Product Reviews

Rockstomper Rock Rod

One of the first things to tag the rocks will be your tie-rod, do you really think your stock setup can handle the abuse, we didn't think so either. When we first laid eyes on the Rock Rod we new we were looking at a tie-rod that would not only handle the abuse of serious trails but a tie-rod that would ask "is that all ya got". As an added bonus this piece of trail beef is very affordable, we were surprised to learn that it can be purchased for around 100 dollars. Rock Rods are constructed from 1.25" 0.219 DOM steel tube with a steel sleeve of 1.5" 0.120 DOM slid over the top with a full-circle MIG weld at both ends. With the outer diameter being 1 1/2" and the internal diameter being 7/8", a 5/16" wall thickness was achieved, this makes for one very stout tie-rod.

Rockstomper even came up with a simple bracket that allows the steering stabilizer to be retained while maintaining strength by utilizing a plate with a 5/8" shock bolt and three u-bolts that bolt around the Rock Rod.
 

From left to right: Rock Rod Stock Chevy tie-rod Stock Ford tie rod	The Rock Rod compared with other tie rods.
Optional Stabilizer Mounting Kit	Stabilizer Kit Installed

The tie-rod ends can be purchased from your local parts store with most offering a lifetime warranty so you can easily return the part if needed. For an additional price Rockstomper can include the needed ends to get you all set up.
 

Right Side Ends	Rock Rod VS Stock

For our application, we wanted to eliminate the weaker drivers side end that comes with a stabilizer mounting hole so we went with a shorter left-hand end from a 91 Dodge ¾ ton pickup, part number ES2010L. For the passenger side we used a tie-rod end from an 85 Blazer part number ES2234R with jam nut. After the Rock Rod is adjusted to the proper position the jam nuts are tightened to keep the tie rod from turning and loosing the proper alignment. Because a jam nut is not supplied with the left end (ES2010L) Rockstomper can make one for an extra charge.
 

Tie-Rod Beef	Tie-Rod Bent

Installing the Rock Rod was very simple, after removing the steering stabilizer remove the stock tie-rod with a pickle fork. Next thread in both rod ends into the Rock Rod making sure to put the jam nuts on first, then adjust to the proper length and drop into the knuckle holes. After the Rock Rod is mounted install the castle nuts making sure to insert the cotter pins through the rod ends, if you haven't installed the grease zerks into the ends, do so now and don't forget to add grease. When installing the steering stabilizer we turned the steering wheel all the way to the left and then installed the shock (stabilizer) onto the optional brace and attached it to the Rock Rod. Be sure to check that you have enough stabilizer travel for full movement through the steering cycle.

We are now ready to hit the trails with more peace of mind knowing our tie-rod can handle the toughest terrain. Rockstomper makes Rock Rod's for a variety of vehicles that utilize a solid axle, stop by rockstomper.com for other applications as well as many other extreme duty parts for the hard-core enthusiast. - Steve Fox