Tie Rod - Factory Bend or Straight?

[AppleTech]

Just replaced my TREs on my 80 and noticed my tie rod has a slight crook in it. Is this for differential clearance or is it supposed to be straight? Better to know now so I can easily remove the TREs without a pickle fork.

Thanks in advance!

-Phil

 

[Tools R Us]

At one time,,, it was straight!

 

[NLXTACY]

Straight but you let your freak flag fly. This is a new world. You be you. No judgements here.

 

[Chicken Hawk]

Freak flag? No judgements eh?

Straight but you let your freak flag fly. This is a new world. You be you. No judgements here.

 

[AppleTech]

OK so should I go with an upgraded one or stock. This is a trail rig only. I feel like if I upgrade the relay rod I should upgrade the tie rod too other wise there will be a weak link? And I should clarify this is the relay rod, not the tie rod, I had the two mixed up. I think they are both supposed to be straight though....

 

[NLXTACY]

I replaced both with BudBuilt and kept the ends OEM.

80 Series Land Cruiser - 1991-1997

 

[Mandrake]

Straight but you let your freak flag fly. This is a new world. You be you. No judgements here.

So when's Wit's End going to start selling freak flags?

*edit: You could make stickers up: "My tie rod might be bent, but my axles are straight!"

 

[NLXTACY]

So when's Wit's End going to start selling freak flags?

I do need to get on that

 

[inkpot]

OK so should I go with an upgraded one or stock. This is a trail rig only. I feel like if I upgrade the relay rod I should upgrade the tie rod too other wise there will be a weak link? And I should clarify this is the relay rod, not the tie rod, I had the two mixed up. I think they are both supposed to be straight though....

There will always be a "weakest link". Where do you want it to be? Knuckle studs, TREs, steering arms????