Tie Rod install problems - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

bjhill1987 · 10-17-2011, 05:58 PM

Hello, I'm attempting to install new tie rods on the front end of my 1971 GMC and cant get them to line up with the spindals. I have taken all the parts off the front cleaned painted and replaced what needed to be. When I attempt to put them on I can get one side on and the wheel on that side is straight, however; on the other side the tie rod is too long for the tire to be facing straight. Both tie rods are them same length 17" from center of bolts.
Anyone have any suggestions ?????

Thanks.

Lee H · 10-17-2011, 06:06 PM

Do you ave the tie rod installed in the adjuster far enough?
Posted via Mobile Device

**lolife99** · 10-17-2011, 06:17 PM

Got any pics?

bjhill1987 · 10-17-2011, 06:18 PM

Yes I have them all the way in.
Posted via Mobile Device

57larry · 10-17-2011, 08:23 PM

or you could take the truck to get the front end align and let the alignment guy figure it out

bjhill1987 · 10-18-2011, 11:15 AM

Yea, I'm not ready to bring it to the alignment shop yet too much work needs to be done. But here is a pic sorry its sideways but you can see that the driver side is on and the rotor is facing forward but the passenger side is kicked out.

Lee H · 10-18-2011, 12:59 PM

The outer tie rods look way to long. Mine are 7 3/8 inches from end to end, and the inners are 9 5/8 end to end.
Posted via Mobile Device

**lolife99** · 10-18-2011, 04:56 PM

Got any closer pics of the tie rods?
The inner tie rod nuts should be on the front side of the centerlink.
This is a common mistake to install incorrectly.

hayhauler71 · 10-18-2011, 05:02 PM

Is the steering gear box centered. The idler arm and pitman arm should be straight with the frame or close.

bjhill1987 · 10-18-2011, 05:12 PM

lolife99, I can take more soon. This is kinda an old pic I think the centerlink was installed wrong in this picture but I have since corrected that and the bolts are now facing forward. I have also measured the tie rods and they are the same measurements given above. I also centered the gear box before attempting to install the rods.

Thanks for yalls help.

**Wrenchbender Ret** · 10-18-2011, 05:42 PM

If the steering box is on center adjust the tie rod sleeves till the wheels point straight ahead. You can get it close by eyeball & check it when you get it all together or take it to the alignment shop.

Robznob11 · 10-18-2011, 06:36 PM

Is your drag link a 71-72 . I dont remember the issue but my center is 68 and spindles are 71-72 this requires a custom tie rod adjuster and a mix ou tierod ends like useing inners for outers cpp knows the correct ends and sells the adjusters
Posted via Mobile Device

10-17-2011, 05:58 PM	#1
bjhill1987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Stephenville, TX Posts: 9	Tie Rod install problems Hello, I'm attempting to install new tie rods on the front end of my 1971 GMC and cant get them to line up with the spindals. I have taken all the parts off the front cleaned painted and replaced what needed to be. When I attempt to put them on I can get one side on and the wheel on that side is straight, however; on the other side the tie rod is too long for the tire to be facing straight. Both tie rods are them same length 17" from center of bolts. Anyone have any suggestions ????? Thanks.

10-17-2011, 06:06 PM	#2
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,139	Re: Tie Rod install problems Do you ave the tie rod installed in the adjuster far enough? 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

10-17-2011, 06:17 PM	#3
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,685	Re: Tie Rod install problems Got any pics? __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

10-17-2011, 06:18 PM	#4
bjhill1987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Stephenville, TX Posts: 9	Re: Tie Rod install problems Yes I have them all the way in. Posted via Mobile Device

10-17-2011, 08:23 PM	#5
57larry Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 1,160	Re: Tie Rod install problems or you could take the truck to get the front end align and let the alignment guy figure it out

10-18-2011, 11:15 AM	#6
bjhill1987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Stephenville, TX Posts: 9	Re: Tie Rod install problems Yea, I'm not ready to bring it to the alignment shop yet too much work needs to be done. But here is a pic sorry its sideways but you can see that the driver side is on and the rotor is facing forward but the passenger side is kicked out.

10-18-2011, 12:59 PM	#7
Lee H Registered User Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Upland Ca Posts: 4,139	Re: Tie Rod install problems The outer tie rods look way to long. Mine are 7 3/8 inches from end to end, and the inners are 9 5/8 end to end. 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

10-18-2011, 04:56 PM	#8
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,685	Re: Tie Rod install problems Got any closer pics of the tie rods? The inner tie rod nuts should be on the front side of the centerlink. This is a common mistake to install incorrectly. Attached Images __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

10-18-2011, 05:02 PM	#9
hayhauler71 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: St. Paul MN. Posts: 1,996	Re: Tie Rod install problems Is the steering gear box centered. The idler arm and pitman arm should be straight with the frame or close. __________________ Fuzzy

10-18-2011, 05:12 PM	#10
bjhill1987 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Stephenville, TX Posts: 9	Re: Tie Rod install problems lolife99, I can take more soon. This is kinda an old pic I think the centerlink was installed wrong in this picture but I have since corrected that and the bolts are now facing forward. I have also measured the tie rods and they are the same measurements given above. I also centered the gear box before attempting to install the rods. Thanks for yalls help.

10-18-2011, 05:42 PM	#11
Wrenchbender Ret Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Overland Park, Ks. Posts: 5,194	Re: Tie Rod install problems If the steering box is on center adjust the tie rod sleeves till the wheels point straight ahead. You can get it close by eyeball & check it when you get it all together or take it to the alignment shop.

10-18-2011, 06:36 PM	#12
Robznob11 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: brownfield texas (west texas) Posts: 1,936	Re: Tie Rod install problems Is your drag link a 71-72 . I dont remember the issue but my center is 68 and spindles are 71-72 this requires a custom tie rod adjuster and a mix ou tierod ends like useing inners for outers cpp knows the correct ends and sells the adjusters Posted via Mobile Device __________________ The Ghost 67 short wide full custom. 550 hp LSX, 4l80E, narrowed 9". Body dropped w/air ride! ........................ ___ .........________//__{\_____ ,,,,,,,/__(⊙)___//___/__(O)_/ @disciple2.rc 💪instagram💪 LED TAILS



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