Hello all,

I am about to replace my factory LR steering bars with the Terrafirma HD TF255 steering bars and new tie rod ends. The rear drag link has been bent by a rock hit earlier this year so I cannot use it as an accurate measurement end-to-end. If some one could give me an accurate measure for the front and rear on-center of the tie rod bolts that will get me started with a good toe in.

I have been unable to find that measurement anywhere in the RAV

After speaking with the guys from British 4x4 Centre in Texas they said to start by measuring 1/4" to 1/2" wider in the front than the back on a consistent tire lug. Does this sound like a good way to go?

 

I'll be working on my truck tomorrow and I'll get you that measurement to get you started, though I'd say it will be relatively close as is. I did 1/4" toe out I believe, so 1/8" wider in the front than the rear. That seemed to work best. I will double check that measurement for you because I did some rather extensive testing on what worked best for me.

 

Thanks Alex it rained on me tonight so I will hold off till tomorrow night

 

It's come time for me to update my steering linkage and having trouble deciding what to buy. NAPA has OE Lemforder* tie rod assembly for $160. But I also need the drag-link ends higher up so I started looking into the HD kits that include upgraded bars and all new joints as a kit with everything needed. Finally I was browsing EBay where I found that I could buy a set of 4 new ball joints for a good price, as there is nothing wrong with my bars. I would like some suggestions and personal preferences to assist in making a final decision on the quick.

 

If you have stock bars, those wont work. Only one ball joint on each bar is replaceable.

 

Yep the tie rod end on the passenger side drag link is fixed/pressed in the steering bar.

 

37-1/8" for the front bar, 50.5" for the rear bar. My front is 1/4" wider than the rear.

 

That's center to center, by the way.

 

Thanks Alex for the measurements! I will get working on that probably tomorrow night.

Found my other problem with the brakes from my other post...i researched on other LR forums. A bad master cylinder back flow valve with a 0.2mm hole. As brakes heat up they need to release fluid back to the reservoir. A few pieces of debris or crystallized brake fluid clog that hole then after 10mins of driving all 4 brakes lockup like a nuns legs in a ***** house. Seems to happen on the highway only at first but then happened on city streets tonight. I ordered a new TRW master cylinder tonight. That is the genuine rover OEM brand. Just replaced it about 4 months back from AB. But I guess it was defective. I've heard they are not rebuild-able yet from a few mechanics. Would love to have reliable brakes again. Need to be able to stop this tank quickly