Heim joints

Discussion in 'Technical' started by 71gold, Mar 22, 2022.

  1. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    anyone use these on a street car for tie rod ends? pros/cons
     
  2. Havik

    Havik New Member

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    I have used them.
    Pros. Much better feedback and responsive steering.
    Con if you get cheap ones they will wear out faster.
    They will also add to NHV to the vehicle.
    I recommend making sure Bump steer is set correctly or it will be worse than if using standard tie rods. This is due to the aforementioned better feedback etc.

    Good Luck sir!
     
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  3. Jaybee

    Jaybee Member

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    I would avoid heim joints on the street wherever possible. They can't be sealed against the weather, the oil on them attracts grit, and that combination wears them out rapidly. On race cars they get cleaned and oiled very frequently, and even there they only last so long.
     
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  4. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    thanks Guys, this is the feedback I was looking for.

    :Handshake:
     
  5. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    What would be the reason, replace tie-rods w/ heim's? You install the new R&P yet?
     
  6. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    Never used them myself but I've seen some brands of aftermarket suspension parts advertise self-cleaning and self-lubricating spherical rod ends.
     
  7. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    as always, thinking outside the box.
    just seeing what can be done different and safe.
    haven't installed it yet. I want to lower the mounting of the rack and turn my tie-rod ends over and install them through the top of the spindle. a spherical rod end would make the install easier, the tapered hole is my biggest issue.
     
  8. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    How do you know moving rack mount point won’t create safety or other issues?
     
  9. Krazy Comet

    Krazy Comet Tom

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    No you're never satisfied with what currently works.

    What happened to rack? Didn't you just install one around three years ago?
     
  10. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    when I installed the 2" drop spindles the rack steering arms are pointing 2" below level @ ride height.
     

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  11. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    yes, went from manual to power steering. (getting older)...LOL
     
  12. Jaybee

    Jaybee Member

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    Last edited: Mar 24, 2022
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  13. mojo

    mojo "Everett"- Senior Citizen Supporting Member

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    U change spindles from manual rack ? Install drop spindles between rack changes reason arms out of place?
     
  14. 71gold

    71gold Frank Cooper Supporting Member

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    combo of things going on here...I'm running these Steeda offset bushings to clear the oil pan. I have about a .025" clearance now, would like more.
    the drop spindles were installed w/manual rack, all was good.
    then went to power steering rack. a couple of years later this rack developed a whining noise... going forward only. as soon as you move the steering wheel left from center...driving or sitting still...:yup:
    no noise backing up turning left/right or turning right going forward...:huh:
    I'm thinking if I can, I will try to level/lower the rack when replacing it.
    :drive:...:chirp:




    [​IMG]
    Steeda 555-4011 - Steeda Aluminum Off-Set Rack and Pinion Bushings
     
  15. bmcdaniel

    bmcdaniel Senile Member

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    LOL That sounds like what I hear from my GF. I've had my Maverick for 49 years and she says "Aren't you done working on this yet". I tell her it's not a project, it's a hobby.
     
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