philipswanson
Well-known member
How much torque do you recommend for tie rod ends and the drag link ends when replacing with new parts on a 40?
A good hard pull on a 3/8" drive ratchet handle should do the trick. It is not an area where torque specification is critical.
These cars were maintained for decades by shade tree mechanics, 99% of whom did not own a torque wrench. You wring off a few bolts and strip a few threads, and you learn how hard to pull on that wrench. So, don't over think torque specifications. The only place it is critically important is cylinder heads. And the shade tree torque spec for those is as hard as you can pull a 1/2" drive long bar with one hand.
There is a torque spec in the '49-'51 Linc/Merc manual and is consistent with what MOOG said.I am surprised there is no spec for torque on a major steering component such as a tie rod end.. If it was an aircraft, you bet there would be.