Help with new steering linkage

[Jakedog]

I just bought a new steering linkage from TBP. I have never replaced tie rods before, so this is all new to me. When I tighten the castle nut it goes way below the hole for the cotter pin. Does it sound like the knuckles are worn out too much, and its now too big for the tie rod?

 

[broncodriver99]

I see in your signature you have disc brakes. What setup do you have? If someone installed the Ford disc brakes from a full size bronco or F-series you will need a set of tapered bushings to use the stock linkage.

Have any pics?

 

[Jakedog]

Thanks!
I'm sending a text to the guy I bought the bronco from to see if he knows. I hope that's it. That will be A LOT cheaper to fix.

 

[Jakedog]

Do you know the torque spec for castle nut?
Thanks.

 

[Jakedog]

I just found out that the disk brakes are from a full size bronco. Thanks for your help.

 

[broncodriver99]

I just found out that the disk brakes are from a full size bronco. Thanks for your help.

You will need the tapered bushings. I think most of the Bronco vendors at the top of the page carry them. I think the torque spec on the castle nuts is somewhere between 50-60 ft/lbs.

 

[Jakedog]

Thanks for the info. I will be calling TBP in the morning.

 

[DirtDonk]

Some books say 40lbs for the tie-rods, but 99's recommendation is probably not out of line for some either.
My Chilton's said 40 though, so that's what I'm throwing out there.

When you are installing the new ones, they often try to spin in their holes just before you reach the proper torque. You can overcome this (usually) by pressing upward on them with a floor jack. This puts pressure up into the taper and holds things tight for you to turn the nut.

Also, whenever doing a tapered rod end, it never hurts to stick a rag or paper towel up into the taper with a finger to make sure there is no debris that would effect things.

Good luck.

Paul

 

[savage]

My ford oem shop manual says 40lbs, that's what I torqued mine at. When you get to the torque ,and the carter key hole is off, tighten it a little more to get to the closes hole., but Do not loosen it, to line up the hole.

 

[Jakedog]

I just got my shims for my tie rods today. Now I can't get the castle nut down enough to pin it. WTH am I doing wrong?
Help!!

 

[DirtDonk]

Is there any of the shim material still sticking out of the bottom that might be interfering with the rod end seating all the way?

If you place the shim over the rod end stud (before installing in the knuckle) how far does it slide down the shaft?

First time I've heard of them not fitting, but as we like to say around here... Every Bronco Is Different! Could they be the wrong ones? If you got them from someone that only carries one size, that would be a low probability. But if you bought them from someone that has multiples for different applications, them maybe you'll need to take a measurement and compare.

Sorry to hear it's fighting you all the way. Hang in there, it'll figure itself out somehow.

Paul