Author Topic: Tie rod end wont fit correctly  (Read 1021 times)

Offline Catrik

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Tie rod end wont fit correctly
« on: January 08, 2023, 02:22:45 PM »
1986 K10, 10 bolt axle. The tie rod end wont sit correctly in the knuckle. The nut bottoms out so I had to put a washer in there, and now the boot wont fit at all. At first I though maybe someone had reamed the hole after it was damaged, but the drivers side rod end seems to fit just fine in here. What am I doing wrong?

The part number is Moog ES2234R, everything rockauto offers looks the same. Drivers side part is DELPHI TA2531.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Tie rod end wont fit correctly
« Reply #1 on: January 08, 2023, 02:58:26 PM »
Go to the auto parts store and pick up a different one, test fit it in the knuckle. I just returned another set of Moog ball joints that didn't fit right.
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74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Mr Diesel

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Re: Tie rod end wont fit correctly
« Reply #2 on: January 08, 2023, 06:06:01 PM »
Get the Moog "Problem Solver" ones if possible. They have a steel ball socket inside and will last much longer than the plastic socket versions found in many other tie rods.
1976 C20 Crewcab, 6.2L/SM465
1982 K30 Crewcab , 427TD/TH400
1983 C30, 6.2L/TH400
1983 K30 Crewcab 454/700R4
1986 K10 350/400. 1989 K30 cab/chassis 454/SM465

Offline Catrik

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Re: Tie rod end wont fit correctly
« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2023, 03:45:05 AM »
Go to the auto parts store and pick up a different one, test fit it in the knuckle. I just returned another set of Moog ball joints that didn't fit right.
Oh you silly americans... Here in Finland the closest store selling USA parts is probably 300km away. I would have to call them first to ask if they even have the part, and even then it costs 4 times as much as in Rockauto ;D I cleaned the old joint off the inch layer of grease and it is the same part number as the new one and it has the same issue. Unlikely that two parts bought years apart would have the same defect.

Get the Moog "Problem Solver" ones if possible. They have a steel ball socket inside and will last much longer than the plastic socket versions found in many other tie rods.

Moog ES2234R, which I have, is the Problem solver series.

I think I'll see how the joint will fit on the drivers side knuckle, that should rule out if the left side taper hole is reamed or if the part is incorrect.

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Tie rod end wont fit correctly
« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2023, 03:38:25 PM »
Well if you already have one there to compare it with then there's no need to go on your 300 km trek. If the tie rod uses the jam nut it goes in from the bottom, if it has an adjusting sleeve it goes in from the top. Looks like the right setup from your pic but doesn't mean it's the correct knuckle or hasn't been messed with. I'm willing to bet that is your issue.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Catrik

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Re: Tie rod end wont fit correctly
« Reply #5 on: January 09, 2023, 04:24:15 PM »
Well if you already have one there to compare it with then there's no need to go on your 300 km trek. If the tie rod uses the jam nut it goes in from the bottom, if it has an adjusting sleeve it goes in from the top. Looks like the right setup from your pic but doesn't mean it's the correct knuckle or hasn't been messed with. I'm willing to bet that is your issue.

I remembered I had a knuckle in my treasure chest so i got out of bed, trekked 50 meters in knee deep snow on my underpants to have a test fit.. And it fits! Too bad this one has welded ball joints. i wonder if they make some kind of repair sleeves for these?


Offline bd

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Re: Tie rod end wont fit correctly
« Reply #6 on: January 09, 2023, 05:05:31 PM »
...i got out of bed, trekked 50 meters in knee deep snow on my underpants to have a test fit..

And you call us silly...   ::)
Rich
It's difficult to know just how much you don't know until you know it.
In other words... if people learn by making mistakes, by now I should know just about everything!!!
87 R10 Silverado Fleetside 355 MPFI 700R4 3.42 Locker (aka Rusty, aka Mater)

Offline VileZambonie

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Re: Tie rod end wont fit correctly
« Reply #7 on: January 09, 2023, 05:22:14 PM »
There are some sleeves out there, but you should measure to see what will fit. Google tapered tie rod sleeve.
,                           ___ 
                         /  _ _ _\_
              ⌠ŻŻŻŻŻ'   [☼===☼]
              `()_);-;()_)--o--)_)

74 GMC, 75 K5, 84 GMC, 85 K20, 86 k20, 79 K10

Offline Mr Diesel

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Re: Tie rod end wont fit correctly
« Reply #8 on: January 09, 2023, 07:30:07 PM »
 "Oh you silly americans... Here in Finland the closest store selling USA parts is probably 300km away. I would have to call them first to ask if they even have the part, and even then it costs 4 times as much as in Rockauto ;D I cleaned the old joint off the inch layer of grease and it is the same part number as the new one and it has the same issue. Unlikely that two parts bought years apart would have the same defect. "


Lol. Sorry, didnt realize that. We take a lot for granted here. My mom's side of the family is all from Finland actually. I'll go there someday and visit family. See "the old country".
« Last Edit: January 09, 2023, 07:37:27 PM by Mr Diesel »
1976 C20 Crewcab, 6.2L/SM465
1982 K30 Crewcab , 427TD/TH400
1983 C30, 6.2L/TH400
1983 K30 Crewcab 454/700R4
1986 K10 350/400. 1989 K30 cab/chassis 454/SM465

Offline JohnnyPopper

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Re: Tie rod end wont fit correctly
« Reply #9 on: January 09, 2023, 08:39:13 PM »
I hope you wore clean underpants... ;)
1957 Apache 3100 235 Inline 6, 3 on the tree
1973 C-20, 3+3 454 4BBL TH400  Water Injection
1978 K-10, 350 4BBL TH350 NP203 M.M. Part time Kit/Hubs
1980 C-10 under construction