When I did a front end rebuild on my '72 Swinger about 5-6 years back, I left out replacing the tie rod ends (due to the financial consequences of project creep). Well, I'm starting to feel some knocking through the steering wheel on harsh bumps, so I figure after 40 years, they're probably due for replacement.

Since I have 225/45-18's up front and could probably use the extra strength, I went ahead and ordered the C-body tie rod ends and 1/16" sleeves, and plan to install them this weekend.

I know that when you just replace the ends, you can count the number of turns upon removal and install the new ends the same number of turns and maintain your toe-in. Will that apply using the C-body stuff, or will I likely need an alignment? Can I just remove both ends and the sleeve for each side as a single unit and measure the length, and match that on the new combos?

And anything else I should look for while I'm down there?

Any tips or tricks would be appreciated!

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vm

I would pull one tie-rod assembly and assemble a new one to match it's length and install it. You'll probably have to readjust the toe anyway, but this should get you in the ballpark.

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Joshua

I'd measure the length instead of counting turns, as I suspect the thread pitch is different. That should be good enough to drive to an alignment shop to finish the job.

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

So, the odds of me getting out of this without paying for an alignment are pretty much nil?

I'm not just cheap (although that's part of it), but there are no decent alignment shops around Dallas anymore.

Thanks for the heads up.

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vm

"Nil" at best.
I hate that.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

The alignment for my Valiant was about the price of one tie rod end.

I visited the shop first and verified there was someone old enough to have worked on cars our age. The owner was, and though he normally doesn't work on cars that come in, was excited to do the job himself. He also had no problem using the revised alignment data suggested by the experts on this forum.

I'd LOVE to find an alignment shop like that around here, but I've given up.

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vm

I lived in Dallas for 43 years(moved 7 years ago) and had these guys work on numerous Old Cars I had, they always did good work in my opinion.

Dallas Frame & Alignment
972-241-2361
2514 Fabens Rd
Dallas, TX 75229
http://www.dallasframealignment.com

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1964 Dart GT

Thanks, I'll see if I can find them!

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vm