So far I've managed to bend both tie rods (not horrible but bent) and have been able to "straighten" them but I and am considering the Ricky Stator replacements. My concern is that if the rods/ends dont bend then something else more costly might take the abuse - like steering stem, or front steering components. The weak rods/ends might be a designed weak-link to protect the other parts from damage?

Any horror stories about the Ricky Stator replacements ?

Thanks

 

The rod ends should fail but the rods themselves should not bend. if you've bent the rods then replace...they will bend again when you need it the most. the rods usualy get replaced when you purchase a set of aftermarket a-arms. when i purchased lonestars...they came with BEEFY tie rods...i've since snapped several tie rod ends. i actually keep several ends on hand now.

 

10-4, the Ricky Stator replacements come with Honda tie rod ends (machined to fit the Raptor)which are said to be much tougher.

I've busted many tie-rod ends on my ole warrior and at $50 a pop it's expensive. Any good, cheaper, aftermarket source ??

 

Wow - I cant belive nobody is using the Ricky Stator tie rods/ends set-up. They are supposed to be bionic !?

 

I use the Stator Tie Rod's. They are definitely "BIONIC", I did the same as you, and proceeded to bend both tie-rod's on the same day. Bent them back just to get back to the truck and headed home. The stock tie-rod ends are worthless, not sure why Yamaha would build something so weak. I think if you upgrade just the tie-rod's then you will start trashing the end's. I would go with the Ricky Stators, pricey but worth it.

 

I also have the Ricky Stator tie rod "kit" that I use with my Timmyboy A-arms these things are BEEFY!!!

 

I used them on my old warrior,,and when they wore out/got sloppy they sent free replacements with no bull$h1t