Tie Rod Upgrade - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Valkyrie14 · 10-03-2020, 06:41 PM

I was underneath changing the oil today and I checked the tie rods. I looked at a diagram and I believe it is aka control arm. Anyway it is the front drivers side one.

When I replace something I typically upgrade it. I am not seeing an upgrade on the tie rod/control arm. Anyone know of one? Also, if I’m in there and going to need an alignment anyway anything I should consider upgrading on the front suspension?

KillboyPowerhead · 10-03-2020, 08:47 PM

The 1LE, ZL1 and Z28 use a different toe arm than the V6 and SS, with spherical bushings instead of rubber (less movement/deflection).

Not much to do up front other than the radius rod bushing insert; the V6 to ZL1 use the same insert while the Z28 uses a bigger, stiffer insert (nylon instead of rubber). I went with JPSS's Delrin insert which is even bigger and stiffer than the Z28's. JPSS is sadly not around anymore and I'm not sure if any other company makes these inserts. Some companies like BMR make a full bushing replacement. A stiffer radius rod bushing will experience less movement/deflection when braking hard (less dynamic toe change).

Is this strictly a street car? What would you like your Camaro to do better? There are lots of suspension upgrades available - the ones you should consider depend on if you want to perform better on the street and have more fun, or if you want to be able to run circles around super cars

Edit: just realized you're asking about the front tie rod and not the rear toe rod/toe link. Derp. I'll keep what I wrote anyway. And no, don't believe there is any difference in tie rods between the different models/packages or any aftermarket parts.

Valkyrie14 · 10-03-2020, 09:17 PM

This is my daily driver. I do hit backroads like they were a road course. So the improvement I would want is more control at high speed. But also not completely stiff on regular driving.

I may sneak in some suspension on the rear while I am replacing tie rods. I think it is just outer, but I may replace the inners because I will be in there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillboyPowerhead

The 1LE, ZL1 and Z28 use a different toe arm than the V6 and SS, with spherical bushings instead of rubber (less movement/deflection).

Not much to do up front other than the radius rod bushing insert; the V6 to ZL1 use the same insert while the Z28 uses a bigger, stiffer insert (nylon instead of rubber). I went with JPSS's Delrin insert which is even bigger and stiffer than the Z28's. JPSS is sadly not around anymore and I'm not sure if any other company makes these inserts. Some companies like BMR make a full bushing replacement. A stiffer radius rod bushing will experience less movement/deflection when braking hard (less dynamic toe change).

Is this strictly a street car? What would you like your Camaro to do better? There are lots of suspension upgrades available - the ones you should consider depend on if you want to perform better on the street and have more fun, or if you want to be able to run circles around super cars

Edit: just realized you're asking about the front tie rod and not the rear toe rod/toe link. Derp. I'll keep what I wrote anyway. And no, don't believe there is any difference in tie rods between the different models/packages or any aftermarket parts.

KillboyPowerhead · 10-03-2020, 10:45 PM

Any other suspension mods done? Solid rear cradle bushings make a big difference and don't add much if any NVH (noise, vibration, harshness); these will keep the rear planted much better when corner and accelerating hard:

How many miles on your shocks/struts? If/when you need to replace them maybe consider the 1LE shocks/struts and rear shock mounts (these use the same springs as the SS).

Valkyrie14 · 10-04-2020, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KillboyPowerhead

Any other suspension mods done? Solid rear cradle bushings make a big difference and don't add much if any NVH (noise, vibration, harshness); these will keep the rear planted much better when corner and accelerating hard:

How many miles on your shocks/struts? If/when you need to replace them maybe consider the 1LE shocks/struts and rear shock mounts (these use the same springs as the SS).

No other suspension upgrades. 78,000 on original shocks. I want to upgrade them for sure, but don’t want to lower. I see some packages at Chevy performance and BMR. Do any of those include rear cradle bushings that you know of?

Valkyrie14 · 10-04-2020, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Valkyrie14

No other suspension upgrades. 78,000 on original shocks. I want to upgrade them for sure, but don’t want to lower. I see some packages at Chevy performance and BMR. Do any of those include rear cradle bushings that you know of?

Damn just watched the clip, the difference is dramatic. Stock seems like all hell is breaking loose, the pfadt are just smooth and not bouncing all over.

Black_SS10 · 10-04-2020, 06:44 PM

Upgraded tie rods? Those attach to the knuckle and the rack and pinion for steering. I know someone sells a bumpsteer kit for camaro. But it really isn't needed. The tie rods really don't need "upgrading", just replacing when worn.

As for front radius/brake arm inserts. Prothane makes some. The front end is pretty solid from factory.

Valkyrie14 · 10-04-2020, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Black_SS10

Upgraded tie rods? Those attach to the knuckle and the rack and pinion for steering. I know someone sells a bumpsteer kit for camaro. But it really isn't needed. The tie rods really don't need "upgrading", just replacing when worn.

As for front radius/brake arm inserts. Prothane makes some. The front end is pretty solid from factory.

Thanks, I’ve been looking around. Probably just going to replace it. Looking at the rear end for a full upgrade.

TheFlyingBananaSS · 10-04-2020, 09:09 PM

I have Detroit Speed solid bushings being put in mine along with a couple BMR goodies, and a ZL1 sway bar.

hammdo · 10-04-2020, 10:14 PM

I’ve done just about all kinds of suspension upgrades there are — including 6th gen radius arms with BMR sphericals.

I did toe rod kits for bump steer etc. I have a lot of detail in my build — it’s a long one - but 5 years of all kinds of work — including a ZLE CF wing, meth, e85, LSA SC, 416 Forged, 6L80 rebuild for road course, etc...

-Don

Valkyrie14 · 10-04-2020, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheFlyingBananaSS

I have Detroit Speed solid bushings being put in mine along with a couple BMR goodies, and a ZL1 sway bar.

Awesome.
Let me know what you think and the difference in the ride.

10-03-2020, 06:41 PM	#1
Valkyrie14 Valkyrie14 Drives: Chevrolet Camaro SS Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Eau Claire, Wisconsin Posts: 962	Tie Rod Upgrade I was underneath changing the oil today and I checked the tie rods. I looked at a diagram and I believe it is aka control arm. Anyway it is the front drivers side one. When I replace something I typically upgrade it. I am not seeing an upgrade on the tie rod/control arm. Anyone know of one? Also, if I’m in there and going to need an alignment anyway anything I should consider upgrading on the front suspension? __________________ 2014 SS LS3/LSA Supercharger, 10% Super Damper, 2.55 upper, AGP Dual Pump, ID 1050 injectors, Pegasus solid rear cradle bushings, LT Headers, Roto-Fab CAI, Elite E2 catch can, E85 corn fed, 160 Thermostat, Monster Twin Disk, MGW Short Throw shifter, Tick Clutch Master Cylinder, HP Tuners, JL Audio system.

10-03-2020, 08:47 PM	#2
KillboyPowerhead Drives: 2015 Z/22 Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 985	The 1LE, ZL1 and Z28 use a different toe arm than the V6 and SS, with spherical bushings instead of rubber (less movement/deflection). Not much to do up front other than the radius rod bushing insert; the V6 to ZL1 use the same insert while the Z28 uses a bigger, stiffer insert (nylon instead of rubber). I went with JPSS's Delrin insert which is even bigger and stiffer than the Z28's. JPSS is sadly not around anymore and I'm not sure if any other company makes these inserts. Some companies like BMR make a full bushing replacement. A stiffer radius rod bushing will experience less movement/deflection when braking hard (less dynamic toe change). Is this strictly a street car? What would you like your Camaro to do better? There are lots of suspension upgrades available - the ones you should consider depend on if you want to perform better on the street and have more fun, or if you want to be able to run circles around super cars Edit: just realized you're asking about the front tie rod and not the rear toe rod/toe link. Derp. I'll keep what I wrote anyway. And no, don't believe there is any difference in tie rods between the different models/packages or any aftermarket parts. __________________ Overkill/Self Tuned; Mace Camshafts; K&N Typhoon Cold Air Intake; Ported 80mm Throttle Body/Intake Manifolds/Manifold Spacer; Solo Performance High-Flow Cats, Cat-back Exhaust; Vitesse Motorsports Throttle Controller; Elite Engineering E2 Catch Can; BC Racing BR Coilovers; JPSS Delrin Radius Rod Bushing Inserts, Sway Bars; Pegasus Aluminum Rear Cradle Bushings, Camber/Caster Plates; Z/28 Toe Links, Trailing Arms, Upper Control Arm Bushings, Rear Shock Mounts

10-04-2020, 06:44 PM	#7
Black_SS10 SomeguyK Drives: 2010 Black 2SS/RS Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: FL Posts: 1,947	Upgraded tie rods? Those attach to the knuckle and the rack and pinion for steering. I know someone sells a bumpsteer kit for camaro. But it really isn't needed. The tie rods really don't need "upgrading", just replacing when worn. As for front radius/brake arm inserts. Prothane makes some. The front end is pretty solid from factory. __________________ TMS 427, Dart iron Block, Forged assembly, Frankenstien heads, AGP TT 62/62 BB turbo's, AGP/Fore triple fuel system, Tilton clutch, Holley 1 7/8 shorties, Technostalgia tail lights,Oracle, Aeroforce, MGW shifter,Flowmaster, Pegasus subframe bushings,BMR trailing & toe arms,Z28 UCA bushings,Zl1 rear sway bar,Prothane,BMR,Goodridge brake lines,Ridetech HQ coilovers,3.91,Trutrac,billet caps,DSS axles,HE offest,built TR6060,1LE diffuser,Havoc spoiler,SSclones,20in MRR 017, Pirelli P Zero, Nitto NT555RII More to come.

10-04-2020, 09:09 PM	#9
TheFlyingBananaSS Evil Genius of Chevrolet Drives: 2017 Z06, 2019 XTS, 2013 SS Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: New York Posts: 3,262	I have Detroit Speed solid bushings being put in mine along with a couple BMR goodies, and a ZL1 sway bar. __________________ GPI SS2 VVT cam, ECS Novi 1500 supercharger, Corsa Extreme, Detroit Speed and BMR suspension, Circle D triple disc, Melling oil pump, LS2 chain tensioner, ATI 10% UD, DSX E85 kit, High Energy coils, BTR springs, LS2 Lifter trays, Titanium retainers, hardened push rods, FIC 1000 injectors, ZL1 pump, Mighty Mouse catch can, AEM gauges, Tial BOV, Richmond 3.91 gears, Custom gauge bezels, Speed Engineering headers, Stainless Works HF cats, DSX Aux pump, 710rwhp on E85.

10-04-2020, 10:14 PM	#10
hammdo 'It's an experiment' Drives: [COTW 2/09/15] '11 GPI LSA SC Z/LE Join Date: May 2014 Location: Dallas TX Posts: 8,709 View My Garage	I’ve done just about all kinds of suspension upgrades there are — including 6th gen radius arms with BMR sphericals. I did toe rod kits for bump steer etc. I have a lot of detail in my build — it’s a long one - but 5 years of all kinds of work — including a ZLE CF wing, meth, e85, LSA SC, 416 Forged, 6L80 rebuild for road course, etc... -Don __________________ 747 RWHP 794 RWTQ "Horsepower sells cars, torque wins races." - Enzo Ferrari See My Build: http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=385577