tie rod help - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Builtwright · 08-16-2013, 09:50 AM

So, I just installed drop spindles from a late 70s c10 on my '72 using the correct upper ball joints, rotors and tie rod ends . My issue now is at ride height with bumper about 4"-6" off the ground, the wheels are toed out pretty good, as in not drivable. The tie rods are adjusted in as far as they can go. Ill also add that the sleeves and rest of the steering components are 1972...what am I missing? Shorter sleeves won't fix this as the ends are touching inside the sleeves. The passenger side is WAY worse
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**TBONE1964** · 08-16-2013, 10:03 AM

It may not be a toe problem entirely. You may also have caster/camber adjustments that need to be made. Are you using the 72 upper control arms?

How far is it to your alignment shop? If you can get it there, they will be able to adjust it to specs if it is possible with your combination of parts. You may need to use offset upper control arm shafts to get the camber right. When you say late 70's, are you talking square body (73-87) style?

sKnNyPpY · 08-16-2013, 10:08 AM

My 71 GMC 1500 with drop spindles has at least 4 alignment shims of different thicknesses on the upper A arm alone. I would go see an alignment specialist especially if you've replaced all that with no alignment done. And from that drop I'm assuming you're using drop springs as well? That could add to the problem if they are 3" or more drop.

Lee H · 08-16-2013, 10:10 AM

What do you mean "correct" tie rods. The 73 up tie rods are longer and have larger diameter tapered stud that goes into the spindle. I'm not 100% on this but think you need the later relay rod. You should measure before swapping, I'm pretty sure it is shorter between the tie rod mounting points.
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Builtwright · 08-16-2013, 10:15 AM

I'm using the correct tie rod ends and upper bj's to match the drop spindles that came off a '74. And my upper c/a's are 72.
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Builtwright · 08-16-2013, 10:17 AM

And yes, I should've measure first. I post here when I got the parts and was told by many members that all I needed were the upper bjs and tie rod ends
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Builtwright · 08-16-2013, 10:45 AM

And as fars as all the alignment comments go, I'm trained in alignment. My question is what combination of parts do I need to narrow this front end
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**TBONE1964** · 08-16-2013, 11:15 AM

Well, it sounds like you have it all figured out. I would suggest you use drop spindles and suspension components for a 72 and fix the problem.

Builtwright · 08-16-2013, 11:25 AM

What I've done isn't an uncommon swap, there are numerous threads here from other members who've done the same. All I'm looking for are what components to use to more or less narrow my steering assembly.
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**TBONE1964** · 08-16-2013, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Builtwright

What I've done isn't an uncommon swap, there are numerous threads here from other members who've done the same. All I'm looking for are what components to use to more or less narrow my steering assembly.
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I apologize and my comment was a little harsh. I hope you find the answer you are looking for. There are plenty of good people on here that will help you sort out your problem.

Good Luck

Builtwright · 08-16-2013, 04:44 PM

Up
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08-16-2013, 09:50 AM	#1
Builtwright Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Fredericksburg Posts: 32	tie rod help So, I just installed drop spindles from a late 70s c10 on my '72 using the correct upper ball joints, rotors and tie rod ends . My issue now is at ride height with bumper about 4"-6" off the ground, the wheels are toed out pretty good, as in not drivable. The tie rods are adjusted in as far as they can go. Ill also add that the sleeves and rest of the steering components are 1972...what am I missing? Shorter sleeves won't fix this as the ends are touching inside the sleeves. The passenger side is WAY worse Posted via Mobile Device Attached Images

08-16-2013, 10:03 AM	#2
TBONE1964 Cluster King Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Junction City, OR Posts: 5,262	Re: tie rod help It may not be a toe problem entirely. You may also have caster/camber adjustments that need to be made. Are you using the 72 upper control arms? How far is it to your alignment shop? If you can get it there, they will be able to adjust it to specs if it is possible with your combination of parts. You may need to use offset upper control arm shafts to get the camber right. When you say late 70's, are you talking square body (73-87) style?

08-16-2013, 10:08 AM	#3
sKnNyPpY Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Columbia, SC Posts: 549	Re: tie rod help My 71 GMC 1500 with drop spindles has at least 4 alignment shims of different thicknesses on the upper A arm alone. I would go see an alignment specialist especially if you've replaced all that with no alignment done. And from that drop I'm assuming you're using drop springs as well? That could add to the problem if they are 3" or more drop. __________________ Life is too long to go slow... 71 GMC 1500 Super Custom LWB 350/350 AC(replaced w/vintage air)/PS/PB 2.5 CPP Spindle, 1" CPP Drop Spring, CPP Front and Rear Sway Bars/DJM Flip, new General Spring KC 5 spring pack, HEI /IntReg Alt 20x8.5 OldSkools 5" BS, 275/45 Falkens

08-16-2013, 10:10 AM	#4
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,147	Re: tie rod help What do you mean "correct" tie rods. The 73 up tie rods are longer and have larger diameter tapered stud that goes into the spindle. I'm not 100% on this but think you need the later relay rod. You should measure before swapping, I'm pretty sure it is shorter between the tie rod mounting points. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1972 C10 SWB, Air, PS, PB, 350/350THM. Second owner. 1965 Corvette roadster, 44K miles, 327/365 SHP, 4 speed, side exhaust, knockoffs, teak, second owner (bought in 1970), Have ALL numbers matching components. My frame off restoration thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=556703

08-16-2013, 10:15 AM	#5
Builtwright Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Fredericksburg Posts: 32	Re: tie rod help I'm using the correct tie rod ends and upper bj's to match the drop spindles that came off a '74. And my upper c/a's are 72. Posted via Mobile Device

08-16-2013, 10:17 AM	#6
Builtwright Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Fredericksburg Posts: 32	Re: tie rod help And yes, I should've measure first. I post here when I got the parts and was told by many members that all I needed were the upper bjs and tie rod ends Posted via Mobile Device

08-16-2013, 10:45 AM	#7
Builtwright Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Fredericksburg Posts: 32	Re: tie rod help And as fars as all the alignment comments go, I'm trained in alignment. My question is what combination of parts do I need to narrow this front end Posted via Mobile Device

08-16-2013, 11:15 AM	#8
TBONE1964 Cluster King Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Junction City, OR Posts: 5,262	Re: tie rod help Well, it sounds like you have it all figured out. I would suggest you use drop spindles and suspension components for a 72 and fix the problem.

08-16-2013, 11:25 AM	#9
Builtwright Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Fredericksburg Posts: 32	Re: tie rod help What I've done isn't an uncommon swap, there are numerous threads here from other members who've done the same. All I'm looking for are what components to use to more or less narrow my steering assembly. Posted via Mobile Device

08-16-2013, 04:44 PM	#11
Builtwright Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Fredericksburg Posts: 32	Re: tie rod help Up Posted via Mobile Device



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