Tie Rod

[Not Now]

I've been driving my 78 for a while now and have had no problems with my steering(knock on wood). After looking at my Drag link and Tie Rod shaft, The Adjustable Sleve has been removed on both. It looks like a round pease of stock welded in it's place. Was this an way to fix a problem in the pass perhaps. Just wondering, should I replace this setup and set it up correctly.

Any thoughts

Don

 

[50joe]

For the life of me I can't think of any logical reason someone would do that. Not sure how safe it is without seeing it, but personally, I would correct it right away. Any way you can post a pic of that? Got me curious at all get out now......

 

[muddrivermike]

Yeah same here,,Id like to see how this one is set up.Either way that HAS to be corrected.

 

[Not Now]

Yes, thought this looked a little crazy. I just had my engine completey rebuilt (made it a 400). Next week soon as I get it back,I'll send some pic's

Thanks for all the advice.

 

[Not Now]

Sorry it's taken so long. But getting this 400 back and dressed up was a task. But here is what I was talking about. I've seen this before on another truck but didn't

think to much of it. (Why would they do this) As you can see the rod that has the bend in it,what does it do. I've looke on Jeff's bronco graveyard and they don't show it in any of their picks. Thanks for any help clearifing this set up.

Don

 

[muddrivermike]

Sorry it's taken so long. But getting this 400 back and dressed up was a task. But here is what I was talking about. I've seen this before on another truck but didn'tthink to much of it. (Why would they do this) As you can see the rod that has the bend in it,what does it do. I've looke on Jeff's bronco graveyard and they don't show it in any of their picks. Thanks for any help clearifing this set up.

Don

Ok first off the one with the bend on it is your tracking bar.It keeps the front axle centered with the frame.Thats why it goes from the axle to the frame.The other one with the weld is your drag link.From your steering box to the pass side tie rod end.As for the sleeves welded to them I have no idea why someone would do that.You cant weld to that kind of metal,it makes it brittle like a pretzal rod.Trust me I broke my tie rod twice from welding my hydraulic bracket to it.Anyway Id get rid of that for a new set of stock ones.Some one must of been smoking crack when they did that. <_<

 

[Bronc76]

Unless the PO had problems with keeping truck aligned, there's no reason I can think of why that should be like that, it should be corrected. Nice looking motor.

 

[muddrivermike]

Yeah thats the only thing I can think of,but the only people I see welding them are usually just off road trucks.Where they dont need to adjust the alignment.

 

[Not Now]

Just wanted to thank you guys for your thought's. I will be replacing the parts in question. The only thing I'm having problems with is finding the tracking bar, I'm still digging.

Don

 

[muddrivermike]

Just wanted to thank you guys for your thought's. I will be replacing the parts in question. The only thing I'm having problems with is finding the tracking bar, I'm still digging.Don

Bronco graveyard Click here ---> http://broncograveyard.com/bronco/i-23502_...le_trac_bar.htm .Try this

 

[cantbecaught4]

Sorry it's taken so long. But getting this 400 back and dressed up was a task. But here is what I was talking about. I've seen this before on another truck but didn'tthink to much of it. (Why would they do this) As you can see the rod that has the bend in it,what does it do. I've looke on Jeff's bronco graveyard and they don't show it in any of their picks. Thanks for any help clearifing this set up.

Don

Hey Not Now I'm not trying to be nosey, but how much money did you have into the 400 rebuild. I have a 400 in my garage I want to rebuild and put in my 78. Also, what kind of rebuild did you do, basically stock or did you go performance. Any help you can send my way would of great help, so I can plan out a budget to save up. I am trying to decide if it is cheaper/easier to by an entire rebuild kit with new crank/rods, ect... or just machine the old ones.

Thank you,

Neil

 

[Not Now]

No problem, I had Reeves RPM Performance in Warner Robins, GA build it. 1,800.00. My block was shot, like 60 over and some. So I had to fine another block. I got lucky and found a standard block 150.00, They went 30. over and put a 400 crank and flat head pistons and an RV cam and just used a rebuild kit for the rest. My heads were bad also and they had a pair that someone had rebuilt and never came back to get, so I got them for a 100.00 ea. Wow It sounds great to. Hope this helped.

Don

 

[Bronc76]

Not now- how do you like the RV cam? (have a 400 in my '79 that I'm hoping to get done soon and need some ideas)

CBC4- I think it would be easier and maybe cheaper to keep the stock crank and rods if there's nothing wrong with them.

 

[cantbecaught4]

Thanks Not Now, that helped out alot. Did you put a 4 barrel on it, or did you leave the 2 barrel. Also, how does the 400 run, does it have plenty of power? Thanks for all your help.

Neil

 

[Not Now]

Your right B76 I reused my rods and I did put a new 4 barrel and manifold. Runs like a R-ape.

 

[Rons beast]

The Tie rods were welded because the truck at some time was used for heavy offroad use in rocky terrain or somewhere with alot of tree stumps.

Hitting these things would bend the steering in the weekest point, (the sleeves). Many offroaders would get real tired of replacing and realigning every week....so the welded tubes would be stronger.

That said I agree. They need to be replaced, but you may want to save the pieces and sell them to the offroad guys.

The 400 looks sweet.

 

[Not Now]

Thanks and thanks for that info, I will be replacing both.