Newbie needs help
 

The '59 fleetside is scary on the freeway,aiming it down the road is a process of herding rather than steering.......so i got new tie rod ends. Its 4WD with running gear out of a '74 K10 P/U(Dana 44) . I got all the bits from my local Napa store but they did not have any recommendations for the torque of the castle nuts on the tie rods.Also it seems as if I could remove both the "center link" assembly and the "drag link" assembly (both consist of two tie rods and a adjusting sleeve) and measure center to center on the studs, set up the new ones the same and reinstall and it would be more accurate than counting the number of turns into the sleeves(as someone suggested) as the new parts are not of the same manufacturer.If anyone out there has any thoughts, suggestions,specs, or ideas that would be great!!
Thanks - Jeff

I got some info but??? 45-50 ft/lbs sound right for the castle nuts?

That sounds about right.
I have never used a torque wrench for tie rod ends, just made them good and tight.
Also check for slop in the steering gear.
This is a common source for play in the steering.