Mevotech Tie Rods...

[Ecoboost_xsport]

So, if you're anything like me, you sometimes enjoy putting upgraded parts (whether go-fast or OEM improvements) on your vehicle "just cuz" (and I guess if finances allow for it). Here may be one of those parts. Mevotech TTX line of parts, specifically the outer tie rod. The TTX (Terrain Tough) line is supposed to be their super tough, best engineered line of parts, as they do offer a standard OEM replacement level as well.

I saw these being newly introduced for the XSport from the Explorer forums and, even though nothing is currently wrong with the OEM ones I have now, I am in the middle of some suspension upgrades and figured, if I'm ever gonna do it, now would be the time. Got me thinking about my SHO brothers and how it would fit. Turns out the parts are different between the 2 platforms, but...they do carry an SHO version...

Anyway, just figured I'd share this with you guys if you don't know and may be interested in them. Not sure what your opinion is of the brand, but they seem worth taking a look at. They appear pretty well built (although the package does say Made in China) and I do like how they are serviceable. Rock Auto had em the cheapest for the XSport at right under $32 each, but looks like the SHO version is more like $47 a piece.



MevoTech

Rock Auto

Top View Comparison:


Side View Comparison:


Before Installation:


Removing the tie rod wasn't too hard in my case, but I know in some environments or if it's very old, they can get pretty stuck. I just hit the top of the threaded stud down with a small-handled 4-pound sledge and it came right out of the knuckle.

After Installation:


Now...for an alignment!

 

[yaycandy]

Nice. Ill look into them. Mine has started the clacky clacky.

 

[FiveLeeter918]

hmm interesting... could be worth checking since I'm doing struts and all and will need an alignment anyway.

 

[FiveLeeter918]

screw it, I need to order some other stuff too...

 

[bpd1151]

Nice find!

Thank you thank you thank you

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[rubydist]

frankly, I have always thought of that brand as cheap Chinese junk. I will be interested to see how this works out for you.

 

[Ecoboost_xsport]

frankly, I have always thought of that brand as cheap Chinese junk. I will be interested to see how this works out for you.

I've read that and you may be right. It is a Canadian company, but the parts are made in China. I'm definitely not a fan of stuff made there and didn't realize it until I got it, but after doing some research in other brands, even a portion (not all) of Moog parts come from there as well...so let's hope they've done some quality control when stuff leaves there.

It feels pretty solidly built, fingers crossed, lol.

 

[yaycandy]

I've read that and you may be right. It is a Canadian company, but the parts are made in China. I'm definitely not a fan of stuff made there and didn't realize it until I got it, but after doing some research in other brands, even a portion (not all) of Moog parts come from there as well...so let's hope they've done some quality control when stuff leaves there.

It feels pretty solidly built, fingers crossed, lol.

They still have to pass their quality control no matter where they are made.

 

[krewat]

Chinese stuff is not necessarily bad. Yes, you can get some crappy crap... a LOT of crappy crap.

But if the manufacturer has a decent design, and they do enough QA, I've seen some decently manufactured stuff. Of course, that means no drop-shipments direct to wholesalers, which adds a LOT of overhead, or having to trust some "independent agent" in a foreign country to do it.

 

[Kevin81]

Moog. FTW.

 

[Kevin81]

https://www.moog-suspension-parts.com/products/ford_taurus_2014


Used all moog suspension parts on the corvette, and they saw more abuse than a Saudi wife. Still like new, no wear, no fatigue. Trusted by racers everywhere.

 

[Ecoboost_xsport]

Yeah, I know Moog is great stuff. All that stuff you listed is their OEM replacement stuff, which Mevotech also has (I'd still pick Moog, for sure). This is in regards to upgraded, beefier stuff (if that sort of things interests you), which Moog has none. I called them directly to ask this question and even they said emphatically, "No, the parts we offer for your vehicle are all designed as OEM replacement". Which, no doubt, is still good.

This is simply an option for something that is considered, by definition, an "upgrade". Yes, you're right, it remains to be seen how good the part is, but tbh, this thing feels pretty solid. Not scientific, I know...but my gut tells me I'll be just fine with it. If not, I'll be sure to share it with everyone.

 

[Kevin81]

Yeah, I know Moog is great stuff. All that stuff you listed is their OEM replacement stuff, which Mevotech also has (I'd still pick Moog, for sure). This is in regards to upgraded, beefier stuff (if that sort of things interests you), which Moog has none. I called them directly to ask this question and even they said emphatically, "No, the parts we offer for your vehicle are all designed as OEM replacement". Which, no doubt, is still good.

This is simply an option for something that is considered, by definition, an "upgrade". Yes, you're right, it remains to be seen how good the part is, but tbh, this thing feels pretty solid. Not scientific, I know...but my gut tells me I'll be just fine with it. If not, I'll be sure to share it with everyone.

Understood.


I'll toss my .02 cents in...I used to have that bug, replace all OEM parts with "improved" aftermarket stuff. And learned that the aftermarket stuff is really only sometimes better than OEM, toughness or performance wise. I actually ruined the handling of a 240Z by doing that...swapped back to factory, and it was night and day. Went out and bought quality OEM replacement parts for some of the components, and the handling became much more predictable.

My rule? I now set goals, and...I copy others, lol.