When it comes to vehicle handling and steering response, few components are more critical than tie rods. Whether you're daily driving, drifting, or racing, high-quality tie rods ensure precise steering input, safe alignment, and predictable suspension geometry.
If you're upgrading or replacing your tie rods, it's essential to understand what they do, how they affect performance, and why SLR offers some of the strongest, most versatile tie rods on the market. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about tie rods, including what makes a great one, how to size them correctly, and how SLR’s tie rods are designed to outperform stock and other aftermarket options.
🛒 Looking to buy? Browse our full lineup of SLR Tie Rods here.
What Are Tie Rods and What Do They Do?
Tie rods are a fundamental part of your vehicle’s steering system. They connect the steering rack to the steering knuckle, translating your steering wheel input into movement of the front wheels.
Without proper tie rods, your car can’t steer accurately. Worn-out or weak tie rods can cause:
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Excessive play in the steering wheel
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Unstable handling under braking or acceleration
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Dangerous toe changes during cornering or drifting
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Uneven tire wear and poor alignment
That’s why upgrading your tie rods is one of the smartest modifications you can make — especially if you're drifting, racing, or running high grip tires.
Types of Tie Rods
There are two primary components to most performance tie rod setups:
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Inner Tie Rods – These connect to the steering rack and typically include ball joints. In drifting and racing applications, HD inner tie rods (like those offered by SLR) are built to handle extreme lateral loads and aggressive steering angles.
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Outer Tie Rod Ends / Tie Rod Tubes – These connect the inner tie rods to the knuckles. Aftermarket options often allow for adjustable length, increased strength, and elimination of weak factory taper joints.
SLR manufactures both HD inner tie rods and a wide range of adjustable tie rod tubes, available in multiple lengths to suit different cars, control arm lengths, and angle kit setups.
👉 Explore the full line of SLR tie rods now.
Why SLR Tie Rods Are the Gold Standard
At SLR, we understand that not all tie rods are created equal. Our tie rods are engineered for drifting, circuit racing, and extreme street performance, offering unmatched strength, modularity, and reliability.
✅ Available in Multiple Lengths
SLR offers tie rod tubes in the following lengths:
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89mm (3.5 inch)
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140mm (5.5 inch)
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159mm (6.25 inch)
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180mm (7 inch)
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205mm (8 inch)
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230mm (9 inch)
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255mm (10 inch)
These varying lengths allow you to dial in exact toe settings, bump steer correction, and steering geometry depending on your vehicle and control arm configuration.
✅ HD Inner Tie Rods
Designed for motorsport abuse, our heavy-duty inner tie rods withstand the high stress loads of drifting, tandem proximity contact, and hard cornering.
✅ Fits Nearly Every Car
SLR tie rods are available for a massive range of platforms:
BMW, Nissan, Honda, Porsche, Mustang, Chevrolet, Smart cars, and more. Whether you’re building an E36 drift car, a 350Z, a C6 Corvette, or a Porsche 944, we likely have a tie rod solution ready to bolt on.
✅ Color Options
Choose from grey or SLR signature purple anodizing to match your build’s aesthetic.
When to Upgrade Your Tie Rods
You should consider upgrading your tie rods if:
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You're installing aftermarket control arms or angle kits
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You need more thread engagement or length adjustment
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You're experiencing toe change during suspension movement
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Your car’s steering feels vague, loose, or inconsistent
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You're building a track or drift car that needs serious steering strength
Don’t let a $30 stock tie rod be the weak link in your build. A failure here can mean losing steering mid-corner, damaging your suspension, or worse.
How Tie Rods Affect Alignment and Handling
Your toe alignment is directly controlled by the length of your tie rods. Even a few millimeters of difference can completely change how your car behaves:
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Toe-in can stabilize the car at high speeds
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Toe-out can increase steering response and rotation in corners
That’s why adjustable tie rods are so important—they give you full control over this critical suspension setting. When combined with adjustable camber plates, control arms, and caster settings, tie rods become a vital tuning tool.
Conclusion – The Best Tie Rods for Drifting, Racing & Performance Driving
Your steering system deserves the same attention to detail as your engine, brakes, and suspension. Whether you're drifting an E36, tracking a 350Z, or dialing in a Porsche time attack build, SLR tie rods offer the precision, strength, and customization you need to perform at your best.
✅ Modular lengths for every chassis
✅ HD inner tie rods for racing and drifting
✅ Available for a wide range of cars
✅ Designed and built by SLR in the USA
🛒 Ready to upgrade your steering game? Browse our full collection of SLR Tie Rods here.
