I'm building a set of tie rods with the 23mm FJ80 tie rod ends, what size tubing should I use ?
OD, wall thickness, etc.......

Reddog,

No luck on the search button? :D

Did a little looking around, via search, and most reasonable answer I came up was to look at Rockstomper (http://www.rockstomper.com/catalog/steering/rockrods/rockrod.htm) They even point what they use to dom tubing:

Rock Rods are constructed from 1.25" 0.219 DOM steel tube. An optional sleeve of 1.5" 0.120 DOM is then slid over top and full-circle MIG welded at both ends for even more strength.

Do you have a set of taps? That is the biggest expense unless you plan building more than a few sets.

Tom :usa:

The search is cool but sometimes it's nice to have a little conversation.
Anyway I do have the taps, over the last year I've bought all the common tie-rod taps and most of them are custom order, very expensive. When it comes to tools I like being self-suffiecient.
I'm glad you mentioned Rock Stomper, cause there's a couple guys in my club that run Rock Stomper tie rods with the Hy-Steer arrangement.
I'll have to take a closer look. Thanks for the reply.

Originally posted by Reddog
When it comes to tools I like being self-suffiecient.

Amen, brother. :D

A good reason for owning a metal lathe and a bunch of 01 oil hardening rod. Need a custom tap... just make it. :rolleyes:

Tom :usa:

LOL !

Hey Don,

Did that lower radiator hose work with your griffin radiator?

Don't listen to Tom. He has more tools than most shops at his place... :-)

Charles

Don-- I use 1.125" o.d. DOM tubing with a 0.250" wall for both drag link and tie rod. I can't really imagine ever being able to bend that size of tubing, but if you are concerned, and since you will be using the larger 23mm TREs, you could also consider a 1 1/4 tube with a 5/16 wall.

Thanks ! I'll start priceing the tubing, I'm sure an extra 1/16" in DOM makes a considerable difference in the cost. I think I'll look into the 1 1/8 x .250 , that sounds like enough meat to cut a thread into.

I don't think I'll ever get into the tap making business though, I don't have a good tool and cutter grinder.....:rolleyes:

FJ40 Charles thanks for the tip on the hose, it got me real close to where I wanted to be. I got the beast running again and so far I havent seen any temps above 190 degrees. I'm lovin it ! :D