Tie rod ends
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Tie rod ends
In the process of upgrading the suspension on my 2000 coupe that included Stance coil overs, C6 Z06 sway bars, poly suspension bushings, and new 18x10/19x12 wheels, 275x35 front and 325x30 rear tires, the subject of new tie rod ends came up. The car will be lowered on the coil overs and some have suggested that there may not be enough thread on the stock tie rods ends to accommodate the lowered stance and get a proper alignment. I have looked at replacement ends and can only find the ones from Ecklers that state they have longer studs to accommodate a lowered stance. Has anyone used these ends and have any recommendations, on whether it is required or not, if Ecklers are a good brand or not, or are there any alternative brands. I have seen the Moog as well but it does not state if their studs are longer. Both however are greaseable ends. I would appreciate any information. Thanks.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Winter Haven Florida
I've used some ball joints and tie rod ends from Eckler for my C5 Z06 Overall quality was good but can't comment on the ones you are talking about for a lowered stance. Price was much less than local parts stores.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Winter Haven Florida
Ok I went back and looked at the p/n I ordered from Eckler. It was 44432 and the description does say that it is longer for lowered ride height. I didn't buy because of this reason. I just saw it on there and it was a good price.
I only bought one as that was all I needed. The Eckler part is 4-3/4" from start of thread to center of ball joint. The factory one is 4" measured to the same points.
In my case the one from Eckler was actually too long because I ran out of threads on the rod. The shop I brought it to for alignment was actually wanting to take the rack off the car and somehow adjust the cener position. I honesty don't think they knew what they were talking about. After I got the car home I took the wheels off and looked to see what they were talking about. They actually did align the car they just couldn't get the steering wheel centered, because of what I am describing here. After looking at it I realized the new tie rod was too long so ended up cutting 3/4" off the new one to make it the same length as the factory one.
Not sure if this would be the same with your suspension set up but hope this helps.
I only bought one as that was all I needed. The Eckler part is 4-3/4" from start of thread to center of ball joint. The factory one is 4" measured to the same points.
In my case the one from Eckler was actually too long because I ran out of threads on the rod. The shop I brought it to for alignment was actually wanting to take the rack off the car and somehow adjust the cener position. I honesty don't think they knew what they were talking about. After I got the car home I took the wheels off and looked to see what they were talking about. They actually did align the car they just couldn't get the steering wheel centered, because of what I am describing here. After looking at it I realized the new tie rod was too long so ended up cutting 3/4" off the new one to make it the same length as the factory one.
Not sure if this would be the same with your suspension set up but hope this helps.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
From: Winter Haven Florida
Update: I cut the tie rod from Eckler only to realize the inside depth of the hole was the problem. I went to a local Autozone and they had one for $39. The hole in it was much deeper than the one from Eckler. Now that I have another one to compare it to the one from Autozone is much smoother.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 615
Likes: 14
From: Glenwood Springs Colorado
I just installed the exact same setup the OP is talking about on my 2000 coupe. Stance coil overs, C6Z06 sway bars and links and I have the same size tires on OEM C6Z06 wheels. Stock tie rod ends are doing just fine and my car is sitting considerably lower than before. As a matter of fact I am thinking raising back up a little, because the rubber thingies on the front scrape almost everywhere.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Just to add to this….
I just installed the exact same setup the OP is talking about on my 2000 coupe. Stance coil overs, C6Z06 sway bars and links and I have the same size tires on OEM C6Z06 wheels. Stock tie rod ends are doing just fine and my car is sitting considerably lower than before. As a matter of fact I am thinking raising back up a little, because the rubber thingies on the front scrape almost everywhere.
I just installed the exact same setup the OP is talking about on my 2000 coupe. Stance coil overs, C6Z06 sway bars and links and I have the same size tires on OEM C6Z06 wheels. Stock tie rod ends are doing just fine and my car is sitting considerably lower than before. As a matter of fact I am thinking raising back up a little, because the rubber thingies on the front scrape almost everywhere.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,300
Likes: 115
From: Odessa FL
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,030
Likes: 72
From: Seminole, FL
Thanks for the thread guys. Just bought the REAR tie rod ends (standard) from eckler's ...
Both cost less than ONE from the Dealer.
And places like Autozone didn't even know what I was talking about.
Oh, and downloaded their catalog in PDF format.
YAY
Both cost less than ONE from the Dealer.
And places like Autozone didn't even know what I was talking about.
Oh, and downloaded their catalog in PDF format.
YAY