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Dinged my sodding steering track rod :(

Jumpjim

Jumpjim

Accelerating Away
Just come back from a fairly interesting time logging on the forest.

I (personally and cos I was stoopid) managed to ground the car onto a tree stump while driving up the side of the firebreak where there was some traction. Have to say my BFG All-terrains don't cut the mustard at all and will be replaced with Mud-terrains within the next 2 weeks. So out came the trusty Tirfor and we winched it back off fairly easily (Note to self: Why do people always put winches on the front?)

The tree stump managed to completely avoid my 8mm thick Southdown steering guard and has bent the steering track rod.

Now the question: Is there anything you can do to protect the track rods? Are Dan bars any good or do they just transfer the shock to the joints? Any good ideas?

All help gratefully received.
 
You've got a Southdown steering guard fitted. That only covers the drag link.

Go back to the Southdown web page and look at their axle guard I think it is. That will protect both the diff and the track rod.
Not only that but when you fit one you'll be able to jack up without the vehicle falling over. :D
 
carry enuff tools to take the track rod off and then straighten on tow hitch......remember to replace at earliest chance as traking will be out and tyres will scrub very quickly!!

we used to have same prob as yourself when charcoaling in the woods..every logical solution created another problem!
 
Had my fiar share of bent track rods, i have had a dan bar on for over a year now and have not bent it of anyother steering parts....

CHeers
 
I got a Dan Bar from Protection & Performance a year or so ago, and managed to bend it the first time off roading, they sent a replacement the next day free of charge, excelent service and alot cheaper than Scrapiron racing at only £38 inc P&P. I always carry a spare so I am able to get home, as you have some chance of straightening a normal track rod, but not with the dan bar attached.
 

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bent our track road on a tree stump had to drive it back with wheels in different directions (oh how we laughed) Any way had a new one fitted I belive it is an army one it is a lot thicker and you can even jack the car on it.
 
Well I followed your advice and invested in a Sumo bar which is going on to my 110 on Monday.

My local garage guy who looks after my (elderly) vehicles says he is concerned that banging the Sumo bar is just going to transfer shocks further up the steering system.

I tend to drive EXTREMELY carefully when bimbling around on the forest but I underestimated the height of a stump, hence the dinged track rod.

Any comments? The Sumo bar looks extremely substantial and should save me on track rods!
 
Exact same thing happened me last week.
Straightened the arm using a rock and a sledge hammer
Have looked at the guards and considering in investing in one
Worried about a stronger bar on 2 points
Transferring shock elsewhere, 3 weeks ago my steering box locked up completely on a corner - frightening!!!!!
secondly a normal bar can be straightened in the field
considering carrying a 2nd bar as a spare
 
Jumpjim said:
Well I followed your advice and invested in a Sumo bar which is going on to my 110 on Monday.

My local garage guy who looks after my (elderly) vehicles says he is concerned that banging the Sumo bar is just going to transfer shocks further up the steering system.

I tend to drive EXTREMELY carefully when bimbling around on the forest but I underestimated the height of a stump, hence the dinged track rod.

Any comments? The Sumo bar looks extremely substantial and should save me on track rods!
Click to expand...


I would say that if you were going quick enugh you could possably do this, but i find you feel the rod hit stumps and rocks, and i back of and realign for another go, and unlike a normal rod the sumo bars can withstand a little nuging..
I tend to be a little rough with my truck and i havnt manged to break anyother steering compoenents by catching my sumo bar..


Cheers
 
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