2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Bent Tierod-Steering Geometry?

[Newf Limo]

Quick question. As I already have to put $2500 into this ol' truck to get it road worthy again, I am debating the need to spend even more right now. Money that 'isn't exactly mine', as it actually belongs to Chase Manhatten Bank.



So, the long tierod arm on the drivers side has a little bend to it. Not huge, but you can see it. Maybe 3 degrees. I know that this has reduced the distance between the two points of connection, and that can be adjusted back out, as there is tons of thread left. It is my opinion, that this will not, once adjusted, alter the steering geometry. Is there anyone "in the know" that would care to confirm that or explain how it is wrong? As long as the ball joints are good, I'm planning to have them just do an alignment with the present tierod. I actually had to look at another truck, to make sure that the bend in my tierod, wasn't by design, to give clearance to the differential or something. Couldn't be that lucky.

 

[scotmartin]

As long as it doesn't hit something because of the bend, and it still has enough length to be adjusted during an alignment, it should work fine.

 

[Newf Limo]

That's what I was thinking. Thanks Scott.

 

[JMcCoy]

I agree. We call that a trail adjustment. People often change steering parts to their needs. If you come back and tell us it is riding even better, I may take a sledge hammer to mine to duplicate yours. Oo. Make sure it is not going to bind at any point in the suspentions articulation and most importantly, make sure it is safe. Good luck.

 

[dresslered]

Newf,

If you were closer I'd say come on over and get my old tie-rods. I replaced them all with Moog when I did the ball joints. The shipping would probably eat up the part about being free.

 

[Newf Limo]

You guys are too funny. Thanks for the help. I'll let you know if it turns out to be a good mod. It is actually bent forward, so it increases the clearence between it, and the axle. It sort of looks... factory. I had to hunt down another truck to see if it was actually bent. Chances are, the ball joint is crap by now anyways. But, to get an inspection sticker, (due last month) I know I have to do a front end alignment, tires, shocks, steering damper, exhaust system, and to try to get some decent life out of the tires, I am putting on some Centramatics. Only having 4 feet of exhaust system left, coming from the turbo sort of says "POLICE LOOK NO STICKER!!!" Oo. Oo. :-laf



These are the things that I 'know' it needs. I'm sure they can find something else. So, there goes a couple months pay. :{