Ridetech drop spindles force tie rod into rim/tire?

[Erik Beckett]

I know this has been talked about but I am having trouble searching for the threads.

I just got finished installing my complete Ridetech setup front and rear on my 68 Camaro. The fronts went on great, I used there drop spindles as well. Everything fit and bolted up. I installed the tires and dropped the car on the ground. I still need to adjust the front coil springs to raise the front some. Its sitting on the fenders almost. I am waiting for the spanner wrench since my kit did not come with any of them. My issue is the tie rod ends are touching the rim/tire.

I have read about the outer tie rods contacting the rim/tire but I thought this was on 17" rims and smaller. I have 18" Formula 43's that are 18x8 with 5" backspacing plus the Wilwood brakes push the track width wider some.Should be plenty of room. But I still have the tie rod ends making contact. I prefer to not have to buy the Tru Turn kit. Can I space the steering arm 1/4" away from the spindle and just screw in the tie rod 1/4" further to make the difference?

The car will need aligned. I installed the shims from before and UCA has atleast 1/4 to 3/8" of shims in each bolt. I assume that when its aligned it will pull the top of the rim in towards the car and should space the bottom away. Right now I can not drive car to alignment shop at all.

Thoughts?

Thanks, Erik

[bret]

I know this has been talked about but I am having trouble searching for the threads.

I just got finished installing my complete Ridetech setup front and rear on my 68 Camaro. The fronts went on great, I used there drop spindles as well. Everything fit and bolted up. I installed the tires and dropped the car on the ground. I still need to adjust the front coil springs to raise the front some. Its sitting on the fenders almost. I am waiting for the spanner wrench since my kit did not come with any of them. My issue is the tie rod ends are touching the rim/tire.

I have read about the outer tie rods contacting the rim/tire but I thought this was on 17" rims and smaller. I have 18" Formula 43's that are 18x8 with 5" backspacing plus the Wilwood brakes push the track width wider some.Should be plenty of room. But I still have the tie rod ends making contact. I prefer to not have to buy the Tru Turn kit. Can I space the steering arm 1/4" away from the spindle and just screw in the tie rod 1/4" further to make the difference?

The car will need aligned. I installed the shims from before and UCA has atleast 1/4 to 3/8" of shims in each bolt. I assume that when its aligned it will pull the top of the rim in towards the car and should space the bottom away. Right now I can not drive car to alignment shop at all.

Thoughts?

Thanks, Erik

Unless you use the TruTurn system you will be limited to a 4.5" backspace before the wheel hits the outer tie rod end. If you simply space the steering arm in you will induce even more bumpsteer into an already bumpsteer prone steering system. You will chase the car all over the highway. Your choices are changing the backspace of the wheel or installing the TruTurn system that raises both the inner and outer tierod ends. This creates clearance for a 5.75 backspace wheel AND eliminates the bumpsteer.
Not good news, but it is good information.