ADVICE PLEASE!

[H2 BULLY]

I have an 06 SUT. We are planning on going to Moab in Aug, and I have read the threads about the tie rods breaking. So I bought some Fabtech HD tie rods from Trailduty, and went to have the dealer put them on. They told me that if the new tie rods were to cause something else to break because they were stronger and something else might give, that it would not be covered under the warranty. So now I don't know what to do. Should I just bring them along as spares just in case or not worry about other things breaking if I put them on.

[ree]

Originally Posted by H2 BULLY

So now I don't know what to do. Should I just bring them along as spares just in case or not worry about other things breaking if I put them on.

If you plan to be out with this group, hold onto them as spares and only ask Adam to put them on if you have a problem. Otherwise, there's an old post around here that explans how to install them yourself. Get the tools and carry the TR and tools and wait till you break something first.

[KenP]

You don't have a lift so you should be fine. Not one person with the FT rods has bent anything else out there because of the rods.

That's not to say you won't, but as long as you don't force the steering when it's bound up, you'll be fine.

[Adam in CO]

True enough. No lift, HD tie-rods, no problems.

[Adam in CO]

BTW, while I appreciate the kudos as local "tie-rod" expert. I am not going to wheel in the oven which is Moab in August.

[Racer-X]

If the dealer won't install them - bring your truck to me and I'll do it. I'll get it close but you will need an alignment when I'm done.

[yoke]

Originally Posted by H2 BULLY

I have an 06 SUT. We are planning on going to Moab in Aug, and I have read the threads about the tie rods breaking. So I bought some Fabtech HD tie rods from Trailduty, and went to have the dealer put them on. They told me that if the new tie rods were to cause something else to break because they were stronger and something else might give, that it would not be covered under the warranty. So now I don't know what to do. Should I just bring them along as spares just in case or not worry about other things breaking if I put them on.

i had mine installed by Linville Brothers on El Camino, a few blocks toward the freeway from the dealership. Rick at Sac Hummer recommended them. they also did the Fabtech recall work, haven't had any issues with install or alignment. good work, good people to deal with.

[HummBebe]

Just have them do it.

Like Phil said, they would have to prove that it was the tie rods that caused this failure.

I think Rick err's on the side of caution, but they do good work.

I don't know anything about fab tech tie rods, other than every H2 owner I know who has them, loves them.

[H2 BULLY]

Thanks all for the help, ok ok I will get it done. If some thing breaks I'll just blame all of you and send you the bill. He he

[drmiles]

Phil is dead on. Weak link to break equals ride home on the wrecker. Pitman, Idler arm and center links are not significantly more to replace than the tie rod. Power steering pumps might be a different question. My vote is to upgrade and replace worn and weak components with stronger ones, AVOID THE WRECKER RIDE HOME AT ALL COST..

Originally Posted by PhilD

I'll throw my 2c in on this.

There have been several people claim that the weak stock rods are some sort of "pressure valve:, and designed to break, so as to prevent any more costly damage. I simply do not believe this to be the case. First, the tie rods came out the GM parts bin and are what they had available. Second, why would anyone design something that can be broken so easily into the steering system of a vehicle. Finally, the stock tie rods are substantially weaker than the rest of the steering system.

You are simply reducing the risk of breaking a tie rod by using a stronger component. All other things remaining equal, you are not any more likely to break something else, just because of the HD tie rods.

Lifted H2's can bend the center link as the tie rod angles change, when the center link rotates, the angles become very odd and it is very easy to push the center link up, causing it to bend. This seems more common on the passenger side. This can be resolved witha solid center link with no curved section at the ends.

Any tire/alignment store can fit HD tie rods and I know many Hummer dealers have done it also. It is not a difficult job, but you will need an alignment afterwards.

If you don't want to risk the warranty issues with your dealer, and they have to prove the tie rods caused the damage, then send the TR's back for a full refund.