Bent Tie Bar

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carbon60 said:
Do you think I'm good to drive 1000 miles in this rig, with my brand new Duratracs?

Thanks,

A.
Click to expand...

If you have to ask that question, you probably know already that the real answer is 'No'.
This board is unusually good with advice, and also premonitions and such, but it's ultimately you who's responsible for that vehicle. That said, it's steering. I'd be more concerned with safety than tire wear.
 
I adjust toe with 2 thumb tacks and a tape measure, but I like to put the front axle on jackstands.
Duratracks make it easy because they're pinned for studs. Stick a pushpin in a hole towards the outside of each tire, rotate so they're front and center and measure. Rotate so they're rear and center and measure again. You're going for 1/8" toe in.
If that's where you are now and the truck drives OK, then I don't see any issues as long as the ends are secure.
The only thing the draglink does is allow you to center the steering wheel. I've driven thousands of miles with my wheel turned this way or that way. It makes no difference in the handling of the vehicle. It's just annoying sometimes.
 
If you had 1.5" toe out and now you're at 1/8" toe in, that's 1.625" change. That's quite a bit of thread hanging out of the tie rod now, as long as there is still sufficient thread inside the tierod you're okay.

Must be quite some bend. Any pix?
 
Here is the bent bar with its ends (first three photos) and the newly installed bar (last two photos).

Thanks,

A.

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Yeah that bar was bent all right. I have been driving mine bent for like 500 miles no issues.

In the last pic I am pretty sure the clamp has to be facing up or it interfers with the control arm.
 
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