In the world of high-performance suspension and steering, tie rod tubes are often overlooked in favor of more glamorous parts like angle kits or coilovers. But for those who demand true steering accuracy, durability, and adjustability—especially in competitive drifting, time attack, or aggressive street driving—tie rod tubes are mission-critical.
What Are Tie Rod Tubes?
Tie rod tubes are the solid or tubular links that connect the inner and outer tie rod ends in a steering assembly. Their role is simple but critical: transmitting steering force from the rack or box to the wheel with minimal flex, maximum accuracy, and consistent alignment under load.
Why Material and Wall Thickness Matter
SLR’s tie rod tubes are made from high-grade chromoly steel, designed to outperform factory aluminum or mild steel options. Wall thickness plays a crucial role in preventing bending or deformation during high-G transitions, especially on drift entries or curb strikes.
- Chromoly: Lightweight and strong; ideal for motorsports.
- DOM Tubing: Cheaper but heavier; good for budget builds.
- Aluminum: Not recommended for serious drifting due to bending risks.
SLR Tie Rod Tubes: Built for Drift and Track Abuse
SLR’s tie rod tubes aren’t just strong—they’re intelligently designed with adjustability, reliability, and serviceability in mind. With left/right hand thread ends, they allow for precise toe adjustments without removing any hardware. Heim joints (also known as rod ends) provide smooth articulation and minimal play.
Why Factory Tie Rods Don’t Cut It
Factory tie rods are made with cost and comfort in mind—not performance. OEM units tend to use soft rubber bushings, have limited range of articulation, and often lack any kind of strength reinforcement for motorsports use. Worse yet, many bend or snap under load when combined with wide angle steering setups.
Drift and Circuit Alignment Demands
In drifting or track use, tie rod tubes must survive extreme toe-in/out transitions, bump steer forces, and hard landings. SLR tie rods come tested in Formula Drift, Drift Masters, and countless grassroots events.
Typical Drift Alignment (Front):
- Toe: 1/8–1/4” out
- Camber: -3.5° to -6°
- Caster: 7°–8°
This alignment demands robust tie rods that hold steady under lateral loads, and SLR's are up to the challenge.
Tips for Setting Up Tie Rod Tubes
- Always use anti-seize on rod end threads to prevent galling.
- Tighten jam nuts securely, then recheck after your first few events.
- Mark adjustment points with paint or scribe for fast trackside alignment.
- Pair with SLR’s angle kits or control arms for a complete system.
Why SLR Tie Rod Tubes Are Trusted by Pros
Whether you're running BMW E36/E46 setups, Corvette kits, or custom applications, SLR's tie rod tubes are made for you. They're used by Chelsea DeNofa, grassroots pros, and street slayers alike.
Conclusion: Small Part, Big Impact
If your steering isn’t as sharp as it should be, or if you’ve bent a rod under pressure—upgrade your tie rod tubes. This small component might be the biggest upgrade you make this season.
Don’t compromise. Choose SLR tie rods—engineered for performance, built to last.
