Loose steering due to tie rod

[drcomanche]

I have an upgraded front axle, so I would imagine that the steering linkage and tie rod are custom pieces. My tie rod shifts forwards and backwards at both ends and since the steering is connected to that it gives me some slop in the entire steering system.

 

My question is, what is supposed to go in between the tie rod end and the clip for the wheel, so it doesn't move back and forth.

[JeffN]

If there is slop there the only thing to do is replace the tie rod end, and you should do it as soon as possible.

[drcomanche]

It's not malfunctioning looseness though. It pivots like the rod end should, it just isn't snug to the knuckle, so that gives it a little room where the rod end can pivot. It doesn't go down any further either, so the next logical conclusion for me is that there was once something there that is no longer.

[JeffN]

if it's loose in the knuckle then you will most likely have to replace said knuckle and i would go with a new tie rod end to make sure it isn't going to fit the new knuckle loose.

Of course you could try some JB weld to fill the gap although i would never do that.

[alleydog]

It looks like you have a setup similar to JCR offroad one ton steering. They use late 70s to early 80s chevy tie rods. Your drag link goes to the right side and attaches to the hole that had a steering stabilizer attached to it in the original configuration.Make sure you have a poly spacer washer in place at that place where the drag link goes into the right tie rod end. If it has a rubber boot there , it will wobble.Jcr Offroad 269-353-1184 PN#1tnstbsh cost $6.50

[Eagle]

It doesn't go down any further either, so the next logical conclusion for me is that there was once something there that is no longer.

Probably a rubber boot.

[drcomanche]

It looks like you have a setup similar to JCR offroad one ton steering. They use late 70s to early 80s chevy tie rods. Your drag link goes to the right side and attaches to the hole that had a steering stabilizer attached to it in the original configuration.Make sure you have a poly spacer washer in place at that place where the drag link goes into the right tie rod end. If it has a rubber boot there , it will wobble.Jcr Offroad 269-353-1184 PN#1tnstbsh cost $6.50

 

This was exactly right. I ordered them and installed them, fairly pain free, and voila! Steering is SO much tighter now, which is convenient, but the best part... It COMPLETELY fixed my death wobble problem. Not a shimmy or shake akin to death wobble even at 65 hitting some very bad bumps(enough to make the truck jump) I do still have some significant vibration in the drivetrain at 35 and when I'm running at 55 and above, I can feel and hear a high frequency wobble. I still get plenty of bumps while driving, but no death wobble.

[alleydog]

Good to hear the steering is working, Now if you can figure the vibration problem out. Does it do it with the front hubs unlocked? How about the rear driveshaft u-joint angles?

[fattmox]

I believe this bushing is no know as: PLYBSH - http://www.jcroffroad.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=J&Screen=PROD&Category_Code=S6&Product_Code=PLYBSH

[HOrnbrod]

Looks like an afterthought.