10 Bolt Tie Rod question

[SubDominant]

Hello guys! I have a question about my 1989 v1500 Suburban. Whoever owned it before me went romping on some rocks and bent the tie rod. It still steered but I saw a noticeable bend in it. I bought what I was told is a square body Tie rod. Only thing is it seems to be a little bit shorter than my original. I installed it anyways and in order to adjust my toe, I noticed that there are no threads showing in the slot of the adjuster. I tightened it up and took it for a short drive and it seems fine, but I am worried that I do not have enough threads in the adjuster.

I plan to take pictures when I have daylight. Any suggestions on if it is ok the way it is? Has anyone done something similar? What were the results? I want to live!!

 

[AuroraGirl]

by shorter do you mean the amount of threads? as long as its got 2+ inches of threads i dont see an issue for using it

 

[1979k10]

52 1/4 inches is what the moog part #ds893 measures.
Used it on my 1989 v1500 Blazer without any issues.

 

[SubDominant]

52 1/4 inches is what the moog part #ds893 measures.
Used it on my 1989 v1500 Blazer without any issues.

Mine seems to measure about an inch shorter than what you mention.

 

[SubDominant]

by shorter do you mean the amount of threads? as long as its got 2+ inches of threads i dont see an issue for using it

Plenty of threads on the rod. Not so much threaded into the sleeve. That is where my concern is. Now everything bolted up just fine, just shorter than the one that was in there by about an inch.

 

[1979k10]

Sounds like you maybe have different manufacturer parts mixed up on the front end?
You should have some visible threads in the slot that would allow for any adjustments.
Without changing the tie rod, you could try to find a longer adjusting sleeve.

 

[AuroraGirl]

can we see a pic

 

[SubDominant]

Pics:

Original on left (longer) . replacement on right (shorter)

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Installed sleeve view: (you can see how much I had to extend it to fit)

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[SubDominant]

Anyone?

 

[Blue Ox]

Do you own a ruler?

It doesn't look like your final install is a problem, but why don't you measure the individual components and compare them to each other? Maybe you can find the discrepancy there. Also, it's hard to tell from the pictures, but it looks like there's some unequal thread engagement on the left one.

As long as you have an inch of thread engagement on each side of your final install it should be fine.

 

[idahovette]

I don't like the looks of it. If you run it like this I would loosen the clamps and slide both out toward the ends a ways and then retighten just to get more coverage over the solid part of the tie rod.

 

[Blue Ox]

I don't like the looks of it. If you run it like this I would loosen the clamps and slide both out toward the ends a ways and then retighten just to get more coverage over the solid part of the tie rod.

Good point. One of the problems with the info we have and the photos is we can't see the threads in the sleeve.

 

[idahovette]

Agreed. If the threads are in far enough to be covered by the clamp, it will probably be ok. There is still something wacky about that long end being shorter. I'll try to remember to check my MOOG book to see if there are measurements on different lengths. Might get this done, might not.......old AND forgetful

 

[Blue Ox]

Agreed. If the threads are in far enough to be covered by the clamp, it will probably be ok. There is still something wacky about that long end being shorter. I'll try to remember to check my MOOG book to see if there are measurements on different lengths. Might get this done, might not.......old AND forgetful

The OP can do a little homework too. It would help all of us.

 

[SubDominant]

The OP can do a little homework too. It would help all of us.

I did measure it. I said in a previous post that it measured about an inch shorter than my original. My problem is that I am in unfamiliar territory. I was hoping someone ran across the same scenario and could advise.

All of the research I did came up with 52.25" on the long end for early eighties to late eighties squares. So I am confused why I have one that measures 51.25". I got it from a guy who parts out squares. Could be someone rigged this up to get by before getting rid of their truck. He probably just pulled it off and sold it as is not knowing.