Tie Rods - Signs Your Due to Change Them

You have 35" or 37" tires and are hitting trails that need them? If so you can reinforce them slightly with tie rod sleeves: https://dialeddesignsusa.com/products/toyota-tie-rod-sleeves?variant=47913997271357 and carry a spare inner tie rod for the odd rock or tree branch.

 

Not even. Just 33” RTs w/ a moderate -10 offset wheel. And I’ve been mindful of the overall weight of the wheel and tire too. Just 11lbs over OE per wheel. I have been doing more moderate trails though. Original question was more “how to read or differentiate wear in the inner tie rod ball & socket end or the outer steering knuckle. Folks say don’t worry it’s a Toyota and I’m as big a 4R fanboy here as everyone else but big difference rolling with the stock 32” Grand Treks on OE wheels vs some folks out there w/ 35 or 37 MTs with over -20 offsets.

 

I’d really like to hear how the fitment of either Tundra or the LC rack goes. That would definitely be worth considering but I hear / read it’s a not as simple as just dropping it in. I’m new to the game and still learning but something I learned a few months back is being mindful of what you strengthen or upgrade as beefing up the tie rods might just transfer stresses to the next component eg the steering rack. And far better to replace rods than the entire rack. Never thought of upgrades that way. I’m guessing that’s the controversial aspect you’re referring to?