I'm looking to replace both inner and outer tie rods and both sleeves on my 70. I've never done this before. redface.gif

Any tips for installation? I really don't even know where to start. I have a Chilton's manual, but I haven't looked to see if it gives the correct procedure for this. What (specialty?)tools do I need? How long will this take for a first-timer? I know that I need to count the threads showing, so that I can get to an alignment shop. Anything else?

What other problems do I need to look for while I'm there and how do I do it? This is a 80%strip/20% street car with no front swaybar. Any and all help is greatly appreciated! smile.gif

mark the old tie rod end's threads so you know how far to put the new one into the NEW sleeve. Bust it all loose....reinstall the new rods as close to the old ones as possible and take it to a alignment shop. Pretty simple really.

You need a tie rod puller. Back the nut off almost to the end, put on the puller and tighen it until the joint pops off. It is a little tight getting at the center link side. Make sure you get the length as close as possible to the ones you took off. If you are off just a little bit it will ride terrible. You can set tow in with a tape measure. Measure the distance from front of the tire center treads then do the same on the back side of the tire. I think 1/8 in should be good.

Originally posted by 70_FathomBlueMalibu:
Any tips for installation? I know that I need to count the threads showing, so that I can get to an alignment shop. Anything else?

What other problems do I need to look for while I'm there and how do I do it? This is a 80%strip/20% street car with no front swaybar. Any and all help is greatly appreciated! smile.gif You don't need to count the threads showing just how many times it takes to unscrew the old one. Loosen the two pinch bolts in the sleeve to make it easier. Counting turns is like using a micrometer. The pitch of the thread is the same so for every turn the tie rod will move in or out a certain amount. The new and old parts should be pretty close to the same length so you ought to be close enough to get the alignment shop. As far as removal, you aren't going to re-use anything so just pickle fork 'em!

Jeff

One other thing-when screwing any of the steering components together, be sure and remove all of the paint from the threads BEFORE you attempt to screw the pieces together! After the front end is aligned, you can go back and spray paint the bare threads that are left exposed.