I'm in the middle of doing the 1-ton TRO conversion. When I bought the kit from RuffStuff, I got the inserts for the tie-rods and the pitman arm. The inserts for the tie-rod just require drilling out the knuckles with a 7/8 straight bit and then the pitman arm requires a 1" bit.

My question is, what is better, going with a straight taper using a reamer or using the inserts?

Second question is does anyone have either the reamer or the 7/8's and 1" bits that I could borrow or would they be willing to swing by and help me get that piece take care of? I have the tie-rod all tacked up but need to get the knuckles drilled/reamed so it sits properly so I can measure for the draglink.

Thanks!

Adam

Both sets I've done were reamed for taper without any problems. My plan is to leave them that way and drill for inserts if they wallow out. I don't have a reamer, but i think I have a 1" bit.

Ok, after a response on CB, I'm going to with reaming them out. Any one have a reamer they would loan out? If not, I'll order one up from RuffStuff. Was hoping to get it assembled this weekend but that is looking doubtful. Oh well, I'm close.

When you do get a reamer - my advice is go slow... Very slow... Spinning them fast really dulls them and makes life miserable.

Good to know. I saw most have a T handle, can you do it by hand or is it just a very controlled finger on the drill?

I've only done it with an adjustable throttle drill (big one). But I think you can do it by hand. Trouble is keeping is straight is harder by hand I would think.

I think I have my reamer still it got loaned out but I think it's in my tool box. If not I can ask around who has it. I can check tonight

Sweet, thanks! Let me know.

I've done it with a drill and by hand with equally good results. I'd suggest doing it with a drill as long as you've got one with very good low speed motor control. It's easier to control how much material you're removing doing it by hand, but tougher to keep the hole straight as JD mentioned. Use cutting oil to help extend the life of the reamer. It'll cut a little faster as well and be easier to use. Don't apply much pressure, as you'll get a better cut if you let the tool do the work.

Not too much pressure, but make sure you have some pressure so that it cuts not just rubs, that will dull a reamer pretty quick.