Tie Rods - 380 and 450

[Hisham Amaral]

(06-21-2013 15:56)davidmbrady Wrote:  Thanks Ross,

I'm all in favor of doing whatever we can to keep these magnificent birds (M380's and M450's) on the road as safely as possible.

Please folks let's document what we can in regard to these tie-rod ends. We want owners to be aware of what tie-rod end they're running, the visual differences between the 'new' and 'old', and the part numbers. This is especially important if you're counting on a 16000 lb steer axle rating.

Aim your phone camera's in the vicinity of the tie rod and snap a photo. If you turn the steering wheel full lock I'm certain we can build a collection of worthy photos. For those who are especially enterprising a diameter measurement of the rod using a digital caliper would be great. I'll do what I can to tabulate and file here on WaGu whatever data we collect. Thanks!

David and all of M450 LXI owners. The IFS on the 450 was modified to 17K, however they did not do anything to improve the durability of the tie rods by adding zerk fittings. I added the zerk fittings to add grease at every service interval. I believe these tie rods will out last all of us on this forum, if the rods get serviced annually. I have seen the components of the tie rods and personally believe that a mechanist can make these sub parts. We cannot dispair for not having Meritor make these parts. Any Engineer can draw up a print and have the parts made at a any good shop.
By the way, Ryan Sarri is making boots for the tie rods in Clearwater Florida.