For lack of knowledge as to what the part is called, it is the metal C-shaped piece that bolts to the spindle that the outer tie rods stick into. Do the nuts/bolts get torqued to a certain spec or just "tight".

Thanks, smile.gif

There are guidelines for torque based on size and grade. You won't be wrong using standard SAE tables for normal applications. Sorry a fast search for a SAE table brought up a Mopar site.
http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/specs/bolts/SAE_bolts.html

Why, Scott, good to hear from you again! smile.gif

I used the Hotchkis one-piece to replace the stock tie rod clamps, so I had to look this one up. The Chevrolet manual says to torque them to 132 INCH pounds. Chassis service manual, specifications page 24. Good luck.

Xtreme,
Man, you are too much help!! LOL Figured I'd be hearing from you soon!! You are the man! I've got a Haynes manual but it sounds like that Chassis manual is pretty much help. I should be picking one up. thanks for highlighting the INCH pounds since I could have seen myself jumping up and down on the torque wrench to get 132 Foot/lbs!! Not a pretty sight! :eek:

Originally posted by Xtreme70SS396:
Why, Scott, good to hear from you again! smile.gif

I used the Hotchkis one-piece to replace the stock tie rod clamps, so I had to look this one up. The Chevrolet manual says to torque them to 132 INCH pounds. Chassis service manual, specifications page 24. Good luck. A tie rod clamp is part of the sleeve that holds the inner and outer tie rod together. Follow SAE's recommended torque for clamping two pieces of steel together.

i just go till its really tight so about 60lb

John, that's a handy chart. Note the torque values are based on lubricated threads. I remember some discussion on this board a while back that was good reading - talked about how much the torque values change as you use anti-sieze, etc. on the threads.

Yeah, there are a lot of things that can affect the numbers if things change, such as clamping down a nylon item and having it cold flow. I just figure those engineers did the homework on automobiles.