I am rebuilding my front end.
I noticed that the replacement tie rods
are just a bit longer than the old ones.

If I install these tie rods for an overall length
that corresponds to the length of my old
set ( original equipment ),
I end up with a very limited ability
to adjust them any shorter.
I will have around a 1/4 inch on either side...

I am worried about the alignment...

Is it likely that I will need a lot
of adjustment here...

I am guessing that shortening the length
increases "toe-in"

Soooo....
The real question is ...
Should I try to shorten these things ?
(better now than to take them off and do it )

Or am I worrying about nothing

( I went down to checker and had a look
at another brand and they were the same length )

Anyone run into a problem where they could not
get their alignment right beacause of this ?

By the way the whole front end will be new
so that it is less likely that the alignment
guy will be compensating for worn parts...

 

I used new TRW components from Pep Boys and had no problem. You could always cut them shorter to match the existing ones and retain the same adjustment range. Just be sure to chamfer the ends well so the adjusting sleeve will thread on well. While you're at it, both Hotchkiss & Edelbrock make a billet adjusting sleeve that is much stronger than the formed OEM version. I have the Hocthkiss set. Don't forget to get a front end alignment afterward. Lon

 

How much were the Hotchkiss tie rod sleeves? Where did you get them? I have a hard time keeping the front end in alignment, will they help?

 

I am using the global west pieces
for tie rod adjusters...

Anybody know where I might find
something to chase the left hand threads

 

https://www.hotchkis.net/secure_index.html

 

http://www.mcmaster.com/
Type in "Thread chasers"

Lon