Front Range 4x4 Upcoming Trail Runs - Add a New Trail Run

Results 1 to 7 of 7

Thread: Need to bend some steering linkage

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Member
    #1195
    Last Online
    February 24th, 2019
    Location
    Erie CO & Butte MT
    4x4
    Jeep Comanche
    Posts
    1,795
    User Name
    dscowell
    Real Name
    Dante
    Thanks Given
    215
    Thanked 212 Times in 180 Posts

    Default Need to bend some steering linkage



    I just installed CavFabs 1 ton crossover steering on my truck. They had two steering set ups the standard which was all straight linkage and the high clearance set which had a couple bends to clear a larger diff cover and sway bar brackets. I just got the standard kit since I don't run sway bars and my diff cover is a low profile one but my tie rod is still hitting the diff cover and track bar bolt. I was wondering if anyone had a tube bender I could use to make just two ~10 degree bends on both sides of the tie rod so I could clear my axle and get my wheels to full lock.

    I could run it over the knuckle but I just installed a new track bar as well so I don't want to be buying another new one.

    http://cavfab.com/CavFab-Jeep-CrossO...JMJ_p_105.html

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2013
    Member
    #1249
    Last Online
    August 28th, 2022
    Location
    Broomfield, CO
    4x4
    97 Dodge CTD, 85 4R, 89 YJ, 04 Kawasaki Mule
    Posts
    2,956
    User Name
    Brucker
    Real Name
    Aaron Brucker
    Thanks Given
    326
    Thanked 442 Times in 342 Posts

    Default Re: Need to bend some steering linkage



    Good luck finding a bender with the capacity to bend 1.5" solid rod. I was going to offer up my services and equipment to help you out, but even my custom hydraulic tubing bender can't bend 1.5" solid without chancing breaking a die. And I can't afford to be down.

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Member
    #1195
    Last Online
    February 24th, 2019
    Location
    Erie CO & Butte MT
    4x4
    Jeep Comanche
    Posts
    1,795
    User Name
    dscowell
    Real Name
    Dante
    Thanks Given
    215
    Thanked 212 Times in 180 Posts

    Default Re: Need to bend some steering linkage



    That's kinda what I was worried about. I've also thought about getting offset heims but I can't find any in a 5/8 bore.

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Sep 2011
    Member
    #921
    Last Online
    53 Minutes Ago
    Location
    Fort Collins
    4x4
    1990 Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    Posts
    10,057
    User Name
    Jim
    Real Name
    Jim Williamson
    Thanks Given
    2,462
    Thanked 3,008 Times in 2,005 Posts

    Default Re: Need to bend some steering linkage



    Is it heat treated? Would heating the bend points be an option?

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Apr 2017
    Member
    #1973
    Last Online
    3 Weeks Ago
    Location
    Allenspark / Peak-to-Peak Highway
    4x4
    2021 Jeep Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon
    Posts
    2,294
    User Name
    RockyMtRebel
    Real Name
    Matt
    Thanks Given
    401
    Thanked 925 Times in 550 Posts

    Default Re: Need to bend some steering linkage



    Why not return it for the high clearance rod? Can’t be that much of a price difference
    ___________
    2005 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon TJ
    2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Xtreme Recon edition
    2023 Ford F150 Raptor


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Member
    #1195
    Last Online
    February 24th, 2019
    Location
    Erie CO & Butte MT
    4x4
    Jeep Comanche
    Posts
    1,795
    User Name
    dscowell
    Real Name
    Dante
    Thanks Given
    215
    Thanked 212 Times in 180 Posts

    Default Re: Need to bend some steering linkage



    Jim previously posted:
    "Is it heat treated? Would heating the bend points be an option?"

    I don't think it's heat treated but since it's so thick the amount of heat necessary for it to bend it might just be worth it to get another kit or do something else

    RockyMtRebel previously posted:
    "Why not return it for the high clearance rod? Can’t be that much of a price difference"

    Trying to get a hold of them to see if they have any solution before I try and do a return but they aren't very good about replying to emails or picking up the phone. I have a feeling if they don't allow me to return it I'll just get told to make it OTK.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jun 2017
    Member
    #2004
    Last Online
    December 5th, 2018
    Location
    Colorado Springs, CO
    Age
    45
    4x4
    2005 Toyota 4Runner
    Posts
    53
    User Name
    Terrafied
    Real Name
    Michael
    Thanks Given
    14
    Thanked 11 Times in 11 Posts

    Default Re: Need to bend some steering linkage



    You could bend it with an oxy-acetylene torch or oxy-propane. If you have a torch and a bender it should be quite easy to bend it, even if you don't heat it up to the full forging temperature of 2200 degrees, it will still be much more plastic at around 1700 degrees. Just heat it slowly and preheat a larger area than the area you intend to bend. The key is to not shock the material and to slowly bring it to temperature and slowly cool it down. I bend carbon steel all the time and even things thicker than 1 1/2" solid aren't that difficult to bend or twist when properly heated. Exchanging the kit would probably be easier but in a pinch make it fit with fire.

Similar Threads

  1. Bend Tech Software
    By dscowell in forum Chat
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: March 26th, 2018, 02:54 PM
  2. Use a bender to bend some tube
    By ccbruin in forum Tech Help Wanted
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: May 4th, 2013, 07:06 AM
  3. JK Transfer case linkage
    By ColoJeeper in forum Tech Help Wanted
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: July 20th, 2012, 07:49 PM
  4. Replies: 7
    Last Post: June 12th, 2012, 09:46 PM
  5. Anyone have a brake need to bend a dash
    By frisco31 in forum General Topics
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: August 8th, 2011, 11:53 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
BACK TO TOP