Need Help Fast. Stunned Again. Auto vs Manual Inner Tierods, Different?

[nc_festiva]

Looks like its an 89 tie rod instead of a 91. The parts are different.
this looks like the one I pulled off.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/ACDELCO-PROFESSIONAL-45A0654-Tie-Rod-Steering-Tie-Rod-End-/281090683001?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1989%7CModel%3AFestiva&hash=item41724f7079&vxp=mtr

[TominMO]

88s and 89s were different from 90+. Different threading on the big end. My concern is that the old one was forced on, and screwed up the threads in the rack. Or hopefully, you just have an earlier rack and need to order the appropriate inner rod. The outer tie rod ends are the same for all Festys, according to Rock Auto parts #s, therefore the threading on the small end of the inner rod is the same for all Festys.

[nc_festiva]

It looks to me that the rack was changed out. The threading inside looks good. Now I just have to buy the tierods for the 89 to put on there. Wish I would have known before I wasted an entire day. I'll get one of these cars on the road at some point.

[TominMO]

You first post was exactly five hours before your last one! So we got it solved in that amount of time, rather than you throwing up your hands in despair, and just taking it to a mechanic, or something crazy like that. The forum FTW!

[william]

Easy way to check what rack you have 88-89 racks are steal and 90-93 were aluminium .
I changed my rack with an old one both will work but the iner tiered are different .
88-89 were fine thread and squire. 90-93 were corse and hex.

[TominMO]

Easy way to check what rack you have 88-89 racks are steal and 90-93 were aluminium .
I changed my rack with an old one both will work but the iner tiered are different .
88-89 were fine thread and squire. 90-93 were corse and hex.

Short and sweet!

[scitzz]

You first post was exactly five hours before your last one! So we got it solved in that amount of time, rather than you throwing up your hands in despair, and just taking it to a mechanic, or something crazy like that. The forum FTW!

Yeah baby, YEAH!

[Safety Guy]

Good job guys!!

Karl

[sketchman]

Awesome.

[nc_festiva]

Now im looking for ideas of how to get the skittle to the alignment shop with having changed out the balljoints and tierods I can't even drive it. It was scary going 15 getting nothing out of the steering wheel and randomly shooting to one direction.

[william]

Break out the tape ... Redneck alignment i never pay for an alignment just measures front to rear of your tires and set to 0 or close to 0 toe.
Some use the string from front to rear tire but i never could even get it close like that.

[TominMO]

Now im looking for ideas of how to get the skittle to the alignment shop with having changed out the balljoints and tierods I can't even drive it. It was scary going 15 getting nothing out of the steering wheel and randomly shooting to one direction.

Where's your sense of adventure?

I use the string method--simple and free. First get the steering wheel straight. Then tie a string to a jackstand or something else that won't move, and place it behind the car, toward the center. I run the string along the centerline of the rear wheel (i.e. bisecting the grease cap), up to the front wheel. Goes thru the centerline of the front wheel too. The idea is to get it so that it touches the back of the front wheel at the same time as the front of the front wheel. Then your front wheel on that side is aligned straight. It will probably need adjusting, via the lock nut on the tie rod end tho. Loosen lock nut, turn inner tie rod a little, recheck string. Repeat until satisfied. Hardest part is figuring which way to turn inner tie rod to get the result you want! But it just takes experience.

[nc_festiva]

Did a quick self alignment. As to be able to drive it to the shop and it drives now. Rides good. Felt so awesome to finally drive it after all the hours and money that I have put into fixing it. Fixing to drive it to the store for a celebratory cigar and beer.

ROCK ON \m/

[nc_festiva]

Well that was short lived broke down and had to be towed home. The bolt came lose on the shifter linkage. And even though I put it back o once I got home when I puy it into gear nothing happens it just acts like its still in neutral just revs doesn't move

[nc_festiva]

What are the chances the transmission isn't shot? I'm deflated right now.