I put a Mid-Fifty's dropped front axle in my '55 and used the tie rod end "drops" to get the tie rod to fit. Now the tie rod grease fittings are below the scrub line. In fact, I discovered I had a low front tire when I smelled burning rubber, as the tire bulge was rubbing against the tie rod end!

Has anyone else encountered this problem? What, if anything, did you do about it?

Thanks, John

 

I haven't done the drop spindle thing. The little bit I wanted I got from reverse eye springs.

But I'll bump this back up for you.

 

I'm not sure I fully understand why the tie rod end is now in contact with your tire but I would think some simple spacers on the front wheels would correct the problem. If that isn't enough then new wheels with more positive offset might be needed...

 

The tie rod end is well clear of the tire when the tire is fully inflated. It only touches when the sidewall bulges from loss of air.

 

That's a little close for comfort. I think I'd want to space it out a quarter of an inch at least....

 

My problem isn't that the tie rod end will hit the tire if the tire is low. The problem is that the tie rod end is lower than the edge of the tire rim. If I blew a tire and it peeled off the rim, the tie rod would be on the ground!

Not sure how to remedy this as all the components - axle, springs, disk brakes, tie rod - were installed correctly. Should the tie rod be installed above the leaf springs, rather than below?

John