Whether you're building a drift car, tracking a time attack build, or simply upgrading your street machine, tie rods are a crucial part of your steering system that most people overlook—until something goes wrong. At SLRspeed, we specialize in ultra-strong inner tie rods and outer tie rods that are built for punishment and engineered for precision.

Tie Rods: The Backbone of Your Steering Control

At the most basic level, tie rods connect your steering rack to your front wheels. When you turn the steering wheel, the rack moves side to side, and your tie rods translate that motion to each wheel, allowing your car to steer. Simple, right?

But there's more to it than that.

A failing tie rod can cause:

Steering play
Uneven tire wear
Poor alignment
Dangerous handling

So if you're wondering what do tie rods do—they literally keep you in control of your car.

Inner Tie Rod vs Outer Tie Rod – What’s the Difference?

There are two types of tie rods:

Inner tie rods: connect to the steering rack
Outer tie rods: connect the inner tie rods to the wheel hub and spindle

The inner tie rod is subject to a ton of stress, especially in motorsports or modified suspensions. That's why many stock-style inner tie rods fail prematurely when used in aggressive setups.

That’s where SLRspeed’s heavy-duty inner tie rods come in.

Why SLRspeed Inner Tie Rods are Built Different

When you shop the SLRspeed tie rod collection, you're getting the strongest inner tie rods on the market—designed specifically for drift, race, and high-performance street applications.

✅ Massive strength: Thick-wall construction and upgraded joints
✅ Precision fitment: CNC-machined to exact spec for zero slop
✅ Universal applications: We carry inner tie rods for BMW, Nissan, Corvette, Porsche, and more
✅ Customization available: Don’t see your car? We can likely make a set for you—at no extra charge.

Whether you're swapping angle kits or chasing podiums, having beefy inner tie rods means your steering won't be the weak link.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Inner Tie Rods

Don’t wait until you crash into a wall to upgrade your steering. Look out for these symptoms:

Clunking when turning
Uneven steering effort left vs. right
Loose or "dead" zone in steering wheel
Poor toe alignment that won’t stay set
Excessive tire wear on the inner or outer edges

Still unsure? Grab a set of toe plates and check your alignment trackside. (Check out our premium SLRspeed Toe Plates too.)

Tie Rod Upgrades for Drift, Track, and Street

If you're upgrading your angle kit, LCAs, or running wider tires, your OEM tie rods are likely too weak—or simply too short. We've designed our tie rods to handle wild geometry changes and increased forces from:

High-angle drift setups
Wide-body and track-width conversions
Stiff bushings or spherical bearing suspensions

Our inner tie rods are used by pro drifters like Andy Hateley and Adam LZ, and trusted by weekend warriors across the globe.

Application-Specific Inner Tie Rods Available Now

Explore the best inner tie rods for platforms like:

BMW E30, E36, E46 inner tie rods
350Z / 370Z inner tie rods
C5 / C6 Corvette tie rods
Mercedes R230, W210
Toyota JZX, Lexus IS/GS
And many more…

We manufacture our tie rods in the USA from high-grade steel and test them with real-world abuse. When you see SLRspeed on your inner tie rods, you know you're getting gear that holds up under pressure.

How to Choose the Right Inner Tie Rods

When choosing tie rods, consider:

Thread pitch and length – Must match your rack and outers
Material and construction – Thicker is better for strength
Steering geometry – Does your setup require extended tie rods or adjustable ends?
Application use – Street-only, track days, or full-blown drift builds

If you're not sure, shoot us a message—we'll get you sorted.

Explore the Strongest Tie Rods on the Market

Upgrade your entire setup with a full steering solution from SLRspeed:

👉 View All Inner and Outer Tie Rods
👉 Pair with our Premium Toe Plates for Perfect Alignment
👉 Add a High-Angle Kit to Get the Most from Your Steering Mods

Bottom Line: Don’t let weak inner tie rods ruin your build. SLRspeed’s tie rods are the go-to for racers, drifters, and performance enthusiasts who want zero play, maximum strength, and perfect steering response.

Have questions or need help choosing the right set? Contact us or message us on Instagram @SLRspeed.