tie rod questions

[chucky]

Hey all,

I have a 79 with pretty much all stock front suspension (d44), except for a 4" Skyjacker lift. It looks like the tie rod has had some clashes with the top of the springs, especially on the drivers side. I should have measured the shackles, but the rear mounts for the front springs are 'Scout parts' aftermarkets and the front look stock as it still has that 'swaybar' bolted to them.

Any advice on how to get some clearance for the tb without having to trade out knuckles and hysteer it? I couldn't mount it to the top of the knuckles, right? The taper is not cut on the top of the arm.

Along with that does the pinion angle for the front shaft look too steep? It doesn't bind any, but I was thinking about shims to pitch the diff pinion up about 2.5d. It droves straight and tracks good, would the new negative caster hamper that?

Thanks

 

[Dealbreaker74]

This is what my '79 looks like with 1" over stock shackles, Skyjacker 4" springs, and a tie-rod from IHPA. There is more clearance between the rod and the springs with this rod. My old one looked like yours.
I also shimmed my pinion angle slightly towards the ground from level. This corrected the crappy caster setting. Its about 3 deg, and while its good, its not perfect. Cut and turn someday will fix it right, but since this is pretty much a driver/transpo truck for us, I can't down it for weeks while that happens.
I'd say for your setup looks pretty close to what I have. That is, a mildly lifted (for 33's) stock-ish Scout.

View attachment 28422

View attachment 28423

View attachment 28424

 

[chucky]

Mmm extended shackles and a straight tie rod. Just what the doctor ordered. I'll have to look into those as soon as I get this blankly blank oil pan gasket to stop leaking.

thanks

btw did you extend the rear shackles as well to keep the Scout level? What was the shim angle? IHPA says use a 4 degree, but I think the added front end lift will improve the pinion angle, but pitch the knuckle tops forward (negative caster?). I wonder what that will do to the handling?

 

[Dealbreaker74]

Yes, the rears were replaced to match the ride height of the front.
And yes, you are correct that the new springs will drag the caster negative. I did 6 deg shims, but it really didn't get it where it needs to be. Have I measured it on an alignment rack? No. Just some shade tree guestimating.
For the record, it is very nice to drive. My wife has no prob jumping in and going out with it. But its not quite like a new modern truck either... Ah well!