HD tie rod - Will it hit dif cover?

[Rentalman]

Hi all, this coming up Friday I plan on installing front hubs, rotors, calipers, pads, rear drums and all related parts on my 74 Scout II project. I've been updating progress in the forums Readers Rides. I also will be installing my HD tie rod and drag link that I purchased from IHParts America. Comparing the HD tie rod to the stock tie rod which appears to be bent to clear the diff cover, will the solid straight HD tie rod hit the diff cover? If so are there additional parts I need to get or modifications that need to be made to make this work? Any advise is appreciated. Thanks.

 

[ihpartsjeff]

The tierod should not hit the diffy cover. The factory tierod has the bend in the middle for oilpan clearance. Since you have a lift kit installed, clearance should no longer be an issue.

 

[Rentalman]

Jeff thanks for the info. Right now the suspension is hanging as the frame is sitting on stands. When I install the tires and remove the jack stands that are supporting the chassis, how loose should the bolts be on the springs and hangers to allow the suspension to flex? I still need to torque all suspension hardware.

 

[ihpartsjeff]

Just lightly snug until you have it on the ground. Once on the ground, jounce the suspension a few times, then go ahead and do a final torque on all the hardware. Retorque the ubolts too once on the ground.

 

[Rentalman]

Thanks Jeff for the info.

 

[Scooter]

I just installed something similar in the beginning of January. I have been daily driving my scout since then, and never had an issue. If the tie rod ends ever fail, it's nice to be able to get replacements easily wherever I am at.

 

[Rentalman]

Nice to know, thanks.