Front end Question
 

I have totally rebuilt the front end of my 69 pickup. For background on the truck it was originally a BB truck, 127" wheelbase CST. I put a 350 back into it. It has all new ball joints and tie rods. Everything is new.

Here is the problem..... When I turn to the left (drivers side) the tire hits the sway bar. The left (drivers ) tire does not seem to turn as sharp as the right.

Here are some pics. My thoughts are that I might have something in upside down or reversed from side to side.

This really has me puzzled. It did not do it before I tore it apart.:cuss:

Re: Front end Question
 

Seems to me that mine used to do the same thing. I've got it taken apart right now, though.

However, in looking at your pics everything looks okay to me. Have you changed to wider tires? These trucks came with fairly narrow tires back in those years.

From this site: http://www.familycar.com/alignment.htm

When you steer a car through a turn, the outside front wheel has to navigate a wider arc then the inside wheel. For this reason, the inside front wheel must steer at a sharper angle than the outside wheel.

Re: Front end Question
 

I had a problem kinda like yours, after doing a searching on this site about the problem I found that I had the drag/center link in backwards and the tie rods on the wrong side of it just like yours. real easy mistake

Re: Front end Question
 

what he said draglink is on backwards

Re: Front end Question
 

Good eye. That would be a hard one to catch if you had not seen it before or had another truck to compare to.

I was going to ask if the alignment had been set yet? I have seen when parts are put on thing turn different and then when the toe is set, they are back to normal. Even if it looks good by eye it is hard to get them close without actually setting the alignment.

Re: Front end Question
 

I did the same thing put all new parts on the front. Just getting it outa the garage I thought something was wrong, after driving around the block I KNEW somthing was wrong it drove so much better after flipping everthing around and I was glad to have it figured out before it got an alignment or those guys wouldve:lol:all the way to the cash register.there is so much great info on this site but you really gotta spend some time and look but sometimes its just easy to ask just glad to help

Re: Front end Question
 

Thanks, at least I have a starting point. Anyone got any pics they can post so I can compare?

And, no it has not been to the alignment shop. Could not herd it down the road with a boom truck attached to it. SCARRY SCARRY SCARRY!!!!

I will work on it this weekend. Thanks for the help!!

Re: Front end Question
 

Center link is backwards. I've been there twice ;)
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Re: Front end Question
 

You will need 90* zerk fittings for tie rods.

Re: Front end Question
 

Anyone have any pics of the drag link installed correctly? Would sure be helpfull in getting it right the second time around. Really, really, really hate to do it a third time.

Thanks!!!

Re: Front end Question
 

This is not a great picture but maybe it will be be helpfull. I can get better pictures tonight.

Re: Front end Question
 

I appreciate that picture Todd68Chevy. Anyone else have some that are closer with the front end installed?

Re: Front end Question
 

Todds68 pic is pretty good you should be able to go off it.I you said you were gona try this weekend so here are some of mine in all its greasy glory it.Im not sure if its my cheap camrea or just my photagraghy skills but getting decent pics is really tough for me

Re: Front end Question
 

THANKS!!! Time to go to work on it. I will post pics of the front end tonight, after I fix it.

Re: Front end Question
 

Yes it is time to fix it you will be very surprized at the differace it makes. With the taperd holes in the center link it will be evedent witch way it goes either flip it end for end or spin it 180 degrees I dont remember but the center link will be very close to the crossmember about 1/4" to about 3/8" way. I measured the front and the back of the tires to get the alignment close so I could drive it too the shop

Re: Front end Question
 

Here are a few more pictures if you still want them.