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fmichaels

fmichaels

Jedi Knight
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why i am putting the car together before i get the tub painted. seems i was bored and started setting up the new tierods to the steering arms. noticed that the steering arm has a tapered hole. the tierod also has a taper. problem is, the new tierod does not fully insert into the steering arm hole. only the threads insert, the tierod taper is larger than the steering arm hole. got out the old a-frame steering arm and the hole is larger than my new arm. what's going on? i have no manuals that talk about this. should this be a simple interference fit or is there machining involved?
 
I think you have the later model tie rods?
 
there is such a thing? i have new tierods. the arms are from a later vintage car, but the catalogs offer only one part number for all years.
 
Fred, 1972 ish and newer used smaller taper diameter tie rod ends.The steering arms from a 72 and newer Spridget require the late ends. Peter
 
Wow, leave it to Peter to difinitize the issue.
 
so, i may be able to use the old steering arms ... if i can find them ... am i alone or are their others with parts all over the place. any possibility you know the taper dimensions? i would like to make sure my old arms are not worn. i will check the fit tonight.
 
Fred, the old arms are likely not worn. The taper is snug. But, closely examine and choose the best screws (bolts) to attach them. REAL critical. I know of an upside-down Sprite with a broken ateering arm attaching screw (bolt). It wasn't upside-down before it broke, if ya get my drift. Peter
 
got it, i was thinking the same thing .. it's a snug fit and should show no signs of wear. the tierods i removed from the old arms were another story. i will replace the bolts. thanks
 
checked the old steering arm and sure enough the tierod fits snug ... now the rub ... for some reason (perhaps machine shop related), i cannot find the other old steering arm. if i wait, i probably could find one on ebay, but does anyone have an older style arm they would be willing to part with? i could get you the dimensions if you are not sure of the vintage. thanks (dang mess in the basement ... this week i stop work and clean up!)
 
Get your used stuff from Peter soon. It is going to snow him in for the winter soonish.
 
He's next on my wishlist.....
After I get the motor put back together.
 
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