Tie rod length

[ian Simpson]

I screwed up again.

I decided to install a shorter pitman arm to take some load off my arthritic hands. As I was under the car I noticed that the tie rod was bent and in gentle contact with the drag link. So off came the drag link and tie rod. As the tie rod ends were seized on the tie rod and would not move even when heated to almost red heat, I decided to replace everything. I purchased new tie rod ends, tie rod, seals and metal caps, and an E-Z steer Teflon kit. I kept the original drag link as it was straight and the ends not worn.

Now with all the new parts installed, I cannot adjust the toe-in to within 1 1/2 inches of specification. I.e. the toe-in is 1 5/8 inches with the tie rod screwed as far as possible into both the tie rod ends (there is still approx. 1/2 inch of thread showing). Is it ok to remove about 1/2 inch from each end of the tie rod to correct the toe-in? Or have I screwed up something else?

[Patrick L.]

Is the overall length of the 2 tie-rods the same ?
It sounds as though there has been an assembly issue.

[bobbader]

Patrick is right in suggesting comparing the length of the 2 tie rods. Of course, another possibility is that the axle is also bent. some action is responsible for the tie rod being bent. Don't assume that action didn't upset any other part of the front end. I know you'll think that this would have been noticeable in your driving experience so far but, I've taken badly bent axles out of cars that people have driven for years without noticing.

Shortening the tie rod, if it's the right length, will cause other problems as one side of the rod has right hand threads and the other side has left hand threads. If you think you can just shorten it and cut more threads, think again. Unless you specifically know someone with the correct dies used to cut these threads, they are not easy to locate and are extremely expensive.

Good luck

[Y-Blockhead]

According to Snyder's Catalog the tie rod should be 43 7/16" long.

[ian Simpson]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

According to Snyder's Catalog the tie rod should be 43 7/16" long.

It is a Snyders tie rod and measures 43 7/16. I think something else is bent, I will keep you all posted. Thanks for the input.

[Y-Blockhead]

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Ian, I just went out and measured old tie rod (was bent, straightened it and kept it for "just in case". It measures 43 1/2" so that appears to be a good number.

I got my replacement from Mike's and they say 44".

At any rate 1 5/8" is a long way off.

Are the tie rod ends assembled correctly?

[ian Simpson]

Thanks Y-Blockhead.

My original tie rod had been shortened, I do not know why. The new one was from George Moir, our local supplier, and is identical to those supplied by Snyders. It is 43 7/16 long.

I suspect a bent spindle or similar, and need to find out what is going on here but this will delayed for a while. My right wrist is in a cast as of this morning due to chronic tendonitis. I will try to close the open question when the cast comes off.

As a good friend once told me "getting old is not for wimps".

Thanks all who replied.

[burner31]

Went to the parts store the other day and asked for a length of tie rod, the parts guy asked how long I wanted it, I said " well, I'm going to keep the car, so I'll need it for quite awhile"

[ian Simpson]

Originally Posted by ian Simpson

Thanks Y-Blockhead.

My original tie rod had been shortened, I do not know why. The new one was from George Moir, our local supplier, and is identical to those supplied by Snyders. It is 43 7/16 long.

I suspect a bent spindle or similar, and need to find out what is going on here but this will delayed for a while. My right wrist is in a cast as of this morning due to chronic tendonitis. I will try to close the open question when the cast comes off.

As a good friend once told me "getting old is not for wimps".

Thanks all who replied.

Now out of the cast and back under the Model A. I found the problem. The right hand steering arm is bent just enough to mess up the geometry.

Now back to fixing it.

Thanks everyone for your kind suggestions.

[Y-Blockhead]

Good to hear you mended well and your back at turnin' wrenches. It SUX when you have things to do and the Doc (and wife) says No!! I just went thru that myself.

Yeah, gettin' old ain't no fun...