tinman5
01-06-2013, 02:07 AM
So, a few weeks ago my right front SS coilover blew an oil seal. I have since purchased and installed another set of coils from a member. Since the install the right front corner is out of alignment and the stock tie rod is simply a fraction to long. I have removed about a quarter inch of length from the rod end side and am simply running the tie rod end fully inserted with no jam nut. This has put me just barely into spec and is a band aide for the time being.
My intent is to tackle 2 issues at one time. First, I discovered the passenger side lack of adjustment is not unique to me. Some have simply cut more threads onto the end and shortened the length to get the proper toe specs. Simple and effective solution. The only consideration is potential weakening of the rod at the newly cut threaded section. Not to big of a concern for the average driver I would think.
I am not the average driver 15% of the time. In speaking with a friend about my predicament he offered the gift of a solution. Make my tie rod adjustable by cutting the rod in 2, removing x amount from the middle, welding a proper length grade 8 bolt to one half and a nut to the other side. Insert an appropriate jam nut before assembly, thread 2 pieces together, lock down with jam nut and go play. Viola! Genius.
Now the second issue is that of the steering arm angle and inherent bumpsteer. Here is where I am getting greedy. I want to weld an "S" in there somewhere to offset the higher angle caused by lowering. And to be honest, she is sitting at just over a 2" drop. Not dumped by any stretch, but obviously enough to affect geometry negatively. I am thinking somewhere in the 20-25mm offset from one end to the other should be adequate.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z141/gumby74/FC15B468-EB0F-44C3-942E-8A8CDD3F4129-65018-000013745A1056A9.jpg
A quick illustration of what I am thinking. Suggestions? Am I asking for too much?
My intent is to tackle 2 issues at one time. First, I discovered the passenger side lack of adjustment is not unique to me. Some have simply cut more threads onto the end and shortened the length to get the proper toe specs. Simple and effective solution. The only consideration is potential weakening of the rod at the newly cut threaded section. Not to big of a concern for the average driver I would think.
I am not the average driver 15% of the time. In speaking with a friend about my predicament he offered the gift of a solution. Make my tie rod adjustable by cutting the rod in 2, removing x amount from the middle, welding a proper length grade 8 bolt to one half and a nut to the other side. Insert an appropriate jam nut before assembly, thread 2 pieces together, lock down with jam nut and go play. Viola! Genius.
Now the second issue is that of the steering arm angle and inherent bumpsteer. Here is where I am getting greedy. I want to weld an "S" in there somewhere to offset the higher angle caused by lowering. And to be honest, she is sitting at just over a 2" drop. Not dumped by any stretch, but obviously enough to affect geometry negatively. I am thinking somewhere in the 20-25mm offset from one end to the other should be adequate.
http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z141/gumby74/FC15B468-EB0F-44C3-942E-8A8CDD3F4129-65018-000013745A1056A9.jpg
A quick illustration of what I am thinking. Suggestions? Am I asking for too much?