[Oletrucks] [Old_ChevroletGMCTrucks] Tie Rod End Replacement

[Gale Gorman]

>>On Jan 5, 2011, at 7:52 PM, Kent S. Butler wrote:

Gale:
 
Thanks for the idea.  However, I thought that you should not apply extreme heat to steering components.
 
Kent S Butler
'56 Chevy 3100
Houston, TX

From: Gale Gorman <gale_gorman at mac.com>
To: Old_ChevroletGMCTrucks at yahoogroups.com
Cc: old-chevy-truck at yahoogroups.com; oletrucks <oletrucks at autox.team.net>
Sent: Mon, January 3, 2011 9:29:33 PM
Subject: Re: [Oletrucks] [Old_ChevroletGMCTrucks] Tie Rod End Replacement

On Jan 3, 2011, at 9:08 PM, Kent S. Butler wrote:


Fellow Ole Truckers:

I am getting ready to start the process of work on the front end of my '56 Chevy 3100.  One item of attention, is the tie rod and ends.  I will be replacing with the new style tie rod ends.  I have read the various tech articles and it seems pretty straight forward.  Grind off the peening, drill hole in center and drive out old ball stud.  Will see how easy or hard it really is.

Just seeking any do's / dont's or tips on the process before I dive into it.

Thanks again for any input.


Kent S Butler
'56 Chevy 3100
Houston, TX

-----------snip----------
Heat will make the job much easier. Heat the part with the hole in it, not the ball. Then be prepared to smack it and it should pop right out. No need to drill the hole if you do this. The object of the hole is to keep the tapered part from swelling while you beat on it. If you apply plenty of heat (oxygen/acetylene torch) to the part with the tapered hole, the ball will pop out with one good lick.

I did this years ago. My current truck ('54 3100) still has the original joints and I'm OK with that.

Gale Gorman
Houston
_______________________________________________<<

-----------snip----------
The parts are not hardened steel, they wear like anything else. No harm will come from heat or welding.
 
Gale Gorman
Houston