Tie rod end removal questions

[garment]

Hi Pelicans:

I'm continuing the refresh of the suspension on my '83SC. Two questions for the evening.

The turbo tie rod ends are giving me trouble. The steering rack is on the car. I see the "flats" of both the ball joint assembly and the tie rod shaft, and tried using proper size wrenches on them, but they are not budging. Any tips for removal? I've got Kroil on the exposed threads right now.

Second, I've measured from the end of the tie rod boot to the center point of the ball joint shaft (9 1/4" in my case). Will this measurement be adequate to rough in the new assembly?

Thanks!

[A horse with no name]

Originally Posted by garment

Hi Pelicans:

I'm continuing the refresh of the suspension on my '83SC. Two questions for the evening.

The turbo tie rod ends are giving me trouble. The steering rack is on the car. I see the "flats" of both the ball joint assembly and the tie rod shaft, and tried using proper size wrenches on them, but they are not budging. Any tips for removal? I've got Kroil on the exposed threads right now.

Second, I've measured from the end of the tie rod boot to the center point of the ball joint shaft (9 1/4" in my case). Will this measurement be adequate to rough in the new assembly?

Thanks!

Are you just trying to replace the tie rod ends?

[yelcab1]

You know, a picture says a thousand words...

[garment]

Can do!

Originally Posted by yelcab1

You know, a picture says a thousand words...

[Jesse16]

To your first question, you should just have to hold on the flats on the the ball joint casting side (where your 7.5" dimension is) and break the lock nut free. Mine have never been that tight and you should not reef them really tight when going back. Kroil or other can't hurt. Maybe some heat on the nut as long as you keep it away from the seal if you're not replacing. Yours look pretty good. No idea on the dimension, just leave it loose till you assemble.

[garment]

Just had an Ah-ha moment - wasn't aware that there is a lock but threre, seems like time and dirt has obscured the point at which the ball joint casting and lock nut meet. At least I know wat to go for now! Thanks!

Originally Posted by Jesse16

To your first question, you should just have to hold on the flats on the the ball joint casting side (where your 7.5" dimension is) and break the lock nut free. Mine have never been that tight and you should not reef them really tight when going back. Kroil or other can't hurt. Maybe some heat on the nut as long as you keep it away from the seal if you're not replacing. Yours look pretty good. No idea on the dimension, just leave it loose till you assemble.

[yelcab1]

Originally Posted by garment

Just had an Ah-ha moment - wasn't aware that there is a lock but threre, seems like time and dirt has obscured the point at which the ball joint casting and lock nut meet. At least I know wat to go for now! Thanks!

LIke I said, a picture says a thousand words. Lock nut.