Arens stem and Houser a-arm ?

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Buddah77 · #1 Post by **Buddah77** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 4:02 am

Just installed a +3'' long travel Houser front end on my '02 Speed. Took it out this weekend and when I came home and washed it, I noticed the tie rods were bent near the threads where they mount to the steering stem. I looked under the frame and could see where they were hitting. Has anyone had this problem when switching arms and using the stock stem? Will the Arens stem eliminate this problem? Any input would be appreciated. I will call Houser and Arens tomorrow and try to get some help.

Buddah77 · #2 Post by **Buddah77** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 1:05 pm

Thanks for the response, it's much appreciated. I will call John this morning and discuss it with him.

DMAC10 · #3 Post by **DMAC10** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 3:52 pm

Buddah77

When you find out if the Aren stem solves your problem, please put the results back on here. I'm looking at the same setup and would like to know before spending the money in the wrong direction.

:confused:

NRath · #4 Post by **NRath** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 5:34 pm

The '03 stock stems also have the plate moved down. As you know, it's also made by Arens out of the same material. It boils down to which color do you want.

Jimmer · #5 Post by **Jimmer** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 8:36 pm

Hey Buddah Houser should have told you that you had to buy there stem as well when you bought your arms. They did specify when I bought my brothers arms (same as yours) so if your tie rods are bent and did not tell you you needed it then at the least they should give you new tie rods for free.

Buddah77 · #6 Post by **Buddah77** » Tue Jan 21, 2003 10:53 pm

I bought the arms off Ebay, so I had no idea about the clearance problem. I talked with John from Arens today and he varified the problem, so I ordered a stem from him. My friend works at a dealership, and he contacted Houser and they also said that the stem needs to be replaced. The tie rods were $70. I will have them by Friday and make a trip to the dunes on Saturday and report back. Thanks for all the responses.

Buddah77 · #7 Post by **Buddah77** » Sun Jan 26, 2003 8:05 pm

Well, like I said I would report back and pass on some info. After installing the Arens stem and doing lots of jumping and riding through the whoops at the dunes I took a look at the tie rods. They are hitting, but just barely. You can see where they were making contact with the frame and the rods do have small marks on them. They are not bent and I don't think I will have any more problems. I am going to get my die grinder and remove a very small amount of material off the bottom of the frame. I also noticed that the Arens stem did help the bump steer as well. Thought I would let you all know of my findings.