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Baer Tracker tie rod ends, replace the outer tie rod ends to allow for proper suspension alignment and articulation.
A lot of enthusiasts may not realize it, but when it comes to a Mustang’s suspension system, what you do to one part of that system often affects the other parts. This is especially true when lowering the car. When the ride height is changed, the angles of every other component also change, depending on how dramatic the difference is from stock, will depend on how dramatically those components are affected.
One part that is often stressed significantly when this happens are the outer tie rod ends. Not only are these stressed further by having to operate at angles they were never intended to but they can also cause what is known as bump steer.
Bump steer occurs when the tie rod end is forced to articulate at the limits of the ball and socket joint’s travel. This causes rapid changes in the vehicle’s toe, which then can cause the car to dart, because the outer tie rod end is now working against the suspension. This darting is not only dangerous from a handling perspective but also causes increased stress on the tie rod end, which can eventually cause it to fail.
When installed the tie rods are at the correct angle for proper suspension articulation.
To remedy bump steer, the outer tie rod ends should be replaced with a bump steer kit, like the Baer Tracker. These kits offer a pin height adjustable outer tie rod end, that also has more threaded adjustability than the standard factory tie rod end. This allows the tie rod end to be shimmed properly to compensate for changes in ride height and suspension components, it also maximizes suspension articulation.
Baer Trackers are made in the USA, from USA sourced materials. They are easily installed, and we added a set to Editor Creason’s 1998 GT a few months back when we installed the Team Z K-member. We also run them on our Project Wild E Coyote.
Baer makes Trackers for virtually every year Mustang produced, and if you can install an outer tie rod end. We recommend having an alignment shop handle it so they can set everything correctly, including the bump-steer.
To keep your lowered Mustang tracking straight check out Baer Trackers, a product you might not have thought about when you hear the name of this famous brake manufacturer.
