Front End Q's. Help me out here.

[SparkZ03DMAX]

ok guys, I've been thinking about getting some HD Tie Rods for my truck. Now I'm not very knowledgeable about suspensions and could use some advice.

I know that HD Tie Rods or sleeves are required for 4wd launches, but what else is required for a SAFE 4wd launch.

Another thing, what brand has been known to be good? Fabtech? Cognito?

I only have the money for just the tie rods, but what else will I need so I'll be ready in the future.

Oh and BTW, I want to keep my truck at the height that it is now. I know lowering it helps the front end, but I dont plan on doing that.

 

[Akdiesel]

Not required but very helpful is pitman/idler brace and solid centerlink

 

[SparkZ03DMAX]

I was thinkin about getting HD Tie Rods for now, then getting the pitman and idler arms later.

Dont u have to get the truck re-aligned after tie rods?

 

[custom8726]

I was thinkin about getting HD Tie Rods for now, then getting the pitman and idler arms later.

Dont u have to get the truck re-aligned after tie rods?

Yes, get it re-aligned... IMO,, I would just get the sleeves and Cognito braces.. My Cognito HD tie rods have a bunch of play in them already after 30k

 

[SparkZ03DMAX]

Whats the difference in performance in sleeves and HD tie rods? what has been known to last better?

 

[custom8726]

Whats the difference in performance in sleeves and HD tie rods? what has been known to last better?

No differance in performance and as far as lasting, well,, thats debatable I have had better luck keeping the stock shafts in place then the cognito's.. Besides that the factory tie rods are a 3rd of the cost..

 

[SparkZ03DMAX]

No differance in performance and as far as lasting, well,, thats debatable I have had better luck keeping the stock shafts in place then the cognito's.. Besides that the factory tie rods are a 3rd of the cost..

soooo....what do u suggest? lol

 

[THEREDDEVIL]

Do u "need" tie rods? If not just get sleeves. I've ran both and the sleeves work as good as the hd rods. I only have about 5k miles on my cognitos, one truck pull and a few hard 4x4 launches. They r great so far, just can't keep the damn retainer ring on the inner boot. Pain in the a$$

 

[JMK777]

You might want to ask around about the cognito tie
rods . From my understand they are not manufactured where they use to be. I seen a set on a friends truck go out a month after installing them and cog won't warranty them. bolth sides went out.

 

[Ridin'GMC]

What about the Fabtech HD tie rods? Are they better than the Cognitos? My front end has gone to crap, got like 5" of play on the steering wheel. I need to beef up the steering for sure.

 

[sparepartsracing]

ive had sleeves sitting in my closet for about a year now ha ha...im going to put them on now

 

[SparkZ03DMAX]

Do u "need" tie rods? If not just get sleeves. I've ran both and the sleeves work as good as the hd rods. I only have about 5k miles on my cognitos, one truck pull and a few hard 4x4 launches. They r great so far, just can't keep the damn retainer ring on the inner boot. Pain in the a$$

i really dont need new tie rods. But I would just feel more confident just having the HD's. BUT if one performs and lasts better than the other, then I would consider the one that performs and lasts.

 

[jlawles2]

Mike at dmaxstore started selling a set of tie rods called Kryptonite. They claim 21,000 lbs before they came apart. They do not say who makes them, but they look massive in the pictures. If someone is running them, might be worth checking to see how they are holding up.

 

[SparkZ03DMAX]

I would like to see what Bullfrogjohnson and Dimitri runs, cause you know their front ends have been used.

 

[duramaxdiesel]

I'm lifted 6" with 37's. All I have are sleeves. So far it's my CV's that always blow out when I do a boosted 4wd lauch with the 37's. For drag racing I usually swap to 285's.

Nick

 

[cntry125]

When i put my sleeves on, i just counted the number of turns as i took them off, and then went in to have it aligned, and they said that my alignment was fine.

 

[Jared Duramax]

Just get sleeves and cognito braces thats what i have and 200,000 on my entire front end and all i have to replace is ball joints. Thats not bad in my opinion since i do race and sledpull.

 

[SparkZ03DMAX]

Just get sleeves and cognito braces thats what i have and 200,000 on my entire front end and all i have to replace is ball joints. Thats not bad in my opinion since i do race and sledpull.

you're from NC? didnt know that! cool!

anyway, would it be bad if I just want HD Tie-Rods just because I just want them. But I mean if the sleeves tend to perform better and are easier to install i'll just do that

 

[kman2468]

get sleeves unless tie rods are gone..no need for HD tie rods

 

[RENODMAX]

Sleeves. HD tie rods and solid centerlinks are unnecessary especially at your power level. Its also nice to have sleeves because when youre tierods wear out you can get oem ones for cheap. Cognito pitman and idler braces are nice and I think every truck should have them in all reality. You should lower your front end for 4wd launches for numerous reasons so you are going to have to get over that one.