Cant adjust tie rods - alignment

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Feb 13, 2008 | 08:16 PM

rlester

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Mountain Pass

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 137

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Cant adjust tie rods - alignment

I have an 81 F350 that I changed a tie rod on a while ago. The alignment is out now and I want to get it as close as possible myself before I consider taking it to an alignment shop. The problem is, I could not turn the tie rods to adjust the alignment. I soaked them with penetrating oil, heat, and tried using a pipe wrench but that didn't seen to break them free. The tie rod end came off easy because it just unscrews from the end, but the part you turn for adjustment (connecting the inner and outer tie rods) wont budge.

I dont have a decent alignment shop around here that I trust, so rather than waste a trip to the shop and have it turned away because they cant break them free, I'm hoping I can free them up myself.

I'm willing to try heat and maybe two pipe wrenches this time (one on the rod, one on the adjuster), and maybe go from there.

Any tips guys?

Thanks.

Ryan.

Feb 13, 2008 | 09:20 PM

ubereal2

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Joined: Dec 2006

Posts: 9,111

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From: Lexington Mo

If you've loosened both clamps around the sleeve (connects the two tie rod ends together) a pipe wrench may not turn them. We use a "Hook" that goes an a 1/2" ratchet. A pipe wrench, the harder you try to turn, the more pressure you apply, and are squeezing the sleeve shut.
If you're alignment is that bad, you need an alignment shop.
Bob

Feb 13, 2008 | 10:30 PM

Franklin2

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Joined: Jan 2001

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From: Virginia

I agree, a pipe wrench is making it worse. Take the clamps completely loose and slide them out of the way. Then take a screwdriver or a chisel, and work it in the split of the sleeve, and try to spread it open.

Feb 13, 2008 | 10:39 PM

rlester

Thread Starter

Mountain Pass

Joined: Nov 2003

Posts: 137

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Yeah, I know what you mean...

about the pipe wrench making it worse. I remember putting a prybar in the slot, and using the pipe wrench to turn the tie rod, but I just couldn't get it to go.

I'll try to split the adjuster apart as suggested, maybe that will work. Probably try it in the weekend, and report my results.

Thanks.

Feb 14, 2008 | 07:44 PM

gdgerland

Elder User

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 831

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From: San Antonio, Texas

Ryan, just did the same thing to my '80 last week end. I had no problem. If you live in the rust belt there may be rust built up in the threads of the tie rods. a couple of sharp hits with a hammer may knock some of it out. WD-40 and make sure the clamps are loose or off. What I did was position the steering wheel in the straight forward position and then adjusted the tie rods to get the wheels as straight a possible by eye. I could turn my adjuster sleeves by hand so it was a piece of cake. It got me to the alignment shop with little wear on the tires. If you use a pipe wrench be sure to put it in the middle between the two sets of threads. Tap the wrench with a hammer rather than constant pressure. Hope this helps. let us know how it works out.

Gil