AHHHHHH!!!!

Thanks

 

Isn't there some companies making longer tie rod ends so we don't have you use the ugly extenders?

 

Since we're on the subject here, and sorry for partially hijacking this post...

If I were to install one of those 3" drop axles, would the alignment of my truck drastically change? I know it would on new style suspensions, but I've never worked with old stuff really...so you'll have to forgive me if this is a stupid newb question

 

I asked the lady at Mid-fifty about the extended tie-rod end and she said they don't sell them because the were unsafe breaking, bending, etc. I think CCP still has them.

 

Depending on springs used the answer is probably yes, it will affect alignment, mostly caster. If it affects anything else, the axle wasn't dropped by someone who knows what they are doing. Fortunately caster is easily adjusted with tapered shims between the axle and springs, and probably needs to be increased even with a stock front end, Ford didn't put much caster in to begin with to increase load capacity. Didn't care much about high speed handing or ride comfort in the 50s.

 

Don't go cheap on the tie-rod extenders, my buddy went cheap and one broke, not a pretty site.

 

I just installed a drop axle in my 53 merc. I used tie rod drops from Mid 50 and used 4 degree shims and a solid tie rod that are recomended with a drop axle. I didn't have to bend the steering arms and did not have to modify the drag link. The only problem I had was using the tie rod drops with the new tie rod ends. The Left and right tie rods came from two different manufacturers. The left one had a longer theaded shaft on it that interfered with the tie rod drop and the cotter pin hole was drilled too high on the shaft so the nut could back off. I had to grind the tie rod end threaded shaft shorter and use a washer under the nut to get the cotter pin and nut to line up. Also I had to grind the faces of the nut on one of the tie rod ends so that my wrench would fit onto it. It was either metric nut or a bad overseas factory attempt to make it a standard size. All in all the install was not difficult. Gord

 

Gord,
Are you driving your truck yet? I got both of my tie-rod ends from Auto Zone they went on without any issues, I also got the heavy duty tie rod, drop axle, & tie rod extenders w/2degree shims from Mid-fifty. I didn't have to make any modifications other than to roll some sand paper to sand out the top hole so the 9/16 bold would slid in. It may be another week before I get my truck back together to see how it rides.

 

Hi Jaye, My trucks not drivable yet, I'm rebuilding the rear suspension right now and then the chasis will be complete and I'll move onto the bodywork. I'm waiting on rear suspension parts right now. (extended rear spring hangers, spring pins and bushings.) I removed some leaves from the rear and will be adding poly spring liners. If I need the rear lower I'll raise the spring perches up on the frame. A local racing/machine shop is currently widening my stock rims by 2 inches so I can keep my stock hubcaps. We don't have an autozone in my area and the suppliers (Napa etc.)in my area were charging over double the price of Mid-50 for the parts I needed. Gord

 

I was going to rebuild my rear suspension to stock then lower it with the extended Y-hangers so I wouldn't have to drill any extra holes; after adding everything up I came out cheaper with TCI rear leaf kit or the Pro street from Mid-50 so I went with TCI (free shipping $469) after much confusion & discussing among the FTE personnel I finally got it installed.

 

i put 86 s10 springs on my 51, 7" longer, 3 leafs and the hangers go under the frame which gives you room for some monster rubber, i've got 285/16's on it now about 12" wide but hopefully soon some 14" wide wheels and 16-17" wide tires, rear end on top of spring no c-notch, rides real good.

 

Homade,
What type extenders did your friend used?
Thanks

 

jaye
I relly don't know and he has since sold the truck but i'll see if he knows or remembers.