FABTECH Tierods DO bend

[KenP]

Just got back from getting an alignment and the Fabtech tierod on the PS is slightly bent. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

CP did it. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

It looks as though nothing else is messed. Whew...

So, since they were able to align it spot-on, should I replace it?

[HummerNewbie]

Damn, the tierod did bend. Didn't look like it was the tierod that was bent. Good thing it was a Fabtech, would have really hated to have a stock one break right there if front of all those guys. Glad everything else was OK.

[DRTYFN]

Originally posted by KenP:
Just got back from getting an alignment and the Fabtech tierod on the PS is slightly bent. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

CP did it. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif

It looks as though nothing else is messed. Whew...

So, since they were able to align it spot-on, should I replace it?

Leave it to Bompy Dompy to bend a HD tie rod.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[alldunn]

Originally posted by KenP:

CP did it. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif


Women http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[HummerNewbie]

I just looked and don't think we even have any pics of the spot it happened.

[KenP]

There will be no video, but I will tell you the tire was flapping around like a doll in a shark's mouth. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif Besides, we wouldn't want all the publicity that comes with being a superstar, Alec. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

So should we replace it? From a metalurgical standpoint, metal generally gets stronger when it's bent, right? But would it snap easier?

[KenP]

Originally posted by HummerNewbie:
Damn, the tierod did bend. Didn't look like it was the tierod that was bent. Good thing it was a Fabtech, would have really hated to have a stock one break right there if front of all those guys. Glad everything else was OK. You can't tell unless you turn the rod, then the rod moves in an eliptical arc.

[CO Hummer]

Big Bent Nasty. Sorry to hear it Ken. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[NJ H2]

Originally posted by HummerNewbie:
Good thing it was a Fabtech, would have really hated to have a stock one break right there if front of all those guys. Glad everything else was OK.

x 2
Bummer it happened but Better Bent than Broke!

[ratesguy]

What kind of compensating did the alignment guys have to do to make it align with one side bent? I would replace it as I think you will have wear issues because of the compensating, but I really dont know what I am talking about, I think? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[ShaggyX]

Originally posted by ratesguy:
What kind of compensating did the alignment guys have to do to make it align with one side bent? I would replace it as I think you will have wear issues because of the compensating, but I really dont know what I am talking about, I think? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Who would know more about compensating then an H2 owner? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[KenP]

The front PS tire got wedged against a 3' ledge at left full lock while the rear tires were bound against a rock. Any movement put force against the rod.

The ball joint isn't bent, if that's what you men, Phil. When turning the tierod, you can see it move up and down in an elliptical motion.

I'm thinking I should just replace it.

Know anywhere I can get one? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[2-H2's]

KenP,

When I dropped my SUT off Monday for the face lift. That was one question the shop owner had for me. We discussed FabTech's beefier (if it's a word?) parts & the only weak link was the 7/16" threaded end where the tie rods connect. He said that this would still create a problem & would not make the truck indestructable since something always has to give.

The only solution was to change front ends or modify the OEM parts...I'm not to keen on changing the front end of a truck with 3K miles on it, so I may try to modify in some fashion. The only remedy I can come up with is manufacture parts & cut out the weak items. Since I have these capabilities at hand I will probablly opt for this route. I'll keep you up dated over the next few weeks.

My suggestion is replace the bent tie rod or threaded piece...which ever it is. Just my POV... Good luck with it!

LC

[PARAGON]

Yeah, I would think it's the joint and not the "rod" part itself. It's hard to imagine something even like the centerlink not going before bending those rods.

I wasn't up there when it happened but from where it happened it would seem that the PS front tire plowed a little into a rock while trying to move forward. I would think that joint is slightly fubared because it was even suspect when we were looking at it as it appeared to be at more of an angle than the DS.

[KenP]

Alec, yes. Fabtech warranty says I'm screwed:
The Limited Lifetime Warranty excludes the following Fabtech items; bushings, bump stops, ball joints, tie rod ends, limiting straps, cross shafts, heim joints. These parts are subject to wear and are not considered defective when worn. They are warranted for 60 days from the date of purchase for defects in workmanship. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

But I'm still going to call them. The worst that can happen is I get told "No".

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by 2-H2's:
KenP,

When I dropped my SUT off Monday for the face lift. That was one question the shop owner had for me. We discussed FabTech's beefier (if it's a word?) parts & the only weak link was the 7/16" threaded end where the tie rods connect. He said that this would still create a problem & would not make the truck indestructable since something always has to give.

The only solution was to change front ends or modify the OEM parts...I'm not to keen on changing the front end of a truck with 3K miles on it, so I may try to modify in some fashion. The only remedy I can come up with is manufacture parts & cut out the weak items. Since I have these capabilities at hand I will probablly opt for this route. I'll keep you up dated over the next few weeks.

My suggestion is replace the bent tie rod or threaded piece...which ever it is. Just my POV... Good luck with it!

LC The OUTER tie rod is what is the problem on our trucks. The stock one is about 1/4" in dia. and will bend if blown on hard enough. The Fabtech tie rod ends replace this with hardened steel that seems to be at least 1 inch in diameter.

As far as the threaded piece you are referring to, you would have to manufacture a complete centerlink to replace something that, to this point, is not known to be prone to failure. The threads just simply hold it butt up against the center link and that pressure is exerted laterally through that butt.

[CslRkH2]

I didn't take you for an optimist http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by Alec W:
This is a good news story really. Fabtec held up enough to get home and nothing up stream broke. very agreed

[2-H2's]

Para,

Exactly what I was talking about...the guy at the four wheel drive shop was concerned with the 7/16" fitting the FabTech tie rod screws into. He thinks this will become a problem after he installs my lift kit. He had 3-4 GMC trucks in replacing this exact item when I was there.

I'm thinking of cutting the 7/16" threaded piece off an manufacture a large piece I can drill & tap 5/8" or better...weld up or better yet sleeve the FabTech tie rod ends or manufacture new ones from B-7 or something with a little more strength. I haven't decided anything final yet. But if KenP finds that this was his problem it will confirm what my shop dude was concerned with. Fabing up a centerlink shouldn't be a problem, it would be cheaper than replacing the whole front end.

I'm just looking for a cure...then something else will become the weak link / problem.

Like I said before, just my POV...and IF KenP finds out that this is the culprit, I'll be modifying to remedy this from occuring to my rig.

LC

[Dug]

DOes anyone have a pic of a fabtech tie rod?
Ken, I would straighten it and reinforce it . I'd like to see one , to see where the weakest point is. Thanks , Doug

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by Dug:
DOes anyone have a pic of a fabtech tie rod?
Ken, I would straighten it and reinforce it . I'd like to see one , to see where the weakest point is. Thanks , Doug
http://www.trailduty.com/products/fabtech/index.html

[h2co-pilot]

Gawd! It wasn't that bad. I'm a good girl, promise.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

It was totally my fault though. It was on 5 the nightmare day and I was talking to these guys on the side of the trail as we started moving again saying bye- thanks etc.. I did not look for my line going up a ledge with these huge bolders on either side.

Anyway, it was at a turn and I should have straightened out. I couldn't see the clearance for the one on the left and I was right against it. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif Kept trying to turn and gassing forward. Then Kenny got in and tried.

If it were a stock one it would have snapped like a twig.

I think we should keep the slightly bent one as a spare and just get a new one.

[2-H2's]

PhilD,

One could manufacture a nut approx. 3-4 inches long, that would function as the original nut. Then at the same time it could be counter bored to fit over the casted part about 2-3 inches. That would strengthen it big time...I'm not sure about the inner one, haven't really looked at it.

Worst part of it is; for everything you strengthen something else is gonna give out...

LC

[HummerNewbie]

CP, you are a good girl and we all appreciated your showing us we should go wide to the left before coming to the ledge http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[2-H2's]

I guess I'll get my turn when the SUT gets out of the shop next week.

Until then...I can't seem to fit this damn Bridgeport CNC mill in the trunk with the lid shut... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif any suggestions. I always like being prepared http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[2-H2's]

Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by 2-H2's:
One could manufacture a nut approx. 3-4 inches long, that would function as the original nut. Then at the same time it could be counter bored to fit over the casted part about 2-3 inches. That would strengthen it big time...I'm not sure about the inner one, haven't really looked at it.


Besides, after yours is lifted you'll find plenty of things to reinforce http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif<span class="ev_code_RED">Like what now? http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif</span>

Some good underbody protection is a good idea. <span class="ev_code_RED">Hint...Hint...Now what do I need to buy??? Looks like this will be a fab-it-ur-self project? Since even the GREAT TDuty dude is having difficulties hunting this down...Any luck yet?</span>

The Fabtech diff skid plate can be bent easily and as it's attached to the diff, so you don't want to be hitting anything with it anyway. The front lower control arm brackets are prime to get bent up. <span class="ev_code_RED">Can these be beefed up via more fabing, plate & welding?</span> The sway bar could do with being 2" wider. <span class="ev_code_RED">Can do in the sheen shop...</span>

There will be plenty of things that will get broken to spend your time on http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif<span class="ev_code_RED">Like I need something else to work on now!!!</span> </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Thanks again for all of your help...

"The Shop" is doing all of the work now. They are also affiliated with "Critter Getters". You should see their 130K rig they just built for a dude in Corpus...I'll get photos when I return home. Bad A$$ swap buggy that can draft 6' of water!!!

LC

[Screeper]

I think it just goes to show that whether your in a rock buggy, M1 Abrams, or Hummer things will break off road. I too like the fact that it could limp home. And keeping the slightly bent one for a spare is probably a good idea. Good info... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Alan06SUT]

Originally posted by KenP:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by HummerNewbie:
Damn, the tierod did bend. Didn't look like it was the tierod that was bent. Good thing it was a Fabtech, would have really hated to have a stock one break right there if front of all those guys. Glad everything else was OK. You can't tell unless you turn the rod, then the rod moves in an eliptical arc. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Well, I guess we were wrong about the center link! The old saying about finding its the thing you would least expect rigs true again. Is fabtech going to replace it under warranty?

I got an estimate from Dent wizzard on my door only $229.00. I'l be repairing the trail damage as well ken!

[tomp]

Ken, yes it would be worth a try by calling them. They may not consider the bent tie rod as normal "wear". Never hurts to call in a case like this.

If I were them and knew the exposure of this on the site, it would be good business to just replace it for ya'.

Good luck and let us know.



Originally posted by KenP:
Alec, yes.<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content"> Fabtech warranty says I'm screwed:
The Limited Lifetime Warranty excludes the following Fabtech items; bushings, bump stops, ball joints, tie rod ends, limiting straps, cross shafts, heim joints. These parts are subject to wear and are not considered defective when worn. They are warranted for 60 days from the date of purchase for defects in workmanship. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif

But I'm still going to call them. The worst that can happen is I get told "No". </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[Boss Hoss]

Originally posted by Alec W:
Ken, can I be first to offer 1/2 the cost of the new set for the spare?

I'll buy dinner http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Alec what do you need a spare for? I hear you wheel like a granny http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Ken and CP--sucks to get confirmation...good luck getting it figured out. I wouldnt have thought you bent the tie rod as they look undestructable but at the same time you are running big meats and 4lo was sending loads of torque.


I finaly took my skins off and no body damage but it is making a funny noise when i crank it up and turn full lock--looks like mine may be going to the shop as well. Doesnt hurt my feelings...its under warranty http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[KenP]

Originally posted by PARAGON:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Alec W:
This is a good news story really. Fabtec held up enough to get home and nothing up stream broke. very agreed </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Please note, I'm NOT complaining aobut the outcome. We're pleased things worked out the way they did. To bust something else out there would have been terrible.

That day of wheeling was the worst ever. The 1.4 mi trail that took 5 hours was a nightmare. The idea of having to pull tools at that point nearly made me barf.

[KenP]

Originally posted by Dug:
DOes anyone have a pic of a fabtech tie rod?
Ken, I would straighten it and reinforce it . I'd like to see one , to see where the weakest point is. Thanks , Doug After checking things out and further consultation, the rod is bent at the joint.

I don't know how you could reinforce it, as there is movement in that area.

[KenP]

Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dug:
Ken, I would straighten it and reinforce it . Strightening may not be that easy, and there isn't really a practical way to reinforce it. Besides which, it is plenty strong enough already. After extering enough pressure to bend it, I'd be more concerned about the inner joint on it anyway.


I'd like to see one , to see where the weakest point is. Thanks , Doug The weakest part is the inner joint, this can become worn with repeated abuse amd the inner tods will need replacing. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Thanks Phil, that's what bent.

The thing is, I don't know exactly when it bent. Was it when the binding occured, or when the flapping tire occured? We can guess, but really not know.

Again, we're happy with the results. We were able to get off the trail for one. And as a bonus, we drove 9+ hours home.

All-in-all it was ok.

[KenP]

Originally posted by PhilD:
I don't think you'll find the 7/16" threaded part failed on Ken's, there is nowhere for it to bend, so failure would be total, it would just snap off. To do that I think you'd have to be giving it some real abuse. Correct. You got it right on page one. The joint is where it bent.

Thank goodness it just bent.

[KenP]

Originally posted by HummerNewbie:
CP, you are a good girl and we all appreciated your showing us we should go wide to the left before coming to the ledge http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif I think the spotter was trying to get that point across, but someone was busy being polite. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

(Is that enough smilies?)

[KenP]

Originally posted by Screeper:
I think it just goes to show that whether your in a rock buggy, M1 Abrams, or Hummer things will break off road. I too like the fact that it could limp home. And keeping the slightly bent one for a spare is probably a good idea. Good info... http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif Limp? Hell no. After the first two hours and no noticable tirewear, we were ripping along at 70+ when we could.

[KenP]

Originally posted by tomp:
Ken, yes it would be worth a try by calling them. They may not consider the bent tie rod as normal "wear". Never hurts to call in a case like this.

If I were them and knew the exposure of this on the site, it would be good business to just replace it for ya'. I won't be upset if they don't replace it because of the warranty deal. I understand that.

However, lots of folks visit this site and I do get the chance to post once in a while. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[h2co-pilot]

Originally posted by KenP:
However, lots of folks visit this site and I do get the chance to post once in a while. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

Stop it..... ~

[Ipedog]

Looks like I'm coming in on the tail end of this. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

I'm impressed CP! After having wheeled with Big Nasty I didn't think it could be broken. Good Work! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[h2co-pilot]

Originally posted by Ipedog:

I'm impressed CP! After having wheeled with Big Nasty I didn't think it could be broken. Good Work! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

I can break anything.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[HummerNewbie]

Originally posted by h2co-pilot:
I can break anything.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Just ask the guys at the cellular store http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Ipedog]

Originally posted by HummerNewbie:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by h2co-pilot:
I can break anything.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Just ask the guys at the cellular store http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

ROFLMAO!!! http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[CO Hummer]

Originally posted by KenP:
That day of wheeling was the worst ever. The 1.4 mi trail that took 5 hours was a nightmare. The idea of having to pull tools at that point nearly made me barf.

With 5 hours of spare time, at least pulling out the tools would have given you something to do.

[CO Hummer]

Originally posted by PhilD:
Big heavy tires may cause some wear, but h2co-pilot is what will blow the joint.

fixed

[h2co-pilot]

Originally posted by CO Hummer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
That day of wheeling was the worst ever. The 1.4 mi trail that took 5 hours was a nightmare. The idea of having to pull tools at that point nearly made me barf.

With 5 hours of spare time, at least pulling out the tools would have given you something to do. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You should have seen Shep's face when he thought it was snapped. He got all sweaty and pissed. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif He looked just like this http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif but sweaty. I was scared.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[Boss Hoss]

Originally posted by h2co-pilot:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by CO Hummer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by KenP:
That day of wheeling was the worst ever. The 1.4 mi trail that took 5 hours was a nightmare. The idea of having to pull tools at that point nearly made me barf.

With 5 hours of spare time, at least pulling out the tools would have given you something to do. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

You should have seen Shep's face when he thought it was snapped. He got all sweaty and pissed. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif He looked just like this http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_mad.gif but sweaty. I was scared.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gifhttp://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I couldve sworn i saw smoke blowing out his ears(not that i can blame him). http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif

[2-H2's]

PhilD,

Sign me up for one of them...Please!!! DO NOW !!! I'll be home Friday & square everything up with you on this.

LC

[CO Hummer]

Originally posted by h2co-pilot:
You should have seen Shep's face when he thought it was snapped. He got all sweaty and pissed. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif He looked just like this:
http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/ga/ul/5021083261/inlineimg/Y/shep.jpg

He doesn't look that mad to me. ??

[h2co-pilot]

Originally posted by CO Hummer:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by h2co-pilot:
You should have seen Shep's face when he thought it was snapped. He got all sweaty and pissed. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif He looked just like this:
http://elcova.com/groupee/forums/a/ga/ul/5021083261/inlineimg/Y/shep.jpg

He doesn't look that mad to me. ?? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

[CO Hummer]

CP,
That is my all-time fav jpg.

http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

[h2co-pilot]

Me too.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Ken hearts the heavy duty tie-rods.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Ipedog]

ROFL!!! http://www.websmileys.com/sm/crazy/071.gif

[PARAGON]

Originally posted by Alec W:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by h2co-pilot:
Me too.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif

Ken hearts the heavy duty tie-rods.http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
LMFAO http://www.websmileys.com/sm/crazy/071.gif </div></BLOCKQUOTE>x gazamabillion

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[KenP]

Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
FTS97000BK is the discountinued Fabtech heavy duty diff skid plate. It is 1/4" and covers the whole area without bolting to the diff. Weighs 58 lbs. Not sure you'll find one though, but I'll take some pics of mine so you can see how it works.
I have tracked some of these down and can get them for anyone interested. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Crap, are you kidding? PM is on it's way

[KenP]

BTW, that pic is pretty damn funnay.

[KenP]

I spoke with Fabtech today and the way they want to handle it is me Buy a new tierod, return this one and they'll make a determination as to warranty coverage.

That's about what I expected so I'm not b-e-n-t out of shape. Afterall, I doubt it's defective, but worth a look.

FWIW, not one person I spoke to there could believe their rod bent. Apparently it just doesn't happen.

Off to call Phil. http://www.elcova.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[KenP]

Parts are on their way. Thanks Phil!