How tight should it be?

[spdway1]

How tight should the passenger side tie rod end be with the tie rod installed?
My ball ends are good and I installed the tie rod rebuild kit. Thanks in advance

 

[nkaminar]

I screw the big screw in until i can put a cotter pin in. If, as you say, all parts are good, that should work.

 

[spdway1]

I screw the big screw in until i can put a cotter pin in. If, as you say, all parts are good, that should work.

I have done this and there is still a small amount of play. I am trying to narrow down the death wobble.

 

[Rob Doe]

I'd start with setting the toe in???

 

[Bruce of MN]

I got rid of my car’s wobble by replacing and reaming the kingpin bushings on one side. With the wheel off the ground, I could shake it. A good toe in alignment after was needed.

Wobbles have many sources.

 

[bobbader]

I'm curious as to why you're asking only about the passenger side? Is this where the wobble is being generated? If so, how do you know that?

 

[spdway1]

The alignment is near perfect.

 

[spdway1]

Ok guys, let's please stick to the original question to keep it simple! When I move the wheel when jacked up side to side, there is a small amount of play in the tie rod end and tie rod. How tight does this need to be? Thank you.

 

[nkaminar]

There should not be any looseness. The spring is pretty stiff so I would run the screw in until there is no looseness and then a 1 to 1 1/2 turns more. Insert the cotter pin. These instructions from Les Andrews book. If you have to turn the screw in a long way to take up any slack, check to see that you have not left out any of the brass pads and that the spring is the correct one.

 

[bobbader]

Do as nkaminar suggests. Also check to make sure the passenger side steering arm is very tight in the spindle.

 

[Bill G]

After you get the tie rod tight, you will probably need to re-check the toe-in, as this will affect it.

 

[old31]

NK is correct about the cotter pin, and Bill is correct about toein.

Every time that you turn the tie rod, it will screw up the toein.

 

[dave in australia]

I usually screw the plug in until it is flush with end of the tie rod. Check your toe in after tightening the ball end plugs.

 

[DJ S]

Ok guys, let's please stick to the original question to keep it simple! When I move the wheel when jacked up side to side, there is a small amount of play in the tie rod end and tie rod. How tight does this need to be? Thank you.

Keep screwing in the plug until there is no play. Then continue screwing the plug in until you have compressed with tie-rod spring by 25%.

As stated by others, the toe-in will need to be re-adjusted once you complete this task.

 

[Patrick L.]

The spring should be compressed 25%

 

[Bob Bidonde]

This slide may help you:

 

[WHN]

Paul Shinn video on You Tube, Model A Ford drag links. 10 minute video. Will answer your questions.

Go to You Tube model a ford drag link.

Enjoy.

 

[Bigsnapper43]

An old timmer said 25 foot pounds is what he used for many years.

 

[spdway1]

Paul Shinn video on You Tube, Model A Ford drag links. 10 minute video. Will answer your questions.

Go to You Tube model a ford drag link.

Enjoy.

Not any I have watched...he just does it or edits over it without any mention. Have the link and time in the movie to share in case I missed something!

 

[CT Jack]

General rule of thumb that I use is "tighten all the way in then loosen 1 to 2 turns". This assumes the ball is not badly worn and all internal parts are clean and in good condition.
Install cotter pin, grease, and check tow in.