Tie Rod

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Originally Posted by Desert Dan

Are the later model OEM tie rods larger diameter and stronger? (Yes, 16mm versus 14mm. Different part numbers so chances are you cannot update to the larger if the vehicle has the smaller rods. If they allowed the 16mm to replace a 14mm, they would have purged the 14mm out of service parts. However, another reason to not purge the parts could be that you would have to replace both inner and outer with the 16mm. So, I don't know, and don't believe 2mm will make that much of a difference.)
Have more people broken the earlier tie rods? (Right now I would say YES, but only due to the fact the earlier tie rods are on all 2006, and 2007 models up to VIN 108975. After 108976, the vehicles had the larger 16mm installed. Since these are not normally replaced under warranty for breakage, I have no figures on how many have been replaced.)
Maybe we can upgrade to the later tie rods?

Could a simple clamp-on reinforcment sleeve be fabricated?
That way you wouldn't need to un-bolt anything or re-align the front end



What does the Alpha sterring system look like? Would that system work on the older H3s

Basically, the same. No specs yet, but since tire rods usually break due to stress from hits directly on them, or hits into the side of a wheel, or pressure from running on the side of the wheel, I would guess they will be the same size. I can say, the steering system looks identical, but I didn't measure anything.