Installing the tie rod with new seats

ryanheacox

ryanheacox

Well-known member
I just got my spindles reinstalled with new kingpins and reballed steering arms. Trying to get the tie rod installed and I feel like the tie rod ends should fit over the balls easier. I'm using new springs and steel seats. Any tricks to getting everything together? I've got everything greased but no dice so far, I'm thinking about grinding a bigger chamfer onto the edge of the seat.
 
I smack them on with a dead blow hammer. Have you got the end mostly screwed out? If not you will more then likely never get them on. I just installed a set from Snyders on reballed spindle arms, didn't take more then a quick tap and they were on.
 
I had that same issue with replacement cups and springs, and what it looked like to me is that the replacement springs were beefier than the originals and/or the cups were thicker. Out of frustration, I ordered a set of teflon, and those fit better. I don't know if the teflons will last as long as steel, but that's what worked for me.
 
I just did mine and they fit snug. Make sure you dont have any extra cups hidden on the bottom. I had that.

Do you have the red book, to see how they are assembled?
 
redmodelt, I don't have the caps installed at all, just the spring and inner seat. I hit it pretty hard with a hammer and block of wood, wouldn't even start to go on.


Bill, I'm going to have to compare these new seats and springs to the old ones. The balls on the old arms weren't all that worn and the tie rod popped right off...


old31, Yeah, the tie rod came off and taken apart and got all cleaned and repainted. There's nothing hiding in there. I've also checked and double check I was assembling it correctly, thought I was going crazy at first.


I think I am going to stick the springs in the vise and try to collapse them just a bit, should give me enough room to pop them on.
 
Also make sure the seats are all the way into the springs. The ones I just installed, the seats didn't just slide in, had to use the vice to fully seat them. While the springs and seats are out check to see that the end slides over the ball.
 
redmodelt said:
Also make sure the seats are all the way into the springs. The ones I just installed, the seats didn't just slide in, had to use the vice to fully seat them. While the springs and seats are out check to see that the end slides over the ball.
Click to expand...


Yep, check and check. Seats were tapped into the springs and made sure they were fully seated and the tie rod ends do fit over the new balls. Just by eye it looks like the seat protrudes about 1/8" into the opening for the ball. Guess these are just going to be difficult
 
Right? The spindles were a breeze compared to the tie rod. Probably spent 45 minutes getting both spindles and arms installed and another 45 just trying to get the tie rod on one side...
 
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