Truck Forums - Silverado Steering Weak Link

Quote:

Originally Posted by NullHead (Post 78038)

Usually I try to get the best OEM style parts. Moog, napa chassis parts etc.

I never really realized that the 4x4 towing on these style trucks is what really torques on those tie rods ... I was thinking about 2wd applications. I guess that's just bad suspension geometry, cause I really don't think that the tie rods should be taking that much stress when the truck is in 4x4 under massive load. Interesting though, these things look pretty heavy duty, that's for sure!

It's not the torque on the tie rods that causes them to break.(tie rods don't experience torque)
And it's not the geometry in the suspension that causes them to break.

Because the pivot point is located just inside of the wheel (left and right pivot) When the wheel is given power to roll forward... it's natural tendency is to turn inwards towards it's pivot point. Toe In
In the video you will notice both the steers want to turn inwards (Toe In)
This is because the tie rods are so thin and light, under great load stress they begin to flex and eventually snap.
These OEM tie rods could possibly break in two wheel drive if they took a significant enough hit like driving into a curb