Replacing inner tie rod part options

So I need to change out my inner tie rods on my 2015 pro and I’ve seen several choices out there to choose from. OEM $226(toyotapartsdeal.com), same part number and part supposedly on eBay for $117(genuinepartsglobe on eBay). Not sure if it’s a knock off or the real deal. Then there’s all kinds of cheap shit I see online for 2 sets of inner and outer rod ends for under $100. Like TRQ sells a set of two inner tie rods for $50. There’s moog as well for like $42 a piece. What have you used and how is it holding up? Felt like my stock inner tie rods didn’t last long. When I replaced my outers for coachbuilders outers the inners were loose that they just flip flopped around. That was at like 30k. Didn’t know much about them at the time and know now that them being that loose is a bad thing. Also noticed the original part number was replaced by another inner tie rod part number. Used to be 45503-0C020 and is now 45503-0C030. Wonder if they changed it cause the OG ones didn’t last long. Any input on what you used on your truck would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

I usually use OEM parts if I can’t upgrade them with better parts. But since nobody makes stronger inner tie rods I’m thinking about going OEM, but since mine didn’t last that long, not sure if it’s worth it and to just use cheap shit and replace it more often or risk paying the higher price and it still goes out quick. I do my own alignments at home so not worried about doing them more often. I assume going on washboards, rocks and ruts and trails at a decent speed doesn’t help them out either which is what I use my truck for.

 

Do your tie rods hit the coilover when turned at/near full lock? If so could be some accelerated wear on the inners. I assumed that maybe inners are not designed to see the side load that occurs on contact. Inners - push pull, outers - side load is the push pull if that makes any sense.

 

No contact on anything. Just know they are super loose. Just like on my GX I fixed yesterday.

 

That’s how my tundras inner tie rods are. It’s time. Ha ha ha

 

I replaced mine at 25k miles, they were the same as yours, but had coilover contact. I always use oem for steering parts, but have no real justification for it due to no experience with aftermarket parts.

 

Hey Jimes, hope you're doin' well.
A mechanic whom I trust recommended 555 by Sankei industry. Apparently they're an OEM supplier. Unfortunately the boxed one I have is so old that I can't read any of the numbers off of it. Here's a link I found: https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/2016/toyota/tundra/steering/tie_rod_end.html#immersedview

 

I’m doing ok. Still a little depressed about having to put my male dog down on my birthday last month at 8 years old because of CSD(copper storage disorder). Other than that and bending my steering knuckle on my GX460 at mount Patterson, I’m doing ok. How are have you been? Good I hope and funny you mention that brand. I just saw that this morning. Didn’t know if it was a legit brand. Definitely cheaper option. Was waiting to see if anyone had experience with them. Also, I found them on eBay. Not sure if there’s a more legit retailer. I’m a little weary about eBay. Not really sure how long inner tie rods are supposed to last. Especially when you wheel your truck.

 

Staying tuned.

 

Doing well, thanks Jimes. Sorry to hear about your dog, that's really sad. I agree about ebay. I'm sure you can find a different vendor.

 

I replaced my wife’s 08 sequoia with Moog inner and outer tie rod ends without issue

the sequoia and tundra part numbers were the same as what I used

 

Thanks. I still have my female dog Leela, but it’s definitely not the same household anymore. I’ll look around to see if I find it somewhere else online, but I may just get the new OEM part and see how long it lasts.

 

I wonder how long they will last vs OEM? Also, are they starting to rust? Sometimes when I buy cheaper parts painted in black they rust faster for some reason. I live a mile away from the ocean. The thing about inner tie rods is unless you are unbolting your outer rod end you don’t really know how loose it is unless it gets so bad that you can physically move it while all attached. I feel like it’s a part I overlooked for years when checking out all the parts on my suspension before a long trip.

 

No they aren’t rusting. Mine weren’t black

 

Any update on this?

I am interested if floppy tie rods = bad tie rods.

My brain says that in-out play is what matters.

I posted some videos of floppiness in my vibration thread. No weirdness meant with that sentence. https://www.tundras.com/threads/steering-wheel-shake-a-story-with-pictures.111170/