Bent tie rod end mistery

[82BlazerMan]

1982
K5 Blazer
2WD

Hey Guys,

About 5 years ago I lowered my Blazer by removing about a 1/2 a coil from my front springs.  At the same time I rebuilt my front end replaced ball joints, tie rod ends rubber stuff etc...  Anyway, about 2 years ago I noticed that both tie rod ends were bowing backwards.  I've lowered the same type of truck front end, only it was a C10 and I never noticed this.  Could I have put something on wrong?  At one point while putting the long bar in the middle (tie rods attach to it) I thought I had put it on wrong, so I reversed it.  It seemed to be the same either way.  Could I have put it on wrong?  At any rate, why would the tie rod ends be bowing?  I'm probably going to rebuild the front end again, but I definately don't want to do it wrong again if that's the case. 

[Captkaos]

Pictures of what you mean by "bowing"?

[82BlazerMan]

Here's a few pics.  Hope these links work.

[bake74]

     How much or the threads are left on the tie rod ends ?

[82BlazerMan]

2, 2 1/2"

[Captkaos]

Wow, that is way out there on the threads...

[bake74]

     Are you saying 2 - 2 1/2" left inside the sleeve, or outside the sleeve ?  I agree with Capt.  After looking at both my trucks, it seems like there is a lot of threads outside the sleeve.

[82BlazerMan]

2, 2-1/2" inside the sleeve