod Adapter Stud to Heim : Automotive

I had looked on Ruff Stuff website before I originally posted... you may want to call and ask about these adaptor bolts.