According to The Free Dictionary, connecting rods are defined as rods that transmit power from a moving part to another moving part. Connecting rods have the widest number of applications in internal combustion engines. Cars, trucks and even certain farm equipment--such as combines--require connecting rods to properly function. Connecting rods have a wide variety of applications in construction. Bulldozers, backhoes and other heavy equipment use connecting rods as integral engine components.
A number of manufacturing companies produce connecting rods. Windsor Connecting Rods, GRP Connecting Rods and Omkar Motors are companies that manufacture and distribute certain connecting rods. These companies manufacture connecting rods useable in many Mitsubishi, Chevrolet, Ford and Honda automobiles. Many performance and racing automobiles employ connecting rods produced by companies like GRP Connecting Rods.
Only a handful of materials are considered appropriate for the use in engine connecting rod construction. Titanium and aluminum are two popular materials used in the construction of connecting rods, specifically for performance vehicles. Dropforging steel alloys into connecting rods results in a connecting rod that is capable of handling heavy loads without bending, breaking or twisting.
Using connecting rods that are manufactured out of cheaper or otherwise improper materials can cause irreversible damage to an internal combustion engine. Torque specifications should accompany any connecting rod. Using connecting rods that have the wrong torque specifications can cause damage or excessive wear on an internal combustion engine, according to Eagle Connecting Rods.
Connecting rods for internal combustion engines need to be durable but relatively light weight. They need to be able to withstand piston thrust and effectively transmit thrust to the crankshaft, according to Omkar Motors. Connecting rods are available in an assortment of sizes.