1/2" rod ends for steering?

I am planning to use spherical rod ends for my steering linkage instead of the usual automotive style tie rod ends. Based on the load ratings on good quality rod ends, it seems that I could safely use half inch rod ends. However from what I've seen it looks like most people are using 5/8". Is this overkill? Anyone have experience with 1/2" rod ends. Only problem I can forsee with 1/2" would be if the tie rod tube is too small and could buckle.

Thanks

Joe

 

1/2" spherical rod ends should be ok.....Use a heavy wall DOM tube
Pat

 

Man on steering and suspension over kill everything. 5/8" for mine.

 

i don't like heim ends for any steering on street cars....that's just my opinion

 

I'd go with 3/4 my dirt track car has 16 of them on it. I have been in some nasty wrecks and never have broken one. I've bent them but not broken them. However I do use 1/2 gr 8 bolts on all of them. Any dirt track supplier has 3/4 to 1/2 reducer bushings they are only like a buck. Another guy in my class is running 1/2 inchers and he has been towed off the track several times due to breaking them, usually caused by contact but I know of one time that the threaded shank broke on it's own. Now I'm sure you won't be putting your car to this type of punishment so take it for what it's worth.
If you need any parts like bushings, heims, or threaded tubes check out Day Motorsports

 

Do you know if he was running aluminum or steel ? Heavy duty or standard duty? I've been looking at heavy duty steel ones with teflon liners.

Thanks

 

I run 3/4-inch Aurora 4340 chrome moly rod ends on my off road stuff with 5/8-inch high misalignment spacers where needed. It's overkill for a light street rod. On the other hand 1/2-inchers wouldn't leave me feeling warm and fuzzy at 65mph. 5/8-inch 4340 seems like a good compromise. Just remember to double sheer the mounts to keep the balls from loosening in the races and to prevent the mounting holes from wallowing.

 

When you go to buy the rod ends don't go for the $10 ones, buy the $35 aircraft rated, extra heavy duty ones. An look for the good ones with the teflon bearing as they will last longer and don't rattle as soon. And I agree that they need to be in double sheer for mounting. I get all of my stuff from the Chassi Shop, 800-530-9494. They have all of the RH and LH tube adaptors, rod ends, and also good source for 4130 tubing and lots of other stuff for racing and rods.
Rex

 

Thanks all,

I've decided to go with the heavy duty Teflon lined 5/8 rod ends on everything. A good source for rod ends of all varieties and related parts is http://www.midwestcontrol.com/