Junkyard Solid Tie Rod Sleeves?

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

I want to put solid tie rod adjusting sleeves on my Cutlass rather than the crappy rolled together piece of metal ones that come on it stock. I know that they exist in the aftermarket, but I wonder: Did GM (or anyone else) ever used them in an OEM application with the same threads as a G Body's tie rod ends? I would rather use a junkyard solution with better stock parts than part with real money for aftermarket pieces if I can, so does anyone know of a good junkyard source for these?

The idea behind the solid ones is that they do not flex as much and should hold their alignment better in turns as well as provide better steering response. They are common on newer cars with rack and pinion setups, but I have never seen a stock set on a pitman arm steering car like ours. I am hoping I am wrong and they do exist, maybe on a Jeep or something.

 

[drogg1]

I know you were lookin for junkyard but I thought maybe you'd be interested:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/78-88-MA ... 4837d85809

 

[pontiacgp]

drogg..I wouldn't use those adjusters since they are aluminum and wouldn't take long to oxidize and basically weld themselves to the tie rods. I have SS adjusters in mine that were made for me by another race team who runs a metal fab shop. Head to your local circle track car supplier and buy some steel ones like these

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/i ... ucts_id=45

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

drogg..I wouldn't use those adjusters since they are aluminum and wouldn't take long to oxidize and basically weld themselves to the tie rods. I have SS adjusters in mine that were made for me by another race team who runs a metal fab shop. Head to your local circle track car supplier and buy some steel ones like these

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/i ... ucts_id=45

That's not a bad price compared to what some other companies are asking. I may have to pick a set up. Thanks!

I agree about aluminum being a bad idea in this application. Not only will you have an electrolytic reaction due to dissimilar metals, but aluminum threads will not hold up long in this application. The steel tie rod ends get dirty and rusty, and this build up with strip the threads in no time at all. These are things you really need to think about when buying aftermarket parts. Some companies and individuals will make parts because they can sell them and not because they are a good idea. Then again, it is not up to the person selling the part to make sure it is a good idea, that's your job. It's also why the learning curve in this hobby can be rather steep and expensive in the beginning.

 

[billyjack]

Head to your local circle track car supplier and buy some steel ones like these

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/i ... ucts_id=45

You've published a little-known secret; Circle track parts are usually a lot cheaper than the equivalent hot rod part.
Racers need a good functional part at a reasonable price, and are willing to trade off the finish and glitter of an expensive piece from the hot rod industry. Also, I do a lot of work on a Sprint Car in addition to all the family rides (see avatar), and anti-seize should be by your side with every job. Makes life a lot easier if anything ever has to come apart in the future.
Bill

 

[pontiacgp]

billy...another nice thing about circle track retailers is that they always have some interesting items that can be used on a street car...but you still have to watch the prices tho, some of those retailers are bandits...

 

[nycutlass]

Head to your local circle track car supplier and buy some steel ones like these

http://www.umiperformance.com/catalog/i ... ucts_id=45

), and anti-seize should be by your side with every job. Makes life a lot easier if anything ever has to come apart in the future.
Bill

i agree 100%

 

[megaladon6]

actually the aluminum adjusters will be fine. you don't get much electrolytic corrosion on a standing part with no heat. and with the proper application of grease or anti-seize (which is aluminum shavings BTW) you're protected from the rust. think about it. Al rims have few problems on steel hubs right? (of course there's the exception of audi and land rover) alot of it is the TYPE of Al. the cheap soft stuff will cause more corrosion. the adjusters are made of a much tougher material. and the threads are larger enough that strength is not a problem. (i would't use them in circle track due to the heavy wall impacts, but on the street...)

 

[outsider_27]

You may be right about the thread strength, but in an application as important as the steering linkage, I would rather spend my money on a steel part than an aluminum part.