Lower suspension/wheels toed out

[ChrisB.]

Hi everyone, hopefully you can give me reality check. Just started build using 91 Mustang donor...installed Mustang front lower suspension arms, FFR upper control arms and donor spindles than I continued with steering rack install that I modified per manual by cutting 1.75 " off inner tie rods. After install I found wheels toed out and adjustment fully maxed out (mean inwards) and cant bring wheels to strait or slightly toed inn position. Did anyone had this problem before? Am I doing something totally stupid? Also looks like when steering rack is installed tie rod boots are compressed against the frame - is this correct? Is it possible that lower suspension arms are installed on wrong side? another thing I see... is that tie rods contact coil over shock assembly spring when wheels are turned to max. Picture would be greatly appreciated.
Please help and Thank You

[Todd Buttrick]

Picture would be greatly appreciated.


Back at ya. You'll eliminate much confusion by posting a picture of what you have.

Welcome to the forum!

[Jeff Kleiner]

... Is it possible that lower suspension arms are installed on wrong side?...

It is possible. The OEM lower control arms are not unidirectional and should be installed so that the hole for the sway bar link is to the front. It sounds like you are using donor components so I'll assume that includes the steering rack...if so did you install the extenders?

As Todd said, we really need photos to be able to offer much assistance. Give us some and we'll be happy to try to help!

Jeff

[ChrisB.]

Thank You for responding, I keep on trying to attach pictures but for some reason getting upload error. Looks like my Mustang lower control arms are installed correctly, installed extenders that came with a kit and trimmed inner tie rods 1.75" per manual. When you look at the threads where outer tie rod screws over inner tie rod (trimmed one) looks like I don't have enough thread to achieve desired setting, basically outer tie rod jam nut bottoms out running out of thread.

[Walt]

Hi Chris, I had the same issue, I used an 89 donor could not get it to adjust in far enough and I ended up ordering a manual rack from FFR to solve the problem.

[Jeff Kleiner]

I think some OEM vendors threaded the inners less than others and when you use the extenders it creates the situation you are describing. You can use shorter outer tie rods:

Breeze Automotive Factory Five Racing (http://www.breezeautomotive.com/details.php?prod_id=281)

Jeff

[CraigS]

Do you have manual or power steering? I thought that the extenders were for power racks only-someone back me up or tell me I am wrong so ChrisB gets the right info. As I understand it there are two lengths inner and two lengths out tie rods so this is actually a somewhat common problem. Does it look like there are enough threads that you could cut more off? If so cut another 3/8 inch on each side. BTW, if you are doing manual, here is a great chance to switch to power- you will be glad you did.

[ChrisB.]

Thank You all for replaying to my post, basically what i did is used 9/16-18 die and cut more thread onto inner tie rods to rectify toe out situation - looks like is in the ball park now.