Way to tell if your 911 has already been upgraded with turbo tie rods?

[sadcaper]

Getting some front suspension work done (control arm bushings replaced) and thought maybe I'd upgrade to turbo tie rods at the same time since that seems to be a valued upgraded.

However, my 911 is heavily modified and has seen the track quite a bit. I wonder if the turbo tie rods have already been installed!? Is there an easy way to tell just by looking? I suppose I could order them and return if necessary once the shop takes a look, but would rather not even bother if there's any easy way to tell.

Thanks!

[Cory M]

You can tell visually. The standard tie rod is on top, turbo is below.

[sadcaper]

Ah cool thanks for the pic. That helps. Here is mine. Looks like I have the regular ones. Time for an upgrade I guess!

[speedster911]

Make sure you get the German ones not the ones made in China.

[sadcaper]

Originally Posted by speedster911

Make sure you get the German ones not the ones made in China.

Yep will do. Will just get the kit here from Pelican with the German OEM supplier product.

[Cory M]

The rubber accordion boots are different too, so pick them up as well if not included in kit. My picture above doesn't show the big metal washers/spacers that need to be used on the threaded end, they should come with the tie rods.

[cabmandone]

Is there something wrong with the originals? If you're thinking you'll notice some great improvement once you install the TT's I think you're going to be disappointed.

[sadcaper]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Is there something wrong with the originals? If you're thinking you'll notice some great improvement once you install the TT's I think you're going to be disappointed.

Not necessarily. My control arm bushings are squeaking so going to replace those and figured I'd do the turbo tie rods at the same time. Seems like an upgrade that most people recommend, no?

The car handles great, however there is some float at higher speeds which I thought this might help. Perhaps it's not needed, but just one of those "while you're in there" things.

Thanks.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Is there something wrong with the originals? If you're thinking you'll notice some great improvement once you install the TT's I think you're going to be disappointed.

Most folks think they are a "great improvement" only because they replaced worn out standard tie rods with them. If the current tie rods are in good shape, there will be no notable improvement.

[ADDvanced]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

Most folks think they are a "great improvement" only because they replaced worn out standard tie rods with them. If the current tie rods are in good shape, there will be no notable improvement.

Thanks. Never really understood why they were an upgrade. Steering rack spacers definitely made a difference after lowering hte car a bit tho.

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

Most folks think they are a "great improvement" only because they replaced worn out standard tie rods with them. If the current tie rods are in good shape, there will be no notable improvement.

That's what I found when I replaced mine. I'd probably still have the originals if the TT's hadn't come with the parts car I had.

[sadcaper]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

Most folks think they are a "great improvement" only because they replaced worn out standard tie rods with them. If the current tie rods are in good shape, there will be no notable improvement.

How does one determine if tie rods are worn out? Any visual way to tell or is it solely based on how the car drives?

[cabmandone]

Originally Posted by sadcaper

Not necessarily. My control arm bushings are squeaking so going to replace those and figured I'd do the turbo tie rods at the same time. Seems like an upgrade that most people recommend, no?

The car handles great, however there is some float at higher speeds which I thought this might help. Perhaps it's not needed, but just one of those "while you're in there" things.

Thanks.

Not sure what you mean by float?
As Jeff pointed out and I agreed with, it's really only an upgrade if your originals are worn. I noticed no difference in handling when I went from my originals to the TT's. Like I said above, the only reason I did the swap was because the TT's cost me nothing.

[Jeff Higgins]

Originally Posted by sadcaper

How does one determine if tie rods are worn out? Any visual way to tell or is it solely based on how the car drives?

Jack it up, crawl under, and wiggle them. If they are shot, there will be noticeable play in the ball joint end (out at the strut) and in the little u-joint on the inboard end. It's pretty easy to tell.

[sadcaper]

Originally Posted by cabmando

Not sure what you mean by float?...

Just that the car doesn't feel super planted at higher speeds sometimes. Like it's in a groove almost? Not that extreme and not all the time, but just sometimes it makes me pucker. :-) Perphaps that's just the joy of an old 911.

[sadcaper]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

Jack it up, crawl under, and wiggle them. If they are shot, there will be noticeable play in the ball joint end (out at the strut) and in the little u-joint on the inboard end. It's pretty easy to tell.

Thanks will check it out.

[Cory M]

The turbo rod replaces the rubber bushing with a steel ball and socket, so there will be less deflection. Whether or not that can be felt will depend on the driver and the condition of the rest of the suspension. Usually several parts are upgraded/replaced at the same time so it's not easy to isolate the improvements/changes.

[ADDvanced]

I call bull****. There is no way normal tie rods have a rubber socket for a metal ball. Every tie rod I've ever played with on any car has generally been the same; a metal spherical end in a metal socket.

[Flojo]

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

Most folks think they are a "great improvement" only because they replaced worn out standard tie rods with them. If the current tie rods are in good shape, there will be no notable improvement.

the "improvement" is actually the way the joint (towards the steering column) is designed, its a ball socket joint and doesn't get stressed/warped like the regular one in its cross joint.
this is a must if you run big/wider tires at front than these 165/175 asphalt cutters.
everyone running 205s or wider should use turbo tie rods!

[Cory M]

Originally Posted by ADDvanced

I call bull****. There is no way normal tie rods have a rubber socket for a metal ball. Every tie rod I've ever played with on any car has generally been the same; a metal spherical end in a metal socket.

There are two ends on a tie rod...