Which tie rod end?

[adamj]

I see 2 sizes on parts websites for the tie rod ends for my '87 3/4 ton V20.


Right Outer:
- 4.12" length, 1" x 18 threads
- 4.81" length, 7/8" x 18 threads

Left Outer:
- 9.6 in length, 7/8 x 18 threads
- 52.25"??? and 1" x 18 threads (I'll have to go check again, but pretty sure mine is 3 pieces: tie rod and 2 separate ends with opposite threads)

Which one do I have/how do I measure?

Also, which toe-in spec should I follow? (I've seen people say 0", 1/8", and 1/16")
Running 285 75 16 tires if that makes a difference.

 

[bucket]

If you have the 3-piece setup it would be the smaller ends, according to those specs.

For a taller truck tire, I run about 1/8 inch and tire wear is fine. The bigger the tire, the more you need. Unless you are measuring from the rim or something, then you'll shoot for something closer to 0.

 

[87scotty]

Cool I just ordered the 1 incher was wondering the same thing mines bent so I wanted the bigger one! Running 36s so I want more toe in correct why do you want more toe with bigger tires?

 

[bucket]

Let's say you have a truck with 31's and a truck with 36's, and the toe-in is set at a certain (and identical) angle on both of them. The truck with 36's will actually measure out as having more toe-in, because you are measuring farther away from the wheel's centerline (taller tire).

So unless you are going for zero toe-in or measuring close to the centerline (like from the wheel lip) you will want more measured toe-in, to compensate for the larger tire.

 

[adamj]

I checked and I have the 7/8" set-up without the adjusting sleeve.
The 1" with a new tie rod (one piece with the tie rod end built-in on one side) is not that much more $. Is it worth the upgrade/will it fit?

 

[87scotty]

Yep yep