question about 1969 camaro steering linkage? - Lateral-g Forums

yam924 · #1 11-10-2010, 12:08 PM

Hi,
I am a new member to the Lateral G forum. I am building a 1969 Camaro with a blown 427, manual transmission, and all the usual Pro-touring suspension goodies. I have run into an issue concerning the steering linkage, and am looking to see if anyone has come across this.
The car has stock inner tie rod ends and Baer racing bump stop outer ends.
The car is equipped with Gobal West lower tubular control arms and aftermarket adjustable upper arms. The spindles and steering arms are stock, and the car was equipped with manual front drum brakes originally. I have since changed over to the Baer Track system.
My issue is that the tie rod ends appear to be too long. The replacement inner ends are threaded up to the same place on the body of the tie rod as the stock original, so that's not the issue. The sleeves are 8 3/4" long on the bump steer rod, and both ends are bottomed out. The wheels are toed in and seems to still lack about 3" from being able to set the wheels straight. I have contacted Baer and they say that the part number for the rod ends I purchaced are correct, and even ran the stamped numbers on the sleeve to verify they were correct.
Any ideas?

Thanks!

strtlegal · #2 11-10-2010, 02:45 PM

Had the same problem, had no way of fixing it unless you add threads to the inner tie rod end and cut some off they are to long..I evern tried it with out the nut. I've scene several people have this problem but no one has mentioned what they've done to fix it...

Curious to see how it was fixed, you could pm James that one One Lap Camaro and find out what they did, since I know he is running them..

Good luck

yam924 · #3 11-10-2010, 03:43 PM

Thanks for the info. I am very surprised that Baer is un-aware of this and what the fix is. I have spoken to two different guys over there and they don't seem to have any idea why I am having the issue. It seems as though a shorter sleeve would be the simple fix. The problem I would have with threading the tie rod further up the rod is that it steps up in diameter shortly after where the threads end now. I would have to machine the rod down to thread it further. They are replacement units I purchased from Rick's Camaro parts and the ball sockets are beefier, but other than that they are identical in thread lenght and over all length as my stock originals.

strtlegal · #4 11-10-2010, 05:19 PM

Your right I forgot about that..You cant switch the outer tie rods for inners can you? I think the threads would be off right?
Well if someone else chimes in about the same problem send them a link to this site

yam924 · #5 11-10-2010, 06:03 PM

On 68 and 69 cars, both rod ends are right handed thread, so changing over an inner end would work, except then it is too short. Not enough of the threads would be into the sleeve to feel comfortable about leaning it into a corner. I may have to try and find another style inner rod end that I could cut and thread farther down unless someone out there has a better answer.

Thanks!

James OLC · #6 11-11-2010, 09:48 AM

I've used the Baer Tracker pieces on a couple of cars but have never encountered this issue. I wonder if there could be some variability in the length of the replacement tie rod ends?

yam924 · #7 11-11-2010, 01:41 PM

That's what I thought also, but I still had the original inner rod end and measured them side by side and they are identical length. The over all length of the tie rod ends that were on the car, and what I have now is only about 1/2 inch difference (the old links are shorter) and there is alot of adjustment left. What really is driving me crazy more so than how to fix it, is what changed.

I seriously need a good 1 1/2" shorter over all length of the tie rods on each side to even get the wheels straight.

ErikLS2 · #8 11-11-2010, 02:23 PM

I'm just going from memory here and since I"m at work I can't look at my car. I believe the outer and inner tie rod ends vary considerably in length (the outer is shorter I think). If this was the case couldn't you try an OE outer tie rod end and see if you get it where it needs to be?

I will try to look at my car tonight, I have OE tie rod ends on mine. But like I said, just going from memory here so may be way off.

yam924 · #9 11-11-2010, 02:56 PM

You're correct, the outer is conciderably shorter than the innner, but unfortunately it is a little too short to get enough threads into the sleeve to make it work.
I am looking for another inner tie rod end that may be threaded further up the body, or not be "stepped up" so that I could thread it further and cut the length down.
I just dont uderstand what is different, and that is driving me CRAZY!

yam924 · #10 11-16-2010, 10:27 PM

OK, I found a solution for anyone out there that may have run into this issue. An outer tie rod end for a 69' Impala is the same specs as the inners on a 69 Camaro, but they are 1 1/2" shorter. I have purchased a pair of these and they seem like they are going to work. I included several pictures of the front sub-frame and some other shots of the car as it currently sits. The "Crown Jewell" of this project is the powertrain. A 900 plus HP Pro-Charged BBC with an all Brodix top end, aluminum flywheel and a Tremic TKO 600 5 speed. I went with a 427 instead of a 496 to make it a little more "human proof". The shorter rod angle should let me stand on it a little harder without the worry of it comming apart. I'll try and get some pictures of the engine posted this weekend.