Tie rod cracks?

[neilferguson]

I am working through the steering config. and found there is no toe-in ( but doing it again to check for certain before adjusting )..whilst doing this I looked at the tie rod to see the adjustment technique and noted that there was a crack extending an inch or so inboard of the small adjustment clamps. I can understand the need to clamp the rod thread down..but the cracks look very rough.
Is this normal?

 

[neilferguson]

A few other comments on my rh drive CJ6 steering configuration..
...The tie rod has a 2.5in offset in its tube and there seems to be no reason for such as a straight rod would pass through. ...the rod has been positioned where 1 inch of thread shows on the tie rod end outboard of the clamp on one side and none at the other end.
Appreciate any comments

 

[Old Dog]

There shouldn't be any cracks. They do cut a slot out so the clamp can clamp. I'd be worried though if it's cracked.
The tie rod should have about the same amount of threads sticking out on both ends.

 

[neilferguson]

Thanks for comment on cracks/slots..I think they are supposed to be latter but wereraggedly cut late on the friday pm shift..I will dismantle and inspect and dress up if restorable.
The wheel steering rod assembley on my CJ6 looks strange compared to the photos etc I have seen online and in the three manual I have ( 74 service manual,Climer and Rebuilders manual by Ludel ).
...the tie rod is not straights..it has a 2.5in offset in the mid section and the kink does not seem necessary as straight rod would not hit anything.
...the tie rod ends are connected to the underside of the knuckles.
...the connecting rod is connected to the underside of the pitman arm.
Given the car handle very badly ....no self centering ( poss due to toe-in ) and reacts to every road imperfection...would appreciate any comments on the above. Need t sort this car out!!!

 

[neilferguson]

Pulled tie-rods etc apart...they are slots but look like they w were bitten out...so dressed up and reintalled. There was not toe-in ..wheels were parallel.
Set the toe in to 3mm ( 1/8th in ) and about to road test with new tyres ( 31 by 10.5 by 15 ..previously 33s).....but need to do a few more mods first ( to seats etc )..fingers crossed as the rest of the steering config is OK..Interesting to note that the current bumf says 1/8 in toe-in whereas orig. 1974 manual states 3/32in max...
Any comments on this and the wierd tie-bars as per previous comment

 

[neilferguson]

The CJ6 now handles reasonably well ( for a jeep!) and can be driven at about 80 to 85 kph without damage to my underwear. This is the net result of the reduction in tyre size down to 31in ( from 33) and 3mm toe-in. I aim to further improve this by detailed attention to all the components ....
many thanks to the contributor who suggested a tyre size reduction....