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| | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 23 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 23 | Although I think I've seen this discussed before I searched and found no answer. I am working on my '47 3100 front-end and need to replace the ball studs on the drag link and tie rods. It is my intention to run 6 lug 4x4 Rally wheels when I finish the truck. Should I upgrade the tie rod ends and drag link with the more modern style or replace with the stock style. I'm installing a 235, T5 and later model rear axle. I intend on driving at highways speeds. | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | Do you care if they look modern or look original?
You can find original-style replacements (adjustable) or modern, "sealed" replacements (non-adjustable).
New (original style) tie-rod ends and a properly adjusted steering assembly allow me to cruise smoothly and straightly at 60-65 mph (3.55 R&P conversion).
| | | | | Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 23 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Mar 2005 Posts: 23 | Originality isn't of too much importance due to the many other modifications.
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall | | Moderator: Welcome Centre, Southern Bolters, Legion Hall Joined: Dec 2001 Posts: 14,522 | The offset on the rally wheels may make some difference of clearance on the tie rod end.
On my 52 Panel, which still has the straight axle/suspension I changed to the modern stuff and I'm using a 10" wide wheel.
I have read where some bolters had a problem with the tires rubbing the original tie rod end. So be sure to check when buying rims or tires. | | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,094 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,094 | I have the modern tie rod ends on my 59. I have the rally style 6 lug wheels and don't have a problem with tires rubbing. 7 inch in front, 8 in back. The rally wheels are the kind that came on early Monte Carlos,and corvettes.
Tommy
59 apache 1/2t
261 short stepside
| | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | I'm still running the stock style tie rod ends on my '55 2nd with 15 x 8 4x4 Rallys, they have plenty of clearance.
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 164 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 164 | Tommy if your rally's are the style off early corvette or Monte Carlo they can't be six lug, as they were only five lug. Possibly off an early blazer? For six lug?
Joe
Last edited by jremig; 01/15/2017 2:31 AM.
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,094 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Feb 2001 Posts: 1,094 | Probably was of a blazer, just used monte carlo/vette as an example that people commonly see.
Tommy
59 apache 1/2t
261 short stepside
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