GB: Tie Rod "Flip Kit" Bushings

[FE3-323]

very tempting now that i understand whats going on.

[deadly_sleeper]

I'd be in for 1 maybe 2 sets.

[FamiliaIRL]

I'm in for one set

[KAinjection]

OK guys these will have to be put on hold. CrazyCanadian sent me a PM last night warning me that these might actually make the bump steer worse instead of better.

I looked into this more and found mixed reviews from people running them, and it seems to kinda depends on the type of car/suspension design its used on.

The reason it could cause more harm then good is because while correcting the tie rod pivot and angle, its not addressing the lower control arm pivot point at the same time, and Ferdi and I are not going to let you guys buy these and have them cause more problems, and have our names associated with garbage.

I plan on being the test dummy for these to try them out and see how they feel, and let you all know the results. Worst case scenario, and they dont work like they should, I can always remove them and flip the bushing and tie rod back over to its original position.

If anybody else wants to test them, so we have more then one driving opinion that would be great.

[shorestiva]

I still need a set I don't care about bumpsteer when I set my coilovers as low as they'll go my tie rods are almost hitting the frame.

Would ferdi be able to make ball joint spacers to go with the flip kit

http://ourtech.bigcartel.com/ball-joint-extenders

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

[Racerboy]

at what point are these a good idea? I am considering getting a set of lowering springs, and don't know if these will really help being just an inch and a half lower than stock.

[ftjandra]

I still need a set I don't care about bumpsteer when I set my coilovers as low as they'll go my tie rods are almost hitting the frame.

Would ferdi be able to make ball joint spacers to go with the flip kit

http://ourtech.bigcartel.com/ball-joint-extenders

Sent from my C771 using Tapatalk 2

I was drawing up something like this earlier today before I saw your post. How do the ones in your link actually tighten though - they seem to be missing the slit down the side to allow the 'halves' to come together. This slit is what's gonna be a pita to machine. Maybe it's not needed and the bolt is enough by itself, but I think it should have them. I can tell you now that making them would not be cheap.

I'd hate for them to fail though...and that worries me.

http://www.ghiagirl.com/phrankentruk/balljoints.htm

--Ferdi

[ftjandra]

just curious, how do you suggest drilling a new hole in the tie rod end?

I'd use a nice unibit, though you might have to grind of any steps larger than 3/4". They don't chatter or grab and usually leave nice round holes. Obviously you have to hold the drill straight.

Here you go (for the cheapies who don't like quality tools, lol):
Harbor Freight Step Drill 3/4"

--Ferdi

[kulluminati777]

I was drawing up something like this earlier today before I saw your post. How do the ones in your link actually tighten though - they seem to be missing the slit down the side to allow the 'halves' to come together. This slit is what's gonna be a pita to machine. Maybe it's not needed and the bolt is enough by itself, but I think it should have them. I can tell you now that making them would not be cheap.

I'd hate for them to fail though...and that worries me.

http://www.ghiagirl.com/phrankentruk/balljoints.htm

--Ferdi

now this ball jont extender is what i want!!!!!!!!!! Would we still need the flip kit if the joint extender came out?

[KAinjection]

Until testing is done, I dont want to give a for sure answer on that, but I will say this.

If just using the flip kit without adjusting the lower control arm pivot point causes worse handling problems then without it, then it would be safe to say that only moving the control arm down without addressing the balljoint pivot point will be just as bad.


The lower control arm pivot point will be addressed in the future, either by way of a spacer, or a completely new ball joint with a spherical bearing.

[KAinjection]

at what point are these a good idea? I am considering getting a set of lowering springs, and don't know if these will really help being just an inch and a half lower than stock.

I dont think people with lowering springs, and the selection of available struts should even consider this stuff to be honest. Your really not low enough to matter much, and if your running a strut/spring combo, your not likely serious enough to utilize it.

[cybrphantom]

i am definitely interested in seeing where this goes

[ftjandra]

Finally finished the prototype bushings today. Main body OD of .752-.753" with a short lead-in that's .749-.750". The taller bushings on the right are James' special Kia rod end bushings that have no ID taper. I'll let James test them and we'll go from there.



--Ferdi

[DuRWooD]

How do you machine an inner taper that tight? Must be hard on the tooling.

[Mazda_Powered]

those look amazing! here's hoping control arm angle interference isn't an issue!