Bent tie rod

[Chief-T]

On page 30 of the April 2010 Street Rodder mag is a 26 T built by a retired GM engineer. It appears that the tie rod has a slight bend( maybe 10 deg ) in each end for frame clearance. Is this a safe,acceptable modification??? If so, it might work for me.

 

[putz]

Had to look at what you where talking about I thought the tie rod end itself was bent but it is the drag link tube. I think this would be acceptable if you use a little thicker tubing.

 

[stroker]

You're right, the tie rod has an offset in it, apparently for clearance. I agree with putz that it is not a problem if the material is sufficient to resist further bending. Take a look at some GM steering/idler linkages for instance.

 

[sampanjohn]

You're right, the tie rod has an offset in it, apparently for clearance. I agree with putz that it is not a problem if the material is sufficient to resist further bending. Take a look at some GM steering/idler linkages for instance.

Seems like it would make toe adjustments difficult

 

[Old Rotor Flap]

I agree - as I see nothing wrong with the design.

If you look at production steering linkage, it's usually forged and suitable for a 5000 lb. (older) car. Then look at the wall thickness of a production tubular tie rod sleeve, also used on the 5000 lb. car and compare to this Model T which probalbly weighs 2000 lbs. or so. Both have similar, but not truely comparable design mission profiles.
A 5000 lb. Caddy is likley subject to a lot more harsher driving conditions than this of any street rod.

By the way, I love this car. There was a picture of it in an earlier Street Rodder and they said it would be featured. Nice car! I'm impressed and inspired.

 

[dunno125]

The guys who built that car and the car on page 34 were GM engineers so they should know what they are doing

 

[bigblk1177]

:wow: OR MAYBE NOT!! Could be why no one was buying their cars. JUST KIDDING I LOVE THE GENERAL, just not the new GOVERNMENT MOTORS. :hooray: