Tie Rod, ford & International Tie Rod Ends

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing your off-road rig or custom VW to the limit, the last thing you want is a failure in your steering linkage. This Latest Rage Heavy-Duty Aluminum Tie Rod Assembly is engineered to provide the ultimate combination of weight reduction and structural integrity. Crafted from high-grade, 1-inch diameter aluminum, this rod offers exceptional resistance to bending and deflection under the high-stress loads common in sand dunes, rocky trails, and desert racing. By utilizing the proven Ford and International tie rod end configuration, Appletree Automotive ensures that your steering geometry remains precise and your feedback remains sharp, giving you the confidence to tackle any terrain without worrying about the integrity of your front end. This is a significant upgrade over stock-style steel tubes that are prone to kinking when subjected to the rigors of off-road abuse.

This assembly is specifically designed for custom, aftermarket steering systems where standard OEM components simply won''t cut it. Whether you are building a custom sand rail, a rugged woods buggy, or a high-performance Baja Bug, the 24.5-inch length provides the reach needed for wide-track configurations and long-travel front ends. One of the standout features of this assembly is the use of opposing 11/16-18 threadsone side being right-hand and the other left-hand. This allows for incredibly easy toe-in adjustments while the tie rod is still installed on the vehicle; simply loosen the jam nuts and rotate the aluminum sleeve to fine-tune your alignment. Sold individually, these tie rods are the professional-grade solution for builders and enthusiasts who demand longevity and race-ready performance from their steering components.

FITMENT

• Custom Sand Rails: Ideal for long-travel and wide-beam chassis configurations.
• Dune Buggies: Perfect for Manx-style or fiberglass bodies using custom steering racks.
• Baja Bugs: Designed for modified Beetles utilizing heavy-duty aftermarket steering beams and spindles.
• Woods Buggies: Robust enough to handle the impacts and snags of tight trail riding.
• Off-Road Racing: Suitable for Class 5, Class 1, and other buggy classes requiring Ford/International tapers.
• Street Rods: Often used in custom applications where Ford-style steering geometry is preferred for its strength.

SPECS

• Manufacturer: Latest Rage
• Part Number: AC425121
• Rod Material: High-Strength T6 Aluminum
• Rod Diameter: 1 Inch (OD)
• Rod Length: 24.5 Inches
• Thread Size: 11/16 Inch - 18
• Thread Orientation: One Left-Hand (LH) Thread side and One Right-Hand (RH) Thread side
• End Types Included: (1) Ford Style Tie Rod End and (1) International Style Tie Rod End
• Adjustment Style: Turnbuckle style for "on-vehicle" alignment
• Weight: Approximately 6.35 lbs

PRO TIPS

1. Mastering the Alignment Adjustment

Because this tie rod features both left-hand and right-hand threads, you do not need to remove the tie rod ends from the spindles to adjust your toe-in. Simply loosen the jam nuts on both ends and rotate the aluminum center rod. To ensure you don''t accidentally strip the threads, always clean the exposed threads with a wire brush and apply a small amount of penetrating oil before making adjustments. Once your alignment is set, ensure the jam nuts are tightened securely against the aluminum rod to prevent the steering from vibrating loose during high-speed desert runs.

2. Verify Your Spindle Taper

The Ford and International ends included in this kit utilize specific tapers that are larger and stronger than a standard VW Beetle tie rod end. Before installation, ensure your spindles or steering arms are specifically reamed for a Ford-style taper (usually 7 degrees or 1.5 inches per foot). If you are attempting to install these on a stock VW spindle, they will not fit correctly without professional reaming. Using the correct taper is critical to preventing the tie rod end from "wallowing out" the spindle hole, which can lead to catastrophic steering failure.

3. Maintenance and Lubrication

Off-road environments are incredibly harsh on steering joints. We recommend greasing the Ford and International ends after every major outing or race to purge any silt, sand, or water that may have bypassed the dust boots. When greasing, watch for the boot to slightly swelldon''t over-pump to the point of popping the seal. Additionally, check the aluminum rod for any deep gouges or "nicks" after a weekend on the rocks; while aluminum is incredibly strong, a deep score can create a stress riser that might lead to a crack over time under extreme vibration.