RIDETECH TruTurn Outer tie rod ends One bent?

[toofun]

So I am assuming that both tie rod ends should be the same? I think this one slipped by QC at ridetech unless I am missing something here... I am sure if its wrong they will take care of it right away BUT the question I have is are the outer tie rod ends the same as a regular camaro outer tie rod end? I guess I could use the old one for now until I get the replacement to mock up everything.... Anyone know for sure? Pic posted below...

Mark
TOOFUN

[carguy502]

I had the same look on my face until I read the instructions. This bent tierof is intentionally included to go around the idler arm. I think a normal straight unit would have worked on my car, but this is correct. I'd like to have ridetech give the damn thing a different part number. That really threw me off. Good luck ans happy installations.

Don

[toofun]

Thanks Don... Didnt see that until I look closely at the last page and it had the text box.. But NOW I have a different dilema.. After putting the bracket on and then attaching the steering inner and outer tierod the inner tie rod end head SLAMS into one of my DOUG Ceramic coated header tubes!! I would dimple it but it would mean that I would have to crush the tube more than HALF of the way.. Just cant do that so my dilema is.. Do I have to use the center bracket? Why cant I use the stock location hole for the inner tie rod end? I dont see any interference issues with the rim and tire on the car so why would they have the bracket in the first place? I am using the ridetech spindle that came with the true turn kit. Here is a pic of the inner arm hitting the tube...Oh and I put the wrong curved part that goes on the PASS side on when I took this pic but since then have put the right side back on but it still hits the same way...

[bret]

You absolutely must use the centerlink bracket that we supply. This is what places the inner tie rod ends in the correct location to optimize the steering geometry. Without it you car would be nearly undriveable due to radical bump steer. The header tube will need to be relocated, or use a different header. Header fitment is a problem because there are literally hundreds of different engine/header combinations possible.

I wish I had an easier answer...

[toofun]

Thank you Bret for chiming in here. I already got the bigger rims and tires so going back to the old system is not an option. I also got all of the ridetech front and rear gear as well and really dont want to go turn back now(who would the stuff is awesome!!) So I guess I will have to look into having the header reworked or go with a different header... The Doug thorley headers are awesome and I really like what they do for the car BUT if I have the same problem on the other side (which I will find out tonight) I guess I will just swap out the headers for another brand and sell these. They are virtually brand new..
So my question is on a 68 camaro what brand/model headers in your experience work with this kit that would be comparable to the Doug Thorley headers I have on their now? Again I would rather go with your experience here and thank you in advance for taking the time to answer me.

Mark
TOOFUN

[carguy502]

I can vouch for the Doug Thorley Tri-ys (#376, IIRC) fit for Gen I SBCs in a 1969 Nova, which is essentially the same chassis. The ridetech stuff is sweet, hang in there!

[toofun]

Thanks Don... MR Quick made reference to a similiar issue on another post and said that the DYNOTECH 740-11310 fit with NO ISSUES at all. Trying to get more info on that. Sucks since the Doug D386's fit like a glove in there and work very very well. Jesse who I bought the car from even bought them from Thermal coatings which specially coated the raw headers that took care of the coating problems the company Dougs uses has from time to time. Hate to get rid of them but I guess for the advances I get from the ridetech tru turn and complete suspension system its worth it. May have to post them here for sale to recoup the cost of new headers...

Mark
TOOFUN

[mdprovee]

Mark,

I too had header problems, and Vince (MR Quick) wsa talking about my car. I had Hooker Super Comp headers. I changed to the Dynotech ones, and they fit great. They are the stepped one 1 7/8" to 1 3/4" for first gen. Camaros.

[toofun]

Mark,

I too had header problems, and Vince (MR Quick) wsa talking about my car. I had Hooker Super Comp headers. I changed to the Dynotech ones, and they fit great. They are the stepped one 1 7/8" to 1 3/4" for first gen. Camaros.

OK Thanks Mike!! I looked up the part number Vince referenced and it said that it was the 740-11310 headers on their site. Guess this is the best way to go but could you just verify that this number is right. Like I said I just want to be absolutely sure since I dont want to order the wrong one. Also you have the 670 lee steering box too?

Mark
TOOFUN

[mdprovee]

Mark,

That is the correct number, actually Vince ordered and installed them for me.

My steering box is an AGR box I bought Billet, Variable that I purchased about 10 years ago. Still working great.

http://www.agrperformance.com/Street...erformance.htm

[toofun]

OK Not to beat a dead horse here but I took another look underneath yesterday and was thinking that if I had an end on the inner tie rod like the outer tie rod had I would be able to get away with just dimpling the header instead of replacing it. The passenger side has no problems at all so it is just the drivers side I am having an issue with. I thought someone was talking about replacing the inner tie rod end with a "heimjoint?" or something like that? Would that work? Like I said I am just throwing ideas out there to try and save me the work and expense of getting new headers... Has anyone tried and tested this idea out??
Mark
TOOFUN

[mdprovee]

Mark,

That is what ridetech investigated with my problem. Mine was the passenger side that hit. They said a heim wouldn't work for me. I even suggested flipping the tie rod assembly, the heim on the inner, then them tie rod on the outer. Wouldn't work. Give Darren a call at ridetech, I know he went thru a few scenarios with me.

[toofun]

Yea I called the guys at ridetech and they didnt really know what would fit. Only knew what WOULDNT fit... Also called the people at Dynotech but they couldnt tell me much either. I talked to JD Whitney and he wasnt sure what would work or couldnt remember so he sent me over to a person named CAROL which dropped the call.. When ever I call them back I get their voicemail so it has been frustrating to say the least. I figured if someone had real world experience with it that would ease my mind. I have a small block, with the truturn, brodix heads with angled plugs and a 670 lee steering box, and 1 3/4 tubes currently. The part number vince gave me was referenced to 1 5/8- 1 3/4 inch tubes. Just trying to find the right set that will fit with no problems that will work with the truturn system. If anyone has any pics showing the clearance that would be great.

[mdprovee]

Mark,

The 740-11310 are 1 3/4" to 1 7/8" coated headers. I know they worked in my case because they are on the car. There is clearance on both sides, as I have autocrossed a couple of times, and have street miles on it. I can try and take pictures tomorrow. I am not home till then.

[toofun]

Mark,

The 740-11310 are 1 3/4" to 1 7/8" coated headers. I know they worked in my case because they are on the car. There is clearance on both sides, as I have autocrossed a couple of times, and have street miles on it. I can try and take pictures tomorrow. I am not home till then.

Thanks Mike I would appreciate it. I guess my major concerns are will they fit and did you have to move the box to make them fit or did they slide right in. Seeing pics of the clearance you have with the box and more importantly with the tru turn system would be great and very much appreciated. Thanks again!

Mark
TOOFUN

[MrQuick]

Sorry about that Mark, we were on the road when I got your call and been up to my eye balls with stuff.

They went right in with no major removal of parts. All spark plugs out and they went right in.

There was a few pictures of the fitment near the box. I'll email them to you now.

Vince

[mdprovee]

Mark,

Here are some pictures from above and below, the best I can. The car is tied down on a trailer right now. Again, I have a SBC, the Dynatech headers, and the Tru Turn system. Clears both sides on my car.

[toofun]

Awesome! Thank you that is what I needed to see! Looks like Ill be ordering mine today!

Mark
TOOFUN

[Cole]

Let us know where you order them from. I will be on the same in the boat soon so if ordering 2 is better let me know.

-Cole

[keithq69]

I'm not sure if someone suggested this or not.
I know it may be more work than its worth, but if you love those headers is moving the engine back 3/4" possible?

Keith.