tie rod taper

[TBART70]

Can anybody tell me how to measure the taper on a tie rod end or stud for a bumpsteer kit. What is the stock taper for a Chevelle steering arm.

thanks for any help.
-Tom

[David Pozzi]

What year Chevelle?
GM changed tapers from 7 degrees on the early cars, to 10 degrees on the 70's cars. The change happened when GM changed to cast spindles with cast in steering arms and caliper mounts. If those bolt on, the taper is most likely 7 degrees. Chrysler used 7 degrees, and the popular screw in balljoints are Chrysler parts of the early 60's.

I haven't measured tapers, but I believe a 10 degree tie rod stud would have a 10 degree angle from centerline of stud to the taper. In other words don't measure from taper to taper, measure from centerline to one side.
The problem lies in while the taper may be the same, the diameter of the stud is often larger on circle track balljoints or tie rod ends, requiring you to ream out the hole in the spindle.
David

[TBART70]

thanks, they are the bolt on kind. I need to figure out what reamer I need.

[David Pozzi]

Guldstrand and Baer have bumpsteer kits that bolt on. You need a 7 deg reamer, Speedway Motors has a good price on them but they are made to enlarge the holes to stock car sizes and probably won't make a hole small enough for small stock sized studs.
David