66 Steering linkage set up

[Jim S.]

I recieved my new "correct " Tie rods ends yesterday , and decieded to paint them up and install them into the rods today. Then I plan to reinstall all the linkage back on the restored chassis.

Questions are several :

What tricks can I use to get them (the tie rod ends ) in the same position as the old ones ? (count the number of rotations ? )

When reinstalling everything else , linkage , idler arm , relay rod , control valve , slave cylinder , etc. etc., Is there any way to get a jump on allignment issues so they don't have to take everything apart later ,thus ruining my beautiful paint job, and possibly a few rubber boots ? As of now, I have a rolling Chassis with no motor, and of course no steering linkage.

Your help and expertise is always appreciated,


Jim

[Edward J.]

Re: 66 Steering linkage set up

Jim, you can count the turns on each tie rod,and that will get you in the ball park, after everything is back together, take a tape measure from center to center of the front and rear of each tire, and you should be within a 1/16 to 1/8 in. the rear of tire being the greater. don't forget without any weight from the drivetrain and body, things are going to change, so once assembled, recheck the center to center of the front and rear tires again.

Hope you understand, Ed.

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 Steering linkage set up

Hi Ed,

Thanks for the response.

I fiqured counting the turns was the way to go , but hoped there was an easier way. So, If I am reading you correctly , as long as I get it close to the way it came out , I can't get much closer until the whole car is back together , short of the measurement you mention ?

And No, I am not sure I understand It.

JIm

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 Steering linkage set up

Tim ,

I errased by mistake.

Jim

[Edward J.]

Re: 66 Steering linkage set up

Jim, I'll try to explain again, measure from the center thread on left front tire and measure to the center of the thread on the right tire, useing the front of the tire midway up .Take that measurement and write it down, now take the same measurement at the rear of the tire (180 degrees from the front). the rear measurement should be about 1/8" greater.

[Jim S.]

Re: 66 Steering linkage set up

Oh ! Now I get it. Thanks Ed.


JIm

[Edward J.]

Re: 66 Steering linkage set up

Jim, nothing is going to be exact, just get the tires pointing straight ahead using the the center to center of each tire.

once the car is completed and ready for the test drive to get a front end alignment,center the steering wheel and you eye down the front tire to the rear tire of each side and to see just how close you are.