Tie rod too long
 

I installed a new tie rod in my 1929 roadster but could not achieve the proper toe-in measurement because I ran out of threads on the ends. I later measured the bent original (43") but the new one is 44" long. Question: are there different tie rod lengths for each model year?

Re: Tie rod too long
 

No, one size should fit all, although the spindle arms did change their distance a little.

Re: Tie rod too long
 

A longer tie rod should allow more toe in.

Re: Tie rod too long
 

yeah, OP said proper toe in, not that he couldn't get any toe in. If he ran out of threads he was trying to reduce toe in due to the tie rod being too long. My tie rod was bent up. It wasn't a big job to straighten it. I would say fix the original if at all possible.
-edit- re-reading this post I sound sort of short-tempered, didn't mean it that way :)

Re: Tie rod too long
 

I see, he ran out of threads on the inside.

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Yes, the tie rod length changed in September, 1928, at the same time that the spindles arms were slightly redesigned. It required lengthening the threaded tie rod from approximately 42-3/4" to 43-1/2".

So it sounds like your '29 roadster may be fitted with '28 spindle arms by a previous owner.

I hope this helps. Feel free to PM or email me with follow up.

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Jim,
Off the top of my head..I think your backwards, best guess.
The arms that are closer too the backing plates take a longer tie rod..
Dudley

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Could someone tell me the size and thread count of these tie rod threads? Glynn.

Re: Tie rod too long
 

The thread size on the ends of the tie rod are 11/16-24 and about 2" long.
One end is right hand threads and the other end is left hand threads.
The right hand threads are threaded into the left hand tie rod end fitting.

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Do you have a dropped axle?

Re: Tie rod too long
 

No I do not have a dropped axle. The roadster was restored about 20 years ago and I do not have the history on it. I am beginning to believe that it is a 1928 with a 1929 motor and transmission.

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Bill:
The rod that is too long is a new solid one. I could cut an inch off the right hand threaded end and then chase the threads down the rod one inch further. But I thank I will have the original hollow one straightened (I like original).

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Thanks LEM for the info. Glynn

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Lay the original hollow rod in the V of a thick piece of angle iron, then use a block of wood and 3 pound hammer to straighten it.

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Tom,
Minervas' hollow one was bent by "someones'" damper, that had some HUGE shock on it. Removed & trashed the damper & pried the rod straight, on the car, with a 2 Ft 2X4. Found that the TOE-IN was PERFECT!
Bill Easy

Re: Tie rod too long
 

https://www.brattons.com/tie-rod.html
http://www.mikes-afordable.com/product/A3281.html
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/tie-rod
https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_m...nd-pickup.html


Take your pick

Re: Tie rod too long
 

Brattons is 44.0 long @ $19.00
Mike's is 44.0 long @ $14.95
Snyder's is 43.4 long @ $14.95
Mac's is 43.5 long @ 30.99
Smith & Jones is 44.0 long @ $17.00 ( this is the one I bought and is too long)

Bottom line- measure before you order!