Drop Spindles and Tie Rod Length, 69 C10

[69BB396]

Installed the CPP front 2.5drop spindles w/discs that allow using stock tie rods. Installed new PS gear and pitman, and found centre by rotating (2.5 turns side to side therefore 1.25 is center). Installed center link and idler, then assembled tie rods.
Problem: with tie rods at minimum length, I can see they are a bit too long and both rotors are a bit outward at the front. I haven't used a string yet to
get a better reading, but I think I need about an Inch or so on each side.

What is the best fix? Is it safe to trim the tie rod lengths to get fitment?

I checked the new parts with the old, all sizes seemed correct.
My center link is original.

Ron

[Clyde65]

you should be able to turn the adjustment sleeve and that should move the inner and outer tie rod so the wheel moves in the direction you need, i dont think I would do this with the truck on the ground though. I would also get the measurement of the back and front of the front tires. for temporary use, I think 1/2 inch of toe in should be ok for a quick trip to the alignment shop, as long as it isnt too far.

[69BB396]

Truck is up on blocks, wheels and tires ordered but have not arrived yet.
I have turned the adjustment sleeves as far as they will go, assembly is still too long - I think I have "toe out" ? Looking from engine rear-ward, the rotors are angled out at the front.

[Clyde65]

have you spoken to Jeff from CPP? give him a shout, he is here on the board. I dont understand why it would be different if they are the same length as the old ones, did you size them up b4 you installed them ( make them the same length as the originals) b4 installing?

I didnt have any problem at all, but I also replaced the sleeve. that shouldnt matter though

Call Jeff. best option right now.

[69BB396]

I didn't measure the old, but I did check each new part against the old. I have new sleeves too, and the complete spindle/brake setup is new.
Also, I just assembled the passenger side, length needed here is longer and works OK

Thanks! I'll try to find the CPP guy.

Ron

[69BB396]

Here's some photos;

[Clyde65]

adjuster sleeves the same length?

[69BB396]

Measured, 6.5" both sides. Maybe a shorter one for driver's side would be the fix?

Ron

[Clyde65]

man, IDK, I would call CPPJeff!

[69BB396]

I wonder, is it possible that the steering box does not need to be exactly on-center...... If I moved it say, 1/8 or 1/4 turn, this would move the center link over enough to be OK. (it may thow out the passenger side though)?

This would also affect the turning radius side to side, unless the spindles touch the stops before the gearbox reaches its turn limit?

Thoughts?

Ron

[Clyde65]

Let me look at my truck and Ill let you know tomorrow. with the wheel straight, I will look at the tie rods and the steering box

[usmcchevy]

Might just be me, but those adjustment sleeves look too long.

[fishingjred73]

Originally Posted by usmcchevy

Might just be me, but those adjustment sleeves look too long.

I think your right.

[Hubscrub]

adj. sleeves to long x3

[69BB396]

CPPJeff sent me TRW part numbers, which I cross-referenced with the NAPA ones I have. Turns out, TRJ sleeves are 1/2" shorter, I haven't checked the tie rods yet. I don't think 1/2" is enough, but I need to check lengths on everything.

NAPA numbers:
In TR: 269-2187
Out TR: 269-2164
Sleeves: 269-1107

TRJ Numbers:
OUTER ES350L
INNER ES ES370R
ADJUSTING SLEEVES ES350S

[69BB396]

Also, Wes from Classic Heartbeat says the Moog sleeves are only 4.5 inches
long.

[69BB396]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Let me look at my truck and Ill let you know tomorrow. with the wheel straight, I will look at the tie rods and the steering box

Hey thanks, if you're under there, measure the length of the sleeves?
I cross-referenced TRJ or Moog part numbers on the NAPA website,
their sleeves show 6".
Wes from classic heartbeat says his are 4.5".

Also hope your friends and family are all safe away from the Tsunami problems

Ron

[lolife99]

I think the 71-72 sleeves are shorter,... but they are 11/16" thread.
Yours are the smaller 5/8" thread that is used on the 67-70 trucks.

[lolife99]

I got this info from CPP's website.

Tie rod lengths:
ES323L 1960-64 outer, 5/8-18 4" left,

ES350L 1965-70 outer, 5/8-18 7.9" left

ES415R 1971-72 outer, 11/16-18 6.36" right

ES631 1960-62 inner, 5/8-18 8.66" right

ES678 1963-64 inner, 5/8-18 6.66" right

ES370R 1965-70 inner, 5/8-18 8" right

ES403L 1971-72 inner, 11/16-18 8.79" left


Tie rod sleeves:

ES350S 1965-70, 5/8-18 thread, 6" length

ES2004S 1971-72, 11/16-16 thread, 4-3/4" length

As you can see the 71-72 tie rod sleeves are shorter,... but the 71-72 tie rods themselves are much longer,... plus they won't help you anyway.

Do these numbers confirm what you have?

[lolife99]

These are the fix to your problem.
Edelbrock's custom tie rod sleeves.
I like them much better than the clamp setup anyway.
I try to use them on all my trucks.

Edelbrock part #5250 (5/8" x 3-3/8") short version

Edelbrock part #5251 (5/8" x 4-7/8") long version

I would just buy the 4-7/8" version and you should be set.
These can be purchased from Jegs or Summit Racing.
I have a set of tie rod sleeves similar to these from POL,... but the Edelbrock version is much nicer looking for the less money.
Edelbrock # 5251 is $35.99 from Jegs.
POL sells theirs for $49.99.

[mr48chev]

I posted over on the Classic heartbeat site but are you sure that by "stock" tie rod ends and sleeves CPP means the 70 and earlier or do they mean 71/72 parts? I checked their site and it was pretty vague as usual on their stuff.

Also check the lengths of your sleeves you put on the truck. They should be six inches long even.

[69BB396]

lolife99 wins! Taking my sleeves back to NAPA, intalled these;
Thanks to all for your efforts. Ron

[69BB396]

Originally Posted by mr48chev

I posted over on the Classic heartbeat site but are you sure that by "stock" tie rod ends and sleeves CPP means the 70 and earlier or do they mean 71/72 parts? I checked their site and it was pretty vague as usual on their stuff.

Also check the lengths of your sleeves you put on the truck. They should be six inches long even.

Thanks, I got your reply on the CH site. I found crossreferencing numbers can be misleading. NAPA can crossreference MOOG and TRJ numbers, what comes up as proper for my truck with power steering is 6.5 inches.
I also discovered that these sleeves are not threaded through the entire shaft - there's a section in the center not done. And this sleeve is not split down the center like the others. That's why the tie rods won't adjust close enough.

Cheers
Ron

[lolife99]

So the Edelbrock sleeves don't work?

[69BB396]

Originally Posted by lolife99

So the Edelbrock sleeves don't work?

Yes, they do - and thanks. They also saved me $50 bucks! The ones from NAPA were 52 each. Took them back. See my pics back on this thread.

Ron