Tie rod measurements

[pjm8047]

Whats the best why to measure tie rods without doing an alignment? I bought new tie rods and sleeves. I wanna match them to the old ones

 

[tpodwdog]

remove the tie rod assembly as a unit...(pic 1 )

turn one of the tie rod ends 1/2 half turn so they both point the same way( pic 2 )

measure from dead *** center of grease fitting to grease fitting ( pic 3 )

duplicate on new assembly and turn 1/2 turn so one points one way and the other points opposite.

put on car and do the other side!..........TA-DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

THEN GO GET A FRONT END ALIGNMENT!:headbang:

 

[super-bee_ski]

remove the tie rod assembly as a unit...(pic 1 )

turn one of the tie rod ends 1/2 half turn so they both point the same way( pic 2 )

measure from dead *** center of grease fitting to grease fitting ( pic 3 )

duplicate on new assembly and turn 1/2 turn so one points one way and the other points opposite.

put on car and do the other side!..........TA-DAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

THEN GO GET A FRONT END ALIGNMENT!:headbang:

YUP,
Just like tpodwdog says:
Heck, I just made my tires look straight.
Then went and got an alignment.
Super-bee_ski

 

[pjm8047]

Ill still need to get an alignment? I got one last year

 

[Cranky]

Park your car on level ground then using a tape measure, measure from the center of the tires and note the measurement. I like to use a scribe and circle it with white chalk so it's easy to see. Then go behind the tire and do the same. The front marks should measure just a tiny bit less than the rear (helps to have someone helping plus I use a pair of ramps to do this on). Pull off the old tie rods and made the new ones as close as possible to the old ones like mentioned above. Put them on and recheck your measurements and adjust as necessary. Drive it then check again. Doing it this way isn't as accurate as an alignment rack but it's damn close. I've been doing my own alignments for years and my tire wear is always good....

 

[pjm8047]

Would if i just change the dust boots alignment shouldnt change right?

 

[tpodwdog]

no you would not need an alignment,,,,but if youre going thru the trouble of separating the tie rod ends to put new boots on,,,,,,why not just replace the tie rod ends? DONT BE SCARED ITS NOT GOING TO BITE YOU !.....lol

 

[67 coronet]

do as cranky said,never assume an old mesurement is correct.considering the price of tires nowadays,just get a good alignment after you assemble using crankys method.

 

[pjm8047]

i replaced my tie rods.the vehicle looks like its good straight when the steering wheel is straight.ill probably leave it alone. I gonna get new mag 500 rims and tires next year

 

[red340bbody]

if I was to spend all the money on front end parts and tires what is another 75.00 to get a proper alignment down .setting it up by eye can fry the new front tires and cause all sorts of havick on your suspension ,bump steer crooked steering wheel , just do it right the first time and make it go down the road straight and be happy with what you have accomplished with what you have done to your ride .