Hi guys. I am getting close to the point in my build where i need to decide to use stock ball joint ends or use heim joints. I have seen people use both in there custom applications. I like the look of heims better because they look "more custom" but wasn't sure if there is any pros or cons to either? For some reason i thought heims can make noise but wasn't sure if i just made that up in my head or if i read that some where. Thanks ahead of time!
Hi guys. I am getting close to the point in my build where i need to decide to use stock ball joint ends or use heim joints. I have seen people use both in there custom applications. I like the look of heims better because they look "more custom" but wasn't sure if there is any pros or cons to either? For some reason i thought heims can make noise but wasn't sure if i just made that up in my head or if i read that some where. Thanks ahead of time!
Josh
We tend to use rod ends (heim joints) when manipulating steering components to reduce bump steer and so forth.
If you want a geometry change you'd use rod ends. If you are staying stock, a regular ball joint style end would be a-ok.
If you choose good quality 3 piece Teflon lined rod ends those are quiet for a long time. I usually pay somewhere in the $35-40 range each for 5/8. I'd also go for high misalignment rod ends or the spacer sleeves that allow extra movement.
If you choose good quality 3 piece Teflon lined rod ends those are quiet for a long time. I usually pay somewhere in the $35-40 range each for 5/8. I'd also go for high misalignment rod ends or the spacer sleeves that allow extra movement.
A traditional tie rod end will live longer on the street. We only recommend rod ends when you are using them as a component of a adjustable assembly for tuning bump-steer. If the suspension is properly engineered they're not necessary for an all-around driver.
It's just going to come down to how much you're gonna drive the car and in what kind of conditions. A Teflon lined rod end is a good idea for durability's sake.
Keep in mind that if you put a bump-steer adjuster on the end you actually have to adjust it. I have had customers put them on and then call me asking why the front end was all over the place. Once we figured out they hadn't set it up at all they had it tuned at a reputable race shop and it worked amazing.
Gravel + lots of dust + dust cycled through miles of driving = trashed heims. There's also the high NVH factor, as mentioned above. This gets way worse when you have a cage tied to the body, worse yet when parts of your suspension are attached to the aforementioned cage . . .
The previous iteration of my Falcon was almost all heims, and it made me nearly homicidal while driving. This time, it's going heim-less.
Brian Hobaugh SCCA National Tour June 2014
First Hemi 'Cuda Convertible Ever Built
Short clips: Goodguys Pleasanton autocross and pit videos
ball joint or heim joints for tie rod ends?
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