2500HD TRE RC Sleeve

[Moots1288]

So after Tecore 9 when ErikSS bent his inner tie rod, we had the idea to figure out a way to strengthen the inner. Now some of you have seen the Fabtech and Rareparts set ups that cost well over $250. I have installed Rough Country sleeves (Part: Rough Country 1103 - HD Tie Rod Sleeve Upgrade). They're $35 for the pair and they're installed right over the HD conversion inner tie rod. These sleeves are made to fit HD OEM diameter inner's so if you have Moog or any aftermarket TRE then you'll have to do some drilling of the sleeve with 5/8 drill bit, I used a 19/32 bit, but had to do a little reaming of the sleeve.


How to:

Step 1: Jack up the car and remove the tire.


Step 2: Loosen Jam nut before removing the outer TRE

Step 3: Remove nut on outer TRE

Step 4: Unscrew the outer TRE off of the inner (you can try and count the number of turns you spin off to get the alignment as close as possible)

Step 5: If you do not have HD OEM diameter TREs you will need to drill out 3/4's of the inside of the sleeve. Personally I used a Hand drill had more control then if I used a drill press which I tried at V7guys the night before.
This is with the drill press.



I used a pipe vise and a hand drill and worked much better.


Step 6: While drilling, drill half way and attempt you screw on. I stopped a couple of times just so I didnt drill to far, you'd want it enough so the alignment shop, so drill deep enough to get play with the outer TRE.


Step 7: Cover the threads and non threaded part with anti-seize so the 2 metals do not fuse together and screw the sleeve all the way on. Then reinstall the outer TRE, if you counted it'll be easier to get the alignment closer.




This is how much space I left for alignment on both sides


This is the job completed after the alignment. The sleeve will be used as the Jam nut so you do not need the Jam nut anymore.

[ErikSS]

First, I did NOT help Moots write this up. I only had him change 2 small things. He did this write up. I DO have this installed on my truck as well. I can tell you, the sleeves are really good steel. They feel strong as hell. I feel very confident in this set-up. (they look bad a$$ too)

[NC_IslandRunner]

Nice write-up Matt!

[Moots1288]

Nice write-up Matt!

Thanks! All it took was a computer that I finally got after being lazy for months...

[Aries]

Now some of you have seen the Fabtech and Rareparts set ups that cost well over $250.

$250.35 to be exact

[Moots1288]

MOOG Part # ES3488 x 2 - $29.99
MOOG Part # ES3609 x 2 - $43.79
Rough Country 1103 - $35
Total = $182.56

And it's the better option for the guys that already have the HD on there rigs.

[Trail X]

Thanks Matt. Cool mod. What is the thread diameter on those HD TREs? Trailblazers are 16 (with the exception of the early models), I'm curious where the HDs stand.

I can tell you, the sleeves are really good steel. They feel strong as hell.

You're hands are so strong that you can feel a difference between good steel and bad steel?

[Moots1288]

Thanks Matt. Cool mod. What is the thread diameter on those HD TREs? Trailblazers are 16 (with the exception of the early models), I'm curious where the HDs stand.

I will let you know when I get my truck back from the "stealership"

[ErikSS]

I believe they are only 14mm threads.
My hands can tell the difference in steel quality if they are trying to drill through it! Also they are surprisingly heavy.

[mikekey]

Now some of you have seen the Fabtech and Rareparts set ups that cost well over $250.

$250.35 to be exact

MOOG Part # ES3488 x 2 - $29.99
MOOG Part # ES3609 x 2 - $43.79
Rough Country 1103 - $35
Total = $182.56

And it's the better option for the guys that already have the HD on there rigs.

A savings of $67.79

Hope they don't break or bend.

[ErikSS]

A savings of $67.79

Hope they don't break or bend.

Its a much bigger savings if someone just wants to upgrade the HDs they already have.... As he was saying. I'm impressed with the $250.39 for Fabtech. I could not find them under $300.
These are not intended for use on Moog... That's why we had to drill them Moog has a larger diameter. I really like the combo.
What's the reason behind the rib shape of the Fabtech?

[mikekey]

A savings of $67.79

Its a much bigger savings if someone just wants to upgrade the HDs they already have.... As he was saying. I'm impressed with the $250.39 for Fabtech. I could not find them under $300.
These are not intended for use on Moog... That's why we had to drill them Moog has a larger diameter. I really like the combo.
What's the reason behind the rib shape of the Fabtech?

Cheaper than replacing them with new TRE's true. Cheaper over all, only by 27% savings if you go Fabtechs from the start.

And you obviously didn't look hard enough because two of us have gotten them under $300 already. Maybe you're thinking of the Rareparts.

Not sure why Aries bought the Fabtechs, no one has yet proven them. And it's going to be awhile before I beat my tires on any big rocks.

[ErikSS]

Cheaper than replacing them with new TRE's true. Cheaper over all, only by 27% savings if you go Fabtechs from the start.

That's true! But we don't know which system will be more reliable long term. I like both options!

[Aries]

Thanks Matt. Cool mod. What is the thread diameter on those HD TREs? Trailblazers are 16 (with the exception of the early models), I'm curious where the HDs stand.

I can tell you, the sleeves are really good steel. They feel strong as hell.

You're hands are so strong that you can feel a difference between good steel and bad steel?

Most definitely Erik, did you see the way he lubed that rod

[Moots1288]

Cheaper than replacing them with new TRE's true. Cheaper over all, only by 27% savings if you go Fabtechs from the start.

That's true! But we don't know which system will be more reliable long term. I like both options!

Guess we will have to see.. just another suggestion for the public. I'm pretty sure I'll be seeing rocks soon and we will know how they hold up, don't know why ya need Fabtechs in Florida unless you're tractor pulling

[Moots1288]

Now some of you have seen the Fabtech and Rareparts set ups that cost well over $250.

$250.35 to be exact

MOOG Part # ES3488 x 2 - $29.99
MOOG Part # ES3609 x 2 - $43.79
Rough Country 1103 - $35
Total = $182.56

And it's the better option for the guys that already have the HD on there rigs.

A savings of $67.79

Hope they don't break or bend.

For $75 you can get the awd sleeve as well for people who don't have it so saving that 67& can help

[hotness]

Im still looking for a better one, but truckprousa.com sells them and has a 6% off coupon code 4X4C01
I will post up if I find better
If your a member of jeep forum, you can order directly from rough country over the phone and get 10% off

[ErikSS]

Im still looking for a better one, but truckprousa.com sells them and has a 6% off coupon code 4X4C01
I will post up if I find better
If your a member of jeep forum, you can order directly from rough country over the phone and get 10% off

A better What? AWD sleeve? TRE?

[hotness]

Im still looking for a better one, but truckprousa.com sells them and has a 6% off coupon code 4X4C01
I will post up if I find better
If your a member of jeep forum, you can order directly from rough country over the phone and get 10% off

A better What? AWD sleeve? TRE?

a better coupon code lol

[HARDTRAILZ]

Since I have basic HD tie rods, this is definitely a better option for me.

Thanks for the write up.