Tie rod Q.

[78240D]

Actually a couple. Does it matter which way outer tie rods are installed? What I mean by this is there are two different sleeve securing methods used on the tie rod. One is a clamp style, the other end is a cinch/jam nut. Does is matter which end goes to the knuckle? Also, how are adjustments made once installed? Which end is loosened?

Thanks!

[Phil]

Originally Posted by 78240D

Actually a couple. Does it matter which way outer tie rods are installed? What I mean by this is there are two different sleeve securing methods used on the tie rod. One is a clamp style, the other end is a cinch/jam nut. Does is matter which end goes to the knuckle? Also, how are adjustments made once installed? Which end is loosened?

Thanks!

First I do not know if it matters which way you install it. I would put it in the way the old one was.
Second to adjust you loosen both ends and turn the center because the ends are threaded opposite so when you turn the center it either screws both ends in (shorter) or screws both ends out (longer).

[78240D]

Thanks a lot Phil! The problem is that the old ones have the clamp securing method on both ends (original I believe.)

[BodhiBenz1987]

Originally Posted by 78240D

Thanks a lot Phil! The problem is that the old ones have the clamp securing method on both ends (original I believe.)

I had the same problem when installing new tie rods on my 78 ... I just looked at the ones on my 87 and went with that direction, which is clamps on the outside by the tire. Let me double-check that before you take my word, though.

[tangofox007]

Jam nut goes inboard, clamp outboard. You need to loosen both to make an adjustment.

[BodhiBenz1987]

tangofox already answered, but FWIW I checked and both my cars indeed have clamp on the outside.

[78240D]

Go fricken figure! I installed them the opposite way. Do you think thats a problem??

[Junkman]

Originally Posted by 78240D

Go fricken figure! I installed them the opposite way. Do you think thats a problem??

If tie rods are installed, they adjust. I had a Datsun Z where the PO had installed the opposite side inner tie rod. Both tie rods adjusted, one just turned in the opposite direction. It was only a problem for the front end guy until he figured out what happened.

[78240D]

Hey again,

Now, my steering wheel is off center quite a bit and there is a slight wander to the right once I let go of the wheel. Are both tie rods left and right supposed to be the same length or not necessarily? Thanks

[tangofox007]

Originally Posted by 78240D

Hey again,

Are both tie rods left and right supposed to be the same length?

No. They need to be adjusted as necessary to obtain the proper toe angle and center the steering wheel.

[BodhiBenz1987]

Originally Posted by 78240D

Hey again,

Now, my steering wheel is off center quite a bit and there is a slight wander to the right once I let go of the wheel. Are both tie rods left and right supposed to be the same length or not necessarily? Thanks

Get an alignment from a qualified shop as soon as you can ... they'll adjust the tie rods so the car will fly straight.

[mobetta]

before you go shell out the $$ for an alignment, make sure your dont need any other front end parts, or you'll be paying for another one....

[BodhiBenz1987]

Originally Posted by mobetta

before you go shell out the $$ for an alignment, make sure your dont need any other front end parts, or you'll be paying for another one....

Good advice. I had an alignment done after replacing tie rods, then found out I needed new UCA bushings. The alignment shop was nice enough to give me a half-price alignment after I did the UCA bushings, since I had just been in there.