Tie rod end install on a C2?

[jim #42767]

Any tips on installing tie rod ends? How far do I screw them on before attaching them to the steering knuckle and steering rod?

The assembly manual does not address the topic.

[Wayne W.]

Re: Tie rod end install on a C2?

Screw the old one out and count the turns. It will usually be about 20.

[jim #42767]

Re: Tie rod end install on a C2?

old ones do not exist.

[Joe L.]

Re: Tie rod end install on a C2?

Jim------

In that case, install the tie rod ends into each sleeve with an equal number of turns on each end. Turn the ends down an equal number of turns until the length of the assembly is the correct length to fit between ball stud mounting points with the wheels pointed straight ahead and the steering wheel centered.

The other side should require the same number of turns on both ends as the side you just did. However, this presumes that you got the wheels exactly in the "straight ahead" position. So, you may need to adjust BOTH sides in order to achieve this. It's not absolutely necessary that this be done this precisely, but I like to do it this way.

By the way, you want to make sure that the BOTH of the left hand thread ends go to the inner position or BOTH of the left hand threaded ends go to the outer position---your choice. Some Corvettes, particularly C2 and early C3 may have been built with the left hand threaded ends going to the OUTER positions on both sides. GM says that the left hand threaded ends go to the INNER positions and the right hand threaded ends go to the OUTER positions. However, this may have changed at some point during the 63-82 period, with only later cars built with the GM-specified configuration. From a functional perspective, it does not really matter whether you place the left hand threaded ends on the inner positions of both sides or the outer positions of both sides---the only thing that it affects is which direction the sleeves must be turned to expand or contract them. For at least 63-72, though, I would probably suggest that the left hand threaded ends go to the OUTER positions on both sides only for the issue of "originality".

[jim #42767]

Re: Tie rod end install on a C2?

OK thanks will do Left hand to inner and I will eye ball the straight tires with tie rods.

Thanks Joe