C3 Tie Rod Clamp Bolt Position

[Michael B.]

If somebody asked me 5 years ago if I would ever be asking a question like this I would have told them they were nuts.

My 69 AIM shows that the inner tie rod clamp bolt hangs below the tie rod with the threads facing the rear. The 68-69 JG says the threads should face forward. Which is correct and, if not the same answer, which way will avoid deducts in San Jose?

[Paul O.]

Re: C3 Tie Rod Clamp Bolt Position

Michael the AIM and shop manual show the correct positioning of the clamps and fasteners. That is the position that should cause no deductions. You should also look to make sure the clamp is positioned correctly on the tube slot to make the clamp effective. You are allowed on 1 clamp 45 deg in one direction and the other 45 deg up or down from the normal position for proper clamping. Paul 18046

[Jim S.]

Re: C3 Tie Rod Clamp Bolt Position

I took some time and studied the tie rod adjuster sleeve AIM sheet for my 1975. A scan of the AIM sheet is included at the end of the paper. (I assume that the AIM for your 1968-69 is probably the same.)

You might find this paper to be of value.

http://jimshea.corvettefaq.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/03/steeringlinkagetierodspecs-rev01mr07.doc

Jim

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 Tie Rod Clamp Bolt Position

I noticed in the picture that both RH threads ends were in the center of the car. Is this judged or just the clamp position? Has anyone checked this out on original cars? Do the paint dabs have something to do with the way they were installed?

[Michael B.]

Re: C3 Tie Rod Clamp Bolt Position

Thanks Jim,

The paper details the information presented in the AIM and I'm going to stick with that. The information in the 68-69 JG that says the inner clamp bolt should have the threads facing forward appears to be incorrect.

I have read the debate on the direction that the front spoiler extension bolts are supposed to face. AIM says threads go behind the spoiler but I believe the consensus is they were actually assembled with the thread and nut to the front and exposed. Just wanted to make sure it wasn't one of those kind of issues.

[Jamie F.]

Re: C3 Tie Rod Clamp Bolt Position

Jim,
What a great site you have. Tons of valuable information.
Thank you for that.
Regards,