tie rod/suspension question

[05trx400exridr]

i have a 400ex and im plannin to make my front 4.5-6" wider by making a kit like this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-400ex-or-450r-A-arms-Widening-Lowering-Kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43974QQihZ007QQitem Z170009992723QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

i have access to a plasma cam to percisely cut all of the brackets out of 1/4" steel. (a plasma cam is basically a plasma cutter run by a computer to cut out my pieces)

also for the setup, i will need to make my tie rods either 2.25" or 3" longer each. My question is if i can just make my own tie rods out of 1/2" aluminum or steel rod and buy a 12mm die to thread the ends. (if im right, the 400ex has 12mm tie rods and 12mm is just a hair under 1/2" so as long as i use a 12mm die i should be ok.)

also, i dont plan on changing the upper shock mounts and i plan on using my stock shocks. i was wondering if anybody could guess how much lower this will make my front end sit.

i mainly just ride trails, ditches, fields, some local sand/gravel pits, and dirt roads. should i go with 4.5" wider or the full 6"?

[05trx400exridr]

oops i think i did the link rong. go here diamond j customs (http://www.diamondjcustoms.com/pages/2/index.htm)

[Scro]

DON'T DO IT! Your front end with be all out of whack and it will handle like sheet:ermm: If you are planning on making it wider on your own, make wider a-arms.

[05trx400exridr]

ok... so what do you think about buying the kit on ebay?

[exrider008]

i have that kit on my 300ex and it dosnt turn worth a chit, it has a ton of bump steer. but i will say it is the smothest riding quad i have ever rode with those 400ex shocks the thing rides like a pillow.
but if i were u i WOULD NOT get them it has was to much bump steer and is not the right way to widen ur quad. if u can find out a way to make a-arms then do that!!

[Chino886]

You also have to remember each tie rod has reverse threads on one side......and it is hard to find a Left hand tap/die......

I would advise against.......just my peso I am throwing in their!

[05trx400exridr]

hey exrider008, do you have the kit set to 6 or 4.5 inches?i dont really ride trails that much and when i do its never very fast... i mainly want the extra width for more stability around flat corners (open fields and dirt roads). do you think this would be an improvement from stock if i just left it at 4.5 inches? also have you had any problems with the strength of the kit or do you anticipate problems?

oh and yea i totally forgot about the reverse threads on one end of the tie rod. i think i can buy a set of tie rod extensions for 30$ from the company.