How often do tie rod ends break?

[Wulfthang]

I'm deciding whether to upgrade my tie rod ends to something heavier, maybe Fords. Yeah, I know I'll have to ream the holes but that's no problem. I will be adding the gussets to the wheel arms and the Pitman arm regardless of which way I go.

Is it worth upgrading the tie rod ends to heavy duty?

I don't beat on my car and don't do any big jumps. Upgrade or just carry extra's?

[Mal evolent]

it depends on the brand of beer when you say "hold my beer and watch this!"

Guiness, Negra Modelo, maybe. Coors Light - not a problem.

I bent a tie rod once, never broke an end. when I drank I was a "If you can see light through the glass don't call it beer" guy.
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73 Beetle Baja, Ghia front brakes, Type 3 rear brakes, 2220 ( 94 X 80 ), Weber Progressive, Bosch SVDA, '97 Mustang seats

Baja Bugs for Volkswagen Virgins: Index

[jsturtlebuggy]

Every change you make to add strength to steering parts it will find the next weakest part.
If you are still using a stock steering box, they are not the strongest part.
The 1960 and earlier is a much stronger box and can be made stronger for off road use.
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Joseph
Fair Oaks/Orangevale, CA
Elrod Motorsports
Motion Tire Motorsports
Having fun with Dune Buggies since 1970
Into Volkswagens since 1960

[Vanapplebomb]

My $0.02. If something is going to go, I would prefer it to be a tie rod end. They are cheap to replace, and I can drive home with one wheel steering.

If a steering box goes, your screwed.
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1800 Type 4 Berrien 295

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=487021

[Wulfthang]