I've seen posted here that they're not legal in steering applications. Yet, the MORE guys say their steering correction kit (with heims) is DOT legal. So where is the truth?

I've never seen a DOT legal one my self. you can use them but not in the linkage itself. The main reason I quote The nylon retainer can wear and the inner ring can poop off. The tie rod end has a safety mechanism built in to it so if that happens the ball stays in the main body. They make a special crown bolt to prevent the inner ring from pooping out if hit hard. They use them in racing. Pretty neat.
This could be different state to state duno? But if you go to a DOT office they have these books whit the crap in them, shit load of codes and weird names for stuff. I even got a couple of ideas.. The old man that helped me was very old but nice. And just coos it ant DOT don’t mean it don’t work right it, could just means it hasn’t been tested yet. My .2 Whe use them things in air planes so I would imagine there are some pretty stout ones out there. But not all are built the same some are pretty shity.

[ 09-05-2001: Message edited by: Qbert ]

Most of your rig is probably not DOT approved anymore.

Just buy decent quality heims and don't worry about it.

DS

What I meant is weather it will pass the safety inspection in VA. I need to be able to stay legal as I'm driving to the trailrides.

Duno it never ocured to me.To ask if this was a US thing or an AZ thing. I know its elegal in CA and NM. but tahts from conversations with locals. <IMG SRC="smilies/confused.gif" border="0">

I dont think it's an issue till you hit sombody and the inshurance co sees the pics of your truck.

What are the advantages of heim joints?

Wouldnt a quality tie rod end be less worry?

Unless you have extreme amounts of flex, do you really need them?
Just askin <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

The MORE D30 high-steer kit is designed to use heim joints, it's not my choice. The kit is pretty simple and seems to be well designed. I just don't know what the cops will think of it.

you just have lots more options by using hiems to build steering setups...

do a search in the general 4x4 section for heim joits, there was a good posting about them there.

What about if they are set up like a custome axle from the big manufacturers. You know how Dynatrac and them put the heim in the middle of a two pc rod. If it seperates you will not loose all your steering just a quick case of death wobble. I believe that in all aplications it is recommended that you use a pc of metal on top of the bolt to tie it in incase of failure. Similar to a distributor lock down tab if that makes sence.
Nate

Originally posted by kutyafal:
<STRONG>. I just don't know what the cops will think of it.</STRONG>

Do you honestly even think the cops will know what a heim joint is or will they even notice them??? I think you will be fine for inspection if you take it to a quickie in and out type shop with teenagers running the place...but if you take it to a shop that knows what they are doing then they prolly won't like them too much <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/thefinger.gif" border="0"> <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Mines been passing state inspections since 95 with heim jointed steering. Been inspected in Missouri, Texas, and Virginia. No problems, they never even mentioned it, they were more worried about my rear liscence plate being under the light, have to zip tie it in place for inspection, lol. Build it and go. <IMG SRC="smilies/roxy.gif" border="0">

Originally posted by kutyafal:
<STRONG>What I meant is weather it will pass the safety inspection in VA. I need to be able to stay legal as I'm driving to the trailrides.</STRONG>

Im use to be a Va Inspector and I would of let it go.

Email me and I can give you the name of a local shop (Im just a miles from you) that will pas it without a problem.