The conversation and argument of whether tie rods are an issue for Broncos is not exactly a huge problem for Bronco drivers but due to recurring incidents, some may see it as a looming problem. According to some research, there have been different cases and examples of tie rod failure when the vehicles are taken on some difficult off-road challenges or trails.
These problems do not only occur during off-roading adventures but also rock-stomping adventures. If you go through a couple of YouTube videos and Ford forums, you will see a couple of videos and stories of Bronco tie rods becoming busted up. A recent case, in February, entailed a driver getting a 2-inch lift from a dealer to fit 35s on his Bronco Black Diamond.
The essence of this purchase was so that he could enjoy some light off-roading adventures since he stayed in a place with no significant rock crawling that was needed to get through trails. But after watching a couple of videos that stated that doing what he did creates a great risk when off-roading, it led to the question of if tie rods are really that much of a huge risk for Broncos.
What drivers tend to overlook is that if you do not upgrade and improve the surrounding vehicle underpinnings when you add aftermarket performance parts, there will be a risk of failure at the weak points that have not been changed. Most Bronco owners upgrade to larger tires and heavier wheels without toughening the stock steering system thereby making the tie rods the weak unchanged point.
Are Bronco Tie Rods A Recurring Problem?
To answer the question of whether Bronco tie rods are a recurring problem or just a couple of accidental events, we will need to examine a couple of things. As a car owner, it is always important to know the kind of vehicle you own and what it is capable of doing. In other words, you should always trim your vehicle as at when due and know the limits of every hardware you buy.
This way, you would know how far you can stretch your Bronco and how much stress it can take. For example, everyone knows that a base model Bronco is capable of off-roading adventures but not everyone may know that you should not take it on tough trails and off-road courses as there a limit to what it can handle especially since it does not even have a sasquatch upgrade.
If you ever decide that you want to go past Ford’s 35 inches maximum tire length or get other aftermarket parts like heavier wheels for off-roading adventures, it is always advisable to upgrade the tie rods. That way, they will not become a problem or create risks when off-roading.
To answer the question of whether Bronco tie rods are a recurring problem, there are no Bronco recalls, consumer complaints and investigations of tie rod failures on the NHTSA service bulletins and recalls. This means that Bronco tie rods failures are a few isolated incidents most probably as a result of inadequate information.
Fabtech Kit Said To Fix Bronco Tie Rod Issues
If you are one of the unlucky drivers that have to deal with failed Bronco tie rods, research shows that the Fabtech Kit can fix a Bronco tie rod issue. According to Fabtech, the weakest part of the original Bronco tie rods is the threaded middle section and they are at a greater risk of failing easily. Fabtech designed heavy-duty replacements for Bronco tie rods that provide more strength for large tires, heavier wheels and crazy off-road adventures.
This kit, once fixed, replaces the Bronco tie rods from the inner joint to the steering rack and finally, the steering knuckle. It comes with two rubber dust boots (nitrile) which helps to protect the steering rack and adjusting sleeves that have wrench flats (billet aluminium) for easy adjustments, amongst other features.
Ford’s Response To The Tie Rods Issues
Ford has created a couple of different trim packages for those who want something better than the 35 inches Ford max tire or want heavier wheels to enjoy more rugged off-roading adventures. There is the Bronco Raptor which is the best option for anyone who wants a properly credentialed Bronco. You get tie rods (HOSS 3.0), KO2 BF Goodrich tires (37×12.50 R17) and a Raptor race-ready suspension system (HOSS 4.0).
One factor to consider if you want to purchase the Bronco Raptor is its starting price of about $70,095, including destination. Another option is the Bronco Wildtrak upgraded HOSS 3.0 suspension which has inner and outer tie rods (severe-duty) and is a $2,515 addition to the Wildtrak. According to Ford, it serves as a great improvement for the durability of steering system under high loads.
Ford also has a solution for Bronco owners – there are many individual Bronco components developed by Ford Performance Parts including severe-duty tie rod ends and steering rack. But these parts will not be available until September or above so there is no information as regards pricing.
Comparing Jeep Tie Rods to Bronco Tie Rods
Jeep tie rods weigh about 17.5 pounds and measure up to a 40.mm diameter. Unlike the Broncos which use an independent front suspension, the Jeep tie rods use a front solid-axle setup. These stock tie rods are suitable for all the Jeep Wrangler variations including 392 and Rubicon.
Ford says that the Bronco will not consider a solid-axle set up for any of the trims as the independent front suspension gives the best combination for comfort, capable off and on-road driving and higher speed control.
Conclusion
With all that is written above, we can say that tie rods are not that big of an issue for Broncos providing you are aware of what needs to be done if you want a better option than Ford’s factory parts. It is also not a looming problem even though there have been a few isolated incidents.
