Ok, I admit it...once and a while the softer easier way calls to me! I am going to change tie rod ends. I am changing the tie rod (drag link) and both ends to it. The application is in a '64d100 truck wiht a nice straight I beam axle. Since the engine is out and there is less total weight to jack up I think I will jump on this front end tweak.

BUT
Because I did a disc brake conversion, the Mopar rims I have on the truck are not deep enough to fully clear the caliper. I have a new deep set all ready to go (powder coated) but am waiting for a tire sale to get new tires so I can either go with what is on now or wait til after engine is back in.

SO..if I tighten down the rims I have reasonably tight and carefully measure center of tire to center of tire in front and rear of tires, wouldn't I be just fine then pulling old tier rod ends and tie rod and putting in new ones and keeping the same measurements?

Also, I know the torque on the castle nuts as in the FSM is a wide range from 45 to 65 ft/lbs so obviously there is a lot of give and go there, but do tires have to be on the ground with weight on them before tightening the castle nuts on the new tie rod ends?

Thanks guys,
rock
'64d100

i wouldnt worry about tourquing the castle nuts without the weight of the truck on the ground... i tighten them down all the time on my lifts at work without any weight on the cars and have never had any problems... you could probably get the front end alignment pretty close by doing it that way, but id still have it checked/redone when you get the new tires. most places will check it for free with a tire purchase, so get your money's worth!

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"I don't like these seatbelts, they're too complicated." - my lovely girlfriend in reference to my 71 duster seatbelts

xwaynestaticx03,

Many thanks! Glad to hear from someone who has done it...this forum is great that way. I will jump on it as you say, and I have never bought new tires so am looking forward to a visit to a tire store. (We have a great almost new used tire place here that has sets of four for $60 with free replacement in 30 days for tires like Michelin and Goodyear...)
rock
'64d100