Tie Rod End ??????'s - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

5150 · 08-28-2005, 04:56 PM

Hey guys,

I am replacing my tie rod ends and when I took the old ones out I counted the turns so I would know how far to put the new ones back in. Is this the correct way to do it or will an alignment shop help a little more.

Bryan

Longhorn Man · 08-28-2005, 05:01 PM

That would work IF they have the same # of threads, and the end is the same diameter and the rod was not worn.
The best way to get it close, is to measude from zerk fitting on the inner, to the zerk fitting on the outer rod end, then when you install the new one, measure it to the exact same length.
Even in doing this, you'll still need to go get it done properly...and the wider the tires, the more important it is to have it done right.

5150 · 08-28-2005, 05:15 PM

Will an alignment shop do it properly? I have a lot of play in my steering and I thought maybe that I needed to screw them in a little more.

Longhorn Man · 08-28-2005, 07:15 PM

Screwing them in more will do nothing for your steering.

With your truck on the ground, (or rolled onto some 2x4 ends or bricks since yours is so low) have some one in thr truck wiggle the wheel back and forth in the freeplay zone (engine off) while you lay under the grond looking for what is sloppy. If none of the joints buckle up and down or anything, then look at the steering shaft going into the sttering box, and see if the pitman arm moved instantly or if there seems to be some play in the box.
My observations (and I don't know if this matters on your rig) the non power assist gear boxes in these trucks are junk. They always have 1/4 turn or more freeplay.

08-28-2005, 04:56 PM	#1
5150 C10 Club Tennessee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: White House, TN 37188 Posts: 8,281	Tie Rod End ??????'s Hey guys, I am replacing my tie rod ends and when I took the old ones out I counted the turns so I would know how far to put the new ones back in. Is this the correct way to do it or will an alignment shop help a little more. Bryan __________________ Bryan www.gmtruckshow.com Project "Andes"-Halen's First Truck Project: Patina Burb for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4

08-28-2005, 05:15 PM	#3
5150 C10 Club Tennessee Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: White House, TN 37188 Posts: 8,281	Will an alignment shop do it properly? I have a lot of play in my steering and I thought maybe that I needed to screw them in a little more. __________________ Bryan www.gmtruckshow.com Project "Andes"-Halen's First Truck Project: Patina Burb for he is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God’s wrath on the wrongdoer. Romans 13:4

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08-28-2005, 05:01 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	That would work IF they have the same # of threads, and the end is the same diameter and the rod was not worn. The best way to get it close, is to measude from zerk fitting on the inner, to the zerk fitting on the outer rod end, then when you install the new one, measure it to the exact same length. Even in doing this, you'll still need to go get it done properly...and the wider the tires, the more important it is to have it done right.

08-28-2005, 07:15 PM	#4
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,693	Screwing them in more will do nothing for your steering. With your truck on the ground, (or rolled onto some 2x4 ends or bricks since yours is so low) have some one in thr truck wiggle the wheel back and forth in the freeplay zone (engine off) while you lay under the grond looking for what is sloppy. If none of the joints buckle up and down or anything, then look at the steering shaft going into the sttering box, and see if the pitman arm moved instantly or if there seems to be some play in the box. My observations (and I don't know if this matters on your rig) the non power assist gear boxes in these trucks are junk. They always have 1/4 turn or more freeplay.



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