tie rods question??

[joe68]

hi guys
i am puting together my front end and and being the smart guy i thought i was,did't mark the outside and inside tie rod. which is outside the right hand turn or left hand turn??

[denisond3]

I dont know what the steering geometry of the Chevelle is, but the reason for right hand and left hand threads on opposite ends, is just to allow the tie rod to be made longer or shorter by rotating the middle section - without the need to get either end out of its taper or socket. So if the tie rod will fit into the car either way, (not interfering with anything else) then it shouldnt matter. It wont make any difference when you adjust it; you would either turn it clockwise or counterclockwise, whatever produced the correct front wheel alignment (toe-in).
At least this is my guess. (free advice, and worth the price!)

[joe68]

thanks you right about that,but i notice on the new tie rods and old ,they are shape a little diff.then each other.i am thinking it clearance,i will find out soon
thanks again

[bobss396]

More than likely the longer ones go on the inside to clear the crossmember. You can always go to a friendly auto parts house and ask to see a new inner and outer and you'll have your answer.

For the future, before you take the old tie rods off the car, take a measurement from grease fitting to grease fitting and use that to assemble the new ones. Always use never-seize on the threads and centralize the sleeve, meaning you should have approx the same inner and outer threads showing.

Do not drive around with the tie rod sleeves loose! They can "self adjust" from road shock and vibration.

Bob

[joe68]

thanks,good idea ! i did measure the old one with a 12 " ruler and a venireer and they are within .010 of being the same lenght.