just talked to total chaos re: heim steering conversion

DevinSixtySeven · #1 (**permalink**) 08-24-2004, 01:38 PM

i heard a rumor they were working on something like this, so i called 'em...theyre not working on something like this for the tundra until the taco kit is ready, and the taco conversion is for the LT kit.

i was specifically asking about a heim conversion for a stock-width tundra, in effect a sturdier steering setup for a "mid travel" tundra, as the weak links are the upside down lower ball joint (and small, on the 00-02) and the tie rod end.

dunno if anyone would be interested in this as well, perhaps interested enough to look in to a conversion for the lower ball joint to a uniball similar to the upper ball joint, where the pivot point is relocated to the lower control arm rather than the steering knuckle. this would take some welding, machining and fabrication skill and resources, but with a sturdy lbj and tre joint, i think an ifs tundra could take most of the abuse we can dish out. the drivetrain will still be small in front, but the suspension joints will be less likely to fail.

if this is possible, it'll keep me from wanting/needing to go the sas route, at least for a while longer.

would anyone be interested in a heim steering conversion, either for LT or MT setups? how about a lower uniball conversion of some sort--i dont see the same sort of market as with the upper, as there's a lot more work involved and probably less interest, it would just be stronger and as with the upper uniball conversion, easier to r&r and so forth.

the heim conversion t/c is working on DOES NOT change the pivot point and hence DOES NOT CAUSE BUMP STEER. i did not ask if the conversion was single or double shear, it sounded like single tho, i think double shear would only be possible with a new steering knuckle. i wish i had an end mill or better yet a cnc end mill

.

-sean

tpgn00 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-24-2004, 02:46 PM

Just a thought but what about a better spindle. I read a while ago about a member on the desert rides website that broke the stock spindle in his tundra. How stout is the factory spindle?

keiphers · #3 (**permalink**) 08-24-2004, 02:52 PM

Wasn't some shop going to make a beefy 3" lift spindle? That'd have been sweet.

But, to the point of the thread, I'm interested in both. I know I won't be going LT or SAS in the near future, so I want to make the most out of my MT.

TRDKEAU · #4 (**permalink**) 08-24-2004, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tpgn00

Just a thought but what about a better spindle. I read a while ago about a member on the desert rides website that broke the stock spindle in his tundra. How stout is the factory spindle?

That guy had camburg LT with 35" projects slapped on some Heavy Walker Evans beadlocks. A stout spindle is bucks, gussets would help as well as extending the bumpstops.

DevinSixtySeven · #5 (**permalink**) 08-24-2004, 05:43 PM

flyin6 modded his spindles, there's another member here with a custom ifs drop bracket on a 4x2 with modded spindles, iirc bill west has also done this sort of mod in the past tho i dunno if it's been done to his tundra.

anyway, from what i hear it helps quite a bit, and i will be doing that inconjunction with heim steering and anything else (within reason) i can to further stave off the need for a solid axle, as i havent the time or resources to start that project yet.

-sean

Lalo · #6 (**permalink**) 08-25-2004, 06:00 PM

I was just getting quotes on this from Wicked Motorsports in Orange County, they can do it, but it would be expensive. either way it would be a great mod for those who need it.

keiphers · #7 (**permalink**) 08-25-2004, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lalo

I was just getting quotes on this from Wicked Motorsports in Orange County, they can do it, but it would be expensive. either way it would be a great mod for those who need it.

True. Seeing as there is no one that I know of / trust on the east coast to beef up my spindles, I'd probably buy new beefier ones with lift before I modded my current ones. Cali is too far to send my spindles. Plus, I've had way too much downtime on the truck lately.

keiphers · #8 (**permalink**) 08-26-2004, 05:46 PM

Any more news?

Lalo · #9 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004, 06:37 PM

I'm interested in Heim steering if anyone gets the ball rolling...

TRDKEAU · #10 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lalo

I'm interested in Heim steering if anyone gets the ball rolling...

A truck is being prototyped as we speak. A friend of the family you might say.

Lalo · #11 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004, 07:12 PM

sweet. Total Chaos sure is stepping up to the plate when it comes to Tundra aftermarket...They need a TundraSolutions award!

keiphers · #12 (**permalink**) 08-30-2004, 08:01 PM

Read on

...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Total Chaos email

Keith,

Thanks for your inquiry with TOTAL CHAOS. The Tacoma upgrade was completed last week and the machinest will begin the Tundra LT version in the next week or so. Your request for stock length might be an option. We were only going to offer the long travel version. I will discuss this possibility with the design department and contact you via e-mail next week regarding a stock length replacement heim steering upgrade.

Nicole Pitell
Marketing Director
TOTAL CHAOS Fabrication
159 North Maple St. Unit J
Corona, CA 92880
909-737-9682 p.
909-737-9006 f.
www.chaosfab.com