Left Outer Tie Rod Issues
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 26
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From: Peterborough Ontario
Left Outer Tie Rod Issues
Hey everyone, so some of you may know I'm restoring a 1979 ford f250 2wd. Well, I needed a left outer tie rod so naturally I go to Rock Auto and pick up a Moog Problem Solver one. When I get it in the mail I compare it to my existing tie rod and it's about the same length (slightly different shape) but there are extra threads on it as well. For whatever reason I can't seem to get the wheels aligned properly, the left wheel is out further than the right wheel. I'm pretty sure I'm maxed out on the tie rod end adjusting sleeve. Does anyone have any solutions, or am I just totally missing something stupid simple?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
I ran into the same problem on my 70.
First double check that the adjusting sleeve is centered.
I deduced that the threaded section of the tie rod was a bit too long and cut off about 3/8-inch... use a hacksaw to minimize heat and thread damage.
First double check that the adjusting sleeve is centered.
I deduced that the threaded section of the tie rod was a bit too long and cut off about 3/8-inch... use a hacksaw to minimize heat and thread damage.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Peterborough Ontario
What do you mean by the adjusting sleeve centered? Also, the part that confuses me is that the two tie rods are the same length one just has extra threads on it.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,678
Likes: 83
From: NorCal
... what I mean is that each side ( lef inner and left outer) is threaded into the sleeve the same number of turns. If the adjusting sleeve bottoms and the wheels are still toed out, one or both threaded sections of the tie rods need to be cut down a bit.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 26
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From: Peterborough Ontario
Ok I will double check that, probably tomorrow...but that doesn't explain both of the tie rods being the same length lol.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 920
Likes: 20
From: Malheur Co. OR
How are you deducing that your wheels are not adjusting properly? The toe adjustment is all for the left side with the stock set up. Set the steering wheel straight ahead, place a mark with tape, paint pen, or some other way, in the center of the treads on the forward facing portion of the tires. Measure the distance between the tires, roll the pickup forward until the marks are preferably 180* from the previous position and measure again. The front should be 1/8 inch + or - 1/16 narrower than the rear. I set both my 2wd F350 and 4x4 F150 this way and when put on an alignment machine toe was dead on. If your steering wheel is off center you will have to remove it and recenter.
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 26
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From: Peterborough Ontario
How are you deducing that your wheels are not adjusting properly? The toe adjustment is all for the left side with the stock set up. Set the steering wheel straight ahead, place a mark with tape, paint pen, or some other way, in the center of the treads on the forward facing portion of the tires. Measure the distance between the tires, roll the pickup forward until the marks are preferably 180* from the previous position and measure again. The front should be 1/8 inch + or - 1/16 narrower than the rear. I set both my 2wd F350 and 4x4 F150 this way and when put on an alignment machine toe was dead on. If your steering wheel is off center you will have to remove it and recenter.
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 920
Likes: 20
From: Malheur Co. OR
Use a measuring tape to set your toe, don't go by what it looks like. Also, how are the other tie rod ends, king pins, wheel bearings, axle pivot bushings, and radius arm bushings? All of these could have and impact on toe.
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Thread Starter
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Freshman User
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 26
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From: Peterborough Ontario
Ok will do, it is very far out though, not just a little but a lot! Everything you mentioned except axle pivot bushings have been replaced. Although I need to fix the pin on the one radius arm bushing (right side), though my problems are with the left wheel but I guess that doesn't matter if one of the bushings is off (just not tightened down the bushing all the way, need to fix the threads on the pin). Thanks!
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