Stronger tie rods from Vdub engineering

[Wally]

I recently got the super HD tie rods from Lanner in and they were spot on with regard to the length and are truely a very nice engineered piece. You'd think its just a tube with treaded ends, but the attention to detail of the ends is excellent and just that bit more than you can manage yourself. But that is just my take on this.

I got the idea that since older 911 porsches use the stronger, thicker tie rods of the newer models as an upgrade, this upgrade for bugs doing track days (think curb stones) makes even more sense: The super beetle tie rods are longer than those of a 911 and those of a '75 model 1303 are the longest. Whats more, when you use 944T spindles, you need to use even longer tie rods, making the use of stronger than stock tie rods even more 'a good idea'.
My stock, already lengthenend tie rod weighted about 600 gramm. The super HD ones are about 1 kg :) They are a bit larger in diameter and (much) thicker in wall thickness.
Here's the rods in comparison and installed (I was busy there anyways):

http://www.keversite.nl/fotoalbum/fotos/65269.jpg

http://www.keversite.nl/fotoalbum/fotos/65270.jpg

[mccarthy500]

i have those same exact tie rods. just switching those alone made a noticable differance in how the car handles. i have had them for almost a year now on my car. there probably the last set of tie rods i will ever have to buy.the only complaint i have is that the paint on them wasnt that nice but it was better than the finish of a factory tie rod.but I'm sort of a perfectionist.however i would still highly recomend this part.

[JIMP]

Hello

can I ask, Lanner makes them in a specific length for each model-setup or we have to inform him precisely of the length needed for our application as it woulfd be a one off item? I was also worried about this issue as I use also the 944 knuckles and big wheels and the tie rod ends extend way to out with the original tie rods

Friendly

Dimitrios

[al_kaholik]

Jimp; I'm in the UK and wanted some tie rods for a RHD car - the lengths were different to the LHD ones but Lanner was able to do this for me, I presume everything is made to order. They are a fantastic item, can't wait to get the bug all together and on the road.

[Wally]

McCarthy, thats nice to read! I never heard reports on how these worked IRL ( I just concluded that this should work for the reasons mentioned), so your personal experience is very comforting. Thanks!

Dimitros,
Yes, you inform him of the exact length you need and he makes them custom for you including the locking nuts. Its the same price any length ;)

[gimmesomeshelte]

Hello-

I'm interested in a pair of these tie rods, but I have a few of questions.

Has the additional weight caused any problems?

Has the lack of tie rod flexibility caused other parts (e.g tie rod ends) to wear out more quickly than they would otherwise?

How does a stiffer tie rod change the feel of your cars?

Thanks,

Paul

[Steve C]

Hi

I have some coming soon, the reasoning behind them just makes sense and the price is very reasonable.

Steve

[Kafer_Mike]

Hello-

I'm interested in a pair of these tie rods, but I have a few of questions.

Has the additional weight caused any problems?

Has the lack of tie rod flexibility caused other parts (e.g tie rod ends) to wear out more quickly than they would otherwise?

How does a stiffer tie rod change the feel of your cars?

Thanks,

Paul

The additional weight would have minimal impact given the location. I can't see the reduced flex wearing out parts any sooner. If anything, I think they would reduce the rotational movement of the ball joint, keep the front wheels truer during hard cornering (especially with wider tires -- and provide a firmer feel at the steering wheel,...

[SilverBullet]

Hello, how do I contact Lanner? Want a pair of two, too.

[jmd]

You can contact Lanner here: www.vdubengineering.com
More Specifically: http://www.vdubengineering.com/products/tierods.htm

But the office is currently 'under closed doors' until late december 08'...

However, when it does open I will back his product entirely as a customer.
Top notch service, start to finish.

I might just have to order a set on the next round of spending... hrm.