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View Full Version : Center link and tie rod travel



tom_a
04-26-2008, 09:47 PM
I think I really must be missing something simple that may be obvious to others here. My main question is when I turn my wheels to the left I am getting further travel than when turning to the right. The tie rods seem to look the same or at least close to each other. This is a 69 Chevelle frame and if it matters I am using ATS spindles and steering arms with a lee steering box. You will note that the motor stands have 1/2" spacers below them. These are attempt to gain more clearance for the LS engine as the tie rod when turned to left will hit the oil pan. Originally I had no spacers with engine mounted and the problem was reversed ie; Turning to the right it would hit pan :confused: ?? One other thing is I had original gear box on with no spacers and when I put the spacers on I switched to the Lee Box.
Have I installed something improper?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/1000tierod-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/1000tierod3-1.jpg
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/1000tierod2-1.jpg
Also the center link actually drags while turning the wheels to the left..I suppose this may change with wheels on the ground?
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/1000tierod4-1.jpg

ls1 nova
04-26-2008, 10:28 PM
Is your idler, pitman arm the same length? Alighnment, toe in, toe out has big effect. Not an expert but my .02. How far off is it?

tom_a
04-26-2008, 10:38 PM
I went out and took measurement and it appears they are both the same length. As far as alignment..no I have not yet. I kinda adjusted back and forth a little. Did not seemed to help, however maybe I will try a little more tomorrow.

Thanks,
Tom

Roadbuster
04-26-2008, 10:53 PM
Tom,
Nice Chassis!

Do have the inner and outer tie rods reversed?

The Moog kit I got to replace mine has inner rod ends that just rotate (as far as I can tell) and the outers can rotate and swivel.

This is slightly different from what came out:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2008/04/CIMG1368small-1.jpg

Both ends rotate and swivel, but the inners have the grease fitting on end of the rod while the outers have them on the bottom. I have no idea if this is stock or not.

Hope this helps.

I have pretty much the same suspension setup, in boxes. My stock stuff is in a junk pile. I just have the Lee box installed and the rest is waiting for me to get some time to install it all (hopefully next weekend!) :woot:

Jon

tom_a
04-26-2008, 11:00 PM
Roadbuster,

I think I have them just like your picture. The inner have grease fittings at the end while the outer have them coming out back. Something seems a click off...but I have been scratching my head and can't figure what it is.

Thanks,
Tom

Roadbuster
04-26-2008, 11:00 PM
Tom,
Looking at the photos again, does your idler arm have a drop in it? It is kinda hard to tell in the first photo. It should have a drop to match the pitman arm.

Jon

tom_a
04-26-2008, 11:08 PM
Tom,
Looking at the photos again, does your idler arm have a drop in it? It is kinda hard to tell in the first photo. It should have a drop to match the pitman arm.

Jon

Hmm, I went out took a quick look and the idler does not have a drop, rather it is straight. Your picture of the idler does appear to have bend in it. Maybe I will go to the parts store and see what they pull off the shelf to match it up. Thanks for the feedback.

Tom