tie rods

[77mk1]

i had my alignment done the other day and the guy suggested that i should flip the tie rod ends and put them up through the bottom. is this something i should consider or is there anything behind it.

[Jarred]

not unless you car is really low. The idea is to combat excessive bump steer, caused by the tie rod and A arm being at such extreme angles.

If it is, it's something to consider. BUT you must do the tie rod flip, in conjunction with a ball joint spacer. As this keeps the tie rod and A arm parallel to each other. IF they're not parallel, your handling will go from bad to worse!

Tie rod flips kits are under about $50 bucks (IIRC) and require some drilling of hub (enlargen the hole) and ball joint spacers from PMW, I think would set you back about $250.

Hope this helps. Reasons why were discussed in Alex G's swallowtail build thread, it's all got to do with bump steer, roll centres etc.

[77mk1]

cheers mate, will check that out

[Spyda]

I bought the tie rod flips off Alex G for about $25.
The most expensive bit is the massive drill bit you need to drill the hole out, its about $45! I 'borrowed' one. You will also need a vice and a drill press to do it correctly.
It wont eliminate bump steer but it will reduce it. People make it out to be some kind of super dangerous thing, like bump steer causes new borns to catch AIDS, but honestly i didn't notice it, i only installed it because i could.

[77mk1]

i don't really notice it and it's not something i really thought about. the guy at the shop said it was something to consider, not a need but put it in the back of the mind. will check out some prices and i guess go from there. thanks again guys

[Lorenz]

Have a search on Vortex, seen plenty of info and DIYs on there about this. Something I may consider doing soon to the MK3.
Can I ask which shop sugested this?

[77mk1]

cheers lorenz, it was the beaurepairs on south rd. melrose pk across from castle plaza.