Steering Tie Rod Ends

[Hunter450]

I was under my cart and noticed that the cotter pins going through the tie rod end was well below the castle nuts and doing nothing to keep the joint snug. I installed an All Sports lift and apparently the steering control arms are thinner than factory for whatever reason. My question is can a few washers/spacer be installed above the castle nut so the hole in the tie-rod end bolt aligns with the slot in the castle nut? Does anyone know the torque spec on the castle nut?

Thanks,

[NoleFan4Ever]

Yes you can, I have many times. Sorry I do not know a torque, I just use my breaker bar and pull them down very tightly to seat them on the crown.

[Hunter450]

Ok, went bought a stack of washers and new cotter pins to adjust. Can someone tell me the method you use to keep the tie-rod end castle bolt from turning? I'm talking about the joint on the short steering rod out of the steering rack. I think the tie-rod ends on the long cross connecting won't turn...at least they didn't when I backed the castle nuts off.

Nole, if your using a breaker bar to seat them what's the trick?

[NoleFan4Ever]

I have never had that issue. Mine pull right down. The piece you are referencing is like a pitman arm. It adjust the centerline of the steering wheel as long as it is installed correctly. It should be just like the tie-rod ends.

[dundeebarnbuggy]

I have had to place a jack under ball joints to force them tightly into the taper to remove rusted nuts. It will also work for installing. A small impact can also help too.