hlee96

I have been doing a complete suspension overhaul slowly (steering rack, reattached at the u-joint, tie rods, upper/lower a-arms rebuilds, new struts), I am having trouble lining up the steering rack-tie rods with the steering knuckle, elevation wise. I am using the spring compressors because I cannot get the A-arms/steering knuckle "high" enough to attach the tie rods.

Engine is out so no way to "naturally" push the suspension bits to align with a jack.

Also, I have to have the steering wheel turned to the left-counter clockwise in order to line up the tie rods to the steering knuckle (side to side) but the steering knuckle is turned so that the wheel is actually making a right turn.

Is there a trick or sequence of installation that I should be following?

Hopefully the pics will explain better than my description, thanks!
-Hoi



I tried to take this pciture showing that the knuckle is turned towards the right. *The steering wheel-rack is turned to the left so that I can place the tie rod end against the knuckle*





Tough angle to put the tie rod in the knuckle





I had the spring compressors on as much as I can compress but they still didn't line up, so I removed them for the night.



These are the compressors I borrowed from my neighbor

Speedtoys

The tie rod doesnt go out far enough??

Mrmerlin

take a piece of wood and gently tap the tierod pin towards the center of the car,
the pin will move,
then the part will fit.

NOTE early cars have shorter tie rods make sure your new parts match your old parts

BTW the tie rod end is made to move in all directions,
since its new it might seem stuck,
a little bit of force will realign it

hlee96

Thanks to the helpful hints. Stan is right of course. I didn't think about moving the pin directionally as it is built. Just a tap here and there and the tie rods are in and torqued.

Thanks so much Rennlist!
hoi