Are you in the building process of a CR's?

[Double Venom]

I have just determined a fluke on the steering rack & outer tie rod ends that's been around since the late 80's. Cpteddies super alignment guy called telling me that one of the inner tie rod end was short by 3/4"! I told him,

" I DID THAT PER THE ORIGINAL MANUAL. YOU HAVE OR ARE SUPPOSED TO CUT OFF THAT MUCH TO ALLOW ALIGNMENT TO COME INTO SPECS! "

Now CPT Eddies rack is a new Flaming River rack. Where the problem lies is the tie rods. Years ago their was only one tie rod available. Ford at one time or another then started to make two tie-rod ends for Pinto Vs. Mustang! They are simply declared by the same part number with and "L" added to the Mustang. ("L" meaning long, without the "L" it is assumed it is the short one!)

Bottom line is, if you have the shorter tie rods then you do NOT CUT THE INNER TIE ROD PER THE MANUAL! If you do have the long one(s) (6"s plus/ minus) then cut the inner tie rod per the manual.

For the most part, parts houses aren't even carrying the long tie rod any more.

If you find yourself cutting or already cut the inner tie rod then Flaming River does carry/make the long tie rod,
part # from FR is: FR-1603 L.

I hope this is a little clearer than mud this time!

DV

[cobraman428]

DV,
I could have used this info last year !! I too cut mine according to the manual and ultimately they were too short. I was pissed!!!! I called the company that manufactured my steering rack and they mailed me new rod ends and it only took about 15 minutes to replace both ends like new. It was a simple changout but cost me about $35.

[Double Venom]

Sorry man!
Wish I would have figured this one out 20 years ago! New outers are only $9.00! I always wondered why some racks needed cut and others didn't! IT was all in the tie rods with the kit!
DV

[tcrist]

I guess I was lucky. Someone told me not to cut mine until I could see how much really needed cut off. I actually only had to cut off about 3/8 of an inch on each side.

Great information DV. Keep them coming.

Terry

[rustyBob]

so do the CR's use an offset rack like the Midstates and maybe that little bit of info can be used on other manufacturers kits??????????

[Double Venom]

rusty Bob,
Yes they do and I don't see why the above applications would not work on other kits.
I will post the length of the old LONG tie rod when it comes in vs the newer SHORT tie rod.
DV

[rustyBob]

I was just looking through my Speedway book and I'll be darned they list 2 different tie rod ends for the mustang2...910-34316 stock length 13.99 each and a 1.5 inch longer than stock 910-02920 29.99 each....thats some good detective work DV.