Technical Can I drive with new suspension on one side 63 Impala

Yeah I’m pretty sure it’s the tie rod and moving the steering wheel. It was my 1st time. I didn’t even know the short tie rod was opposite thread from the longer side. I saw 2 YouTube videos and didn’t see those guys struggling with the reinstalltion of the sway bar. Maybe that’s a result of the tie rod length?

 

Just myself, I’d focus on the side that wa replaced with fresh parts.
Raise the car, adjust the tie rod end until the wheel was centered again

 

My next question is how do I adjust it without removing everything again?

 

One caveat, the car has to be on the ground with the weight on the suspension to be measured accurately.

You adjust it by loosening the clamps on the center sleeve of the tie rod and rotating the sleeve. As you discovered one end has right hand threads and the other has left hand threads. Rotating the sleeve will either lengthen or shorten the tie rod depending on which direction you rotate it. Remember to tighten the clamps when you are done with the adjustment.

 

When we adjust em at the shop we have a tool to hold the steering wheel

ya might need a friend to hold the steering wheel while you adjust it

but don’t call em a tool

 

Shit I just realized I put the tie rods on the wrong side. The long one is on the inner and shorter is the other. That explains why the grease fittings weren’t accessible. Fuck

 

Crap. Three steps forward, two steps sideways.

If the car is leaning, you lean too and tell everybody it's a lowrider with hydraulics.

If the bolts are put in from the top, they won't fall out if ever your nuts come off.

Good luck.
May your nuts never come off.

 

If it's not a lot of miles toe is the only big tire killer

 

I’m such a dumbass. That’s I ask a lot of questions on this forum

 

Longer tie rod is the inner one. Mines on the outer closer to the tire. The giveaway was the grease fittings not being accessible

 

Stuff happens.

 

You got that right, when some one tells me they don’t screw up my first two thoughts are liar, you don’t do anything do you? @Eth727 you’re only a dumb ass if you don’t ask questions., you’re in the right place!
Dan

 

Most definitely, but it’ll be close, and easier than raising and lowering, rolling back and forth, etc.

I’d forgot to mention it’s just a good starting point.

 

Okay it was definitely the tie rod installed incorrectly. The steering wheel is straight again. Now where in hell is my grease gun? Do the new ball joints and suspension parts come pre greased already?

 

Grease them

 

So now the toe could be anything?

 

Since you had the tie rods in the wrong spot and they're different lengths, it seems like you must not have measured the distances from the tie rod stud to the sleeve on each end (or stud to stud)?

Seems like that's why your steering wheel is off, and likely your toe. Once you correct your , if you set the toe by turning only the driver's side sleeve I would think your steering wheel should end up straight.

Measure the other side before you take it apart and put it back together the same length and you'll have an easier time.

 

The correct tool usually holds the brake pedal down too. I've used a piece of 2" x 4" with some padding wrapped around it, between the steering wheel and seat.

 

You mentioned it sitting high. Remember that you shouldn't put final torque on the suspension with it drooping off the jack stands. Keep them just barely snug and set it on the ground and bounce it a few times, then tighten everything with weight on it.

-rick

 

Yeah the control arm bushing bolts were tightened after I lowered it back on the ground.