Welded Tie-Rod Ends and Sleeves. HELP!

[msweb]

I need to replace a tie rod end but it's welded on along with the sleeve... Looks like the PO upgraded to a 78-79 F150 set-up including the steering box which is now mounted on the inside of the frame. It looks like the pitman arm was too long because it's been cut and welded back together. An accident waiting to happen.

What do you suggest? Switch everything back over to stock? Money is a HUGE factor as I don't have any!

Ideas?

 

[broncow72]

I can't really see the issue through the pic..... but!!! I would never mess with questionable steering. I understand the lack of money thing, but I would recommend all new steering. I just installed the BC heimn steering kit and think it looks really cool (I haven't driven with it yet :'( ). You might be able to scrounge up a few parts to put your steering back together for the time being.... I have a good draglink from a '72 (tierod is pretzeled), it's yours if you want it (if it's not already spoken for)

 

[Coob]

I agree - no use in taking chances. I tried to salvage my original set up but there was just too much "what if" work with it. I decided to go with stone crusher. Can't complain about the decision...

http://classicbroncos.com/stone_crusher_steering.shtml

 

[73stallion]

dude, that's just scary! i wish you were close, i have a set of tie rods i just pulled off someone's truck i'd GIVE you.

 

[broncow72]

dude, that's just scary! i wish you were close, i have a set of tie rods i just pulled off someone's truck i'd GIVE you.

Might be worth the shipping cost... Free is a good price.

 

[Madgyver]

Looks like an inverted-Y linkage set-up with an F-150 2X4 box.

If you got 76-77 knuckles that would mean that you need a custom linkage built to your specs.
I would get the centerline measurements TRE to TRE at the knuckles and TRE pass. side to TRE pitman arm and order a set from chuck @ BCBronco's or other vendors closer to you.

 

[broncow72]

Looks like an inverted-Y linkage set-up with an F-150 2X4 box.

If you got 76-77 knuckles that would mean that you need a custom linkage built to your specs.
I would get the centerline measurements TRE to TRE at the knuckles and TRE pass. side to TRE pitman arm and order a set from chuck @ BCBronco's or other vendors closer to you.

Not interchangeable? Bummer.

 

[msweb]

I like the sounds of the stone crusher kit but it's not in the cards right now. I'd like to take y'all up on your offers but if Madgyver's right, I'm SOL.

Would I be able to go with a heim set-up from TRE to TRE? Would it be a matter of a bar cut to length? (probably what you're talking about??)

My steering box leaks and I'd considered going back to a stock set-up but not if I have to change the knuckles. How can I tell what year they're from?

 

[broncow72]

You can do a heim setup yourself, but in reality it will be the same as buying one prefab'd. You get higher quality joints with the prefab'd units and a warranty (of some kind)

 

[msweb]

You can do a heim setup yourself, but in reality it will be the same as buying one prefab'd. You get higher quality joints with the prefab'd units and a warranty (of some kind)

How flexible are they in regard to measurements (thinking along the lines of odd ball knuckle spacing)?

 

[msweb]

Are we talking about this - Chuck's kit? Add the box and drop pitman arm and it get's pricey. Ouch. Maybe we need to start another OBB project.... :'(

 

[Madgyver]

If this is what your knuckle look like, it's the 76-77 type, the centerline of TRE to TRE is longer than the earlier model and this came stock with the inverted-Y set-up which get messed up after a suspension lift. It usually gets changed out for a custom straight linkage type that has less bump steer.

The last picture is a dana 30. It has the same distance between TREs as the earlier dana 44. Notice the distance of the TRE from the wheel. The 76-77 knuckles has the TREs farther apart. center to center measurements.