TIE ROD OVER KNUCKLE KIT™: The main benefits are the entire steering will now set up higher which results in reduced steering angles with higher lifts as well as to reduce terrain impacts with the tie rod being on top of the knuckles. Problems can arise on certain vehicles, such as the 66-77 Bronco, where you need at least 4" of suspension lift so the dropped pitman arm does not hit the tie rod under full suspension compression. On this same vehicle in the 76-77 years, even though the spherical rod ends are no larger in diameter than OEM, they may rub the lip of shallow spaced rims when moving the tie rod above the knuckle. Keep in mind that you will be moving the tie rod up another 2" than before, so measure your compressed suspension clearances accordingly. On the pre-80 half ton Fords, forward mounted lower shock mounts may interfere with the tie rod at full turn.

SUMMARY
+ Places steering up higher, away from ground obstacles
+ Reduces steering joint angle on lifts larger than 4" with dropped pitman arms installed
-  Tie Rod could contact pitman arm in high flex vehicles with under 4" of suspension lift
-  Tie Rod could contact dropped track bar bracket in high flex vehicles with under 4" of susp. lift
-  Tie Rod End could contact some inner rim lips of certain back spaced wheels on 76-77 Broncos
-  Tie Rod could interfere with forward lower shock mounts on 68-79 1/2-ton Fords
-  Bump steer might be reduced by using stock (non-drop) pitman with drop track bar bracket


TRAIL PROOF™ TIE ROD TUBING: The Trail Proof™ tubing is our standard and most all around favorable option, rating in at least double the strength than most OEM tie rods. Being both strong and flexible, it is resilient to most impacts a typical trail rig will encounter. It's most formidable attribute is it's ability to rebound up to 4" after an impact. It also harbors the ability to be re-bent back into shape after a significant impact, while still on the vehicle out in the field, in order to get back home. Most original equipment bolts back up to the standard sizes tube, such as steering stabilizer brackets, steering ram assists, etc.

SUMMARY
+ Stronger than OEM, flexible and resilient allowing field repairs
-  Light weight (same as oem), compact and most OEM brackets fit right back on.


RACE PROOF™ TIE ROD TUBING: The next step up from the Trail Proof™ option is the Race Proof™ level of strength. Being about triple the strength, this tubing does not allow nearly the flex that the Trail Proof™ offers. However, it makes up for it sheer strength and heft. Weighing in at over double of the Trail tubing, the 1/4" larger diameter Race Proof™ tie rod may cause clearance problems with the differential cover and other front end components. The tube is only 1/8" further out on each side of the tube, but measruing for this increase is a necessary precaution to insure optimal fit. Special care must be excersized when applying the Race Proof™ option while using a Tie Rod Over Knuckle kit.

SUMMARY
+ Stronger than the Trail Proof™ version
-  Two Times heavier in weight than oem
-  Transfers increased stress on other front end components during heavy impacts
-  Larger diameter tube may interfere with front end components
-  OEM brackets may not fit over larger tube diameter
-  Larger tube may cause clearance problems with Tie Rod Over Knuckle systems


ROCK PROOF™ TIE ROD TUBING: Finally the big daddy of them all, is the Monster tube. Rating nearly six times the strength of the TrailProof™ version, this option is for those that commonly have to literally "drag" their tie rod across adverse trail obstacles and rocks during the course of their vehicles operation. This tube is not as desirable for high speed impacts, where the kunckles and rod ends would be considered the weak link, thus absorbing virtually the entire impact being transferred directly from the tie rod itself. Coming in at over triple the weight of the Trail tubing, the 3/8" larger diameter Rock Proof™ tie rod may cause clearance problems. This tube is only 3/16" further out on each side of the tube, but measruing for this increase is a necessary precaution to insure adequate clearances between the tube and differential cover, shock mounts, and other front end components. Special care mucst be excersized when applying the Rock Proof™ option while using a Tie Rod Over Knuckle kit™.

SUMMARY
+ Stronger than the Trail Proof™ and the Race Proof™ options
-  Three times Heavier in weight than oem
-  Transfers increased stress on other front end components during heavy, high speed impacts
-  Larger diameter tube may interfere with other front end components
-  OEM brackets may not fit over larger tube diameter
-  Larger tube may cause clearance problems with Tie Rod Over Knuckle systems