| Author |
Message |
    
Keith Armstrong
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 09:07 am: | 
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I managed to acquire a SG drag link and tie rod for the Disco recently. Both are unused and I have the rod ends for the drag link and need to get the #5869's for the tie rod.
My question is that while the OE rods are slotted and use the tube clamps to secure the rod ends, the sleeved SG rods aren't slotted? I imagine that I need to find some lock-nuts to secure the rod ends in these rods, right?
Thanks,
KAA |
Greg Davis
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 09:34 am: |
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Keith, the rod ends will need to be locked down with a jam nut. You simply thread the nut onto the rod end, thread the rod end into the bar, and adjust to the proper length. Once the length is set, thread the jam nut down to the end of the rod and tighten. This will prevent the rod ends from rotating and will take some of the load off of the threads of the rod ends. |
Paul T. Schram (Paulschram)
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 10:17 am: |
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Greg:
Yes and no. In fact, the use of jam nuts will place all of the load on one side of the thread of the tie rod end. The PE who certifies my designs (and who has refused to certify my tie rods due to my desire to use jam nuts) states that the use of jam nuts can be deleterious in that if there is an axial shock load applied to the tie rod, compressing the tie rod, it can release the tension on the jam nut, allowing it to loosen. If the shock load is extensive (versus compressive), due to the pre-loaded stress placed upon the tie rod end, he feels it can lead to shearing of the tie rod end stud, or stripping of the threads from the stud.
I originally felt this was bullshit as more and more manufacturers are using this means of retainings tie rod ends, until I broke one last weekend trying to remove it from the tie rod.
Is it dangerous-I don't think so, but there are considerations to be aware of.
I hate those damned clamps.
And, Keith, you may have some difficulty finding the appropriate nuts as the threads are bastards-11/16X16 LH and RH. I have been told that John at Rover Tym can sell you the necessary nuts. You will also need to relocate your steering dampener. Both of these tie rods should require a right and left hand thread tie rod end, a departure from stock where you need three right hand and a single left hand thread.
Peace,
Paul |
Keith Armstrong
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 11:08 am: |
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Thanks guys. Curiously enough, the tie rod is dimensionally a duplicate of the o.e. rod. That is to say that it still requires use of the short "adjuster" at one end (Pass. side?). I have already relocated the dampner after destroying one on a submerged rock  I'll look for some nuts at lunch and go to the local wholsale fastner supplier as a last resort. Thanks for the sizing and pitch numbers Paul! |
Paul T. Schram (Paulschram)
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 11:59 am: |
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Keith, you ain't gonna find them at your local wholesale supplier. I had to order the taps and pay a King's ransom for them. The left hand thread tap cost me almost $50. The right hand was more than $20.
If you do find the nuts, you will be a lucky man. Expect to need to order them. Chances are that your local wholesaler will require you to buy a box of 100.
As for the track rod size, I knew that and should have warned you. Some are critical of $G for that very reason. In this case, you can use two Right Hand thread tie rod ends, unless $G in a burst of intellect decided to use left hand threads on the piece you have! I believe that you will either need to contact $G for the adjuster piece, or use the existing one. Be careful to get the assembled length close to the existing length so that your alignment won't be too far off. On the track rod, one can use a tape measure pretty easily as the tie rod ends aren't inverted from each other like they are on the front. Sorry, don't have the dimension here at the day-job. I measure from center of zerk to center of zerk.
Paul |
Keith Armstrong
| | Posted on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 03:16 pm: |
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Yeah, I'm a regular genius..not. It occurred to me after calling all over the countryside that Paul is right, these nuts are an odd size.
But you know what? SG still stocks them and will send them to me this afternoon! I knew there was a reason I sent those guys $$
Thanks again - KAA |
Greg Davis
| | Posted on Friday, May 17, 2002 - 09:01 am: |
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Speedway Motors (402-323-3200)carries the jam nuts (P/N 910-01449 L/H & P/N 910-01249 R/H) for $1.49 each. They're the same size and pitch as a standard Ford tie rod end. |
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