Tie Rod Bar Clearance over Leaf Springs???

[project74]

I just mocked up my new tie rod bar assy. and the clearance is real close.
I am running a stock Dana 30 axle, 2-1\2" procomp leafs and installing the tierod bar from under the knuckles like stock...I have apx. 1\2" of space between the tierod bar and the leaf spring. This should be enough because I dont think the movement of the leafs will be enough to hit it...should I install the tierod assy. from above the knuckles...? Would this cause any other problems with the linkage?
Let me know if anyone has any thughts.
thanks, Ed

 

[Old Dog]

It should be fine, they are all real close. Sometimes you have to jack up the jeep by the bumper to have enough clearance to get the end in.
I would flip it to the top for more clearance if you are going to off road it.

 

[bdpalace]

I did the tie rod flip along with the draglink to pitman arm flip and it made a big difference in how my Jeep handles. The draglink is almost parallel with the tie rods and I don't get any bump steer going over bumps.

I don't think the leaf clearance is an issue since the axle and steering knuckles will travel with the springs as they are compressed. But, if you have a lift and are going to go off road, the tie-rod flip is an easy upgrade.

 

[Dan86CJ7]

quick question.....what flip kit did you use?

 

[Old Dog]

I used the reamer and inserts,(no problems yet) BUT I believe the ones where you drill a straight hole and use a tapered inseret is a better way to go.

 

[bdpalace]

I used the goferit inserts. You have to drill the knuckle and tack weld the shims in. But it was only $51 and I didn't have to buy a reamer so it was an easy choice for me. Search for my "Drop Pitman" post for before and after pics. Good luck!

 

[Dan86CJ7]

both kits use factory ends?? tks for the help

 

[Old Dog]

both kits use factory ends?? tks for the help

I believe so, mine did.

 

[bdpalace]

Same here. The shims reverse the taper from bottom to top so you can use stock ends.

 

[AussieCJ7]

both kits use factory ends?? tks for the help

Do any of the flip kits allow for use Wagoneer ends ??

 

[SarTech]

I was thinking the same thing. Im doing a 76 CJ5 rebuild and installed the newly painted tie rod and had to loosen the left side 'U' bolts to get enough clearance to install the rod end. Once installed I noticed that there was about 3/4" clearance between the rod and leaf spring. I don't think that the leaf spring will travel that much being so close to the axle. Poor design, if I would have known I would of done the Goferit reversal while I had the differentials out. Ill keep an eye on it and if I see any interference I will do the reversal, as for now Ill leave as stock.

 

[73CJ]

I reamed mine out from the top and used larger TRE from a Chevy.

See Project CJ7 - Dana 44 Axles from a Scout II swapped onto a CJ-7 frame.

Also went with DOM tube and weld in ends for bigger drag link and tie rod.

I'm not a fan of the bushing method.

 

[Jimbos76cj]

For what it's worth when I swapped my j-10 waggy front under my CJ I made a hibred link to use the waggy y link with my CJ pitman arm. I found the ends on a 2000 grand Cherokee are the same size as the stock CJ tre but much beefier. Plus I think they have offset ends on them already so it was easy to get the clearance I needed.