When it comes to steering precision and alignment control, few components are as critical as the inner and outer tie rods. Whether you're building a competitive drift car, dialing in toe settings for road racing, or simply restoring tight steering feel to a daily driver, understanding how tie rods work — and why they're worth upgrading — is essential for both performance and safety.
At SLR, we provide a wide range of inner and outer tie rods, toe adjustment tools, and accessories that allow you to build a suspension system with race-proven strength and adjustability, no matter what platform you drive.
What Do Inner and Outer Tie Rods Actually Do?
Your steering system works through a network of connected components. At the core of that system are tie rods, which act as the critical connection between the steering rack and the front wheels.
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The inner tie rod connects directly to the steering rack.
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The outer tie rod connects the inner tie rod to the spindle or knuckle.
When you turn the wheel, the inner and outer tie rods transfer that movement to the wheels, allowing precise control of steering angle and front toe alignment.
In performance applications like drifting and road racing, tie rods are under extreme stress, especially during transitions and heavy steering corrections. Stock tie rods often can’t handle this abuse — which is why upgraded components are a must.
Why Performance Tie Rods Matter
Factory tie rods are built for comfort, not competition. In aggressive use, they can bend, flex, or wear prematurely, which compromises steering feel, toe alignment, and ultimately, driver control.
Upgraded inner and outer tie rods from SLR are engineered for:
✔ Strength – CNC-machined from high-grade materials for race-ready durability.
✔ Precision – Machined threads and spherical rod ends for exact toe and Ackermann tuning.
✔ Compatibility – Available in multiple lengths and configurations to fit everything from BMW E36 and E46, to Porsche, Corvette, Nissan, Honda, and more.
✔ Serviceability – Replaceable components so you're never stuck sourcing full assemblies.
How Toe Affects Drivability — And How You Can Measure It
Toe alignment is the direction your front wheels point relative to each other. Even a few millimeters of incorrect toe can lead to:
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Uneven tire wear
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Wandering or darting steering feel
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Poor turn-in and mid-corner grip
That’s why SLR’s toe plates — also found in our inner and outer tie rod collection — are one of the most valuable tools for trackside or garage alignment.
With SLR toe plates, you can quickly and accurately measure and adjust toe without needing an alignment rack — perfect for track days, drift events, or tuning setups between heats.
Tie Rod Tubes, HD Inner Rods, and Custom Options
At SLR, we don’t just offer basic tie rods — we offer an entire ecosystem of components designed to work together.
🔥 Tie Rod Tubes – Available in multiple lengths (from 89mm up to 255mm) to match your suspension geometry perfectly, especially when using angle kits or wider control arms.
🔥 HD Inner Tie Rods – Our heavy-duty inners are designed to withstand the rigors of drift steering loads and are available for nearly every popular chassis.
🔥 Color Options – Choose between grey and purple anodized finishes to match your build’s aesthetic.
These aren't one-size-fits-all solutions — they're precision parts engineered to keep your alignment locked in and your steering direct at any speed.
Applications for Every Platform
We offer inner and outer tie rods for a wide range of performance vehicles, including:
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BMW E30, E36, E46, E90
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Nissan 240SX S13/S14/S15, 350Z, 370Z
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Corvette C5/C6
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Porsche 911 and Cayman platforms
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Honda, Mazda, Subaru, Ford, Toyota, and more
If you’re running custom suspension, an angle kit, or just need bulletproof replacements for high-demand driving, SLR’s tie rods and toe tools are the go-to solution for serious builds.
Final Thoughts – Dial in Your Steering with SLR
Whether you're building a grassroots drift car, competing in time attack, or fine-tuning your street setup, having the right inner and outer tie rods is foundational to performance and safety.
Add to that the ability to check toe with our track-proven toe plates, and you've got the tools needed to take control of your alignment, improve feedback, and protect your investment in tires and suspension.
🔧 Browse the full inner and outer tie rod collection here to find the parts that will take your build to the next level.
