Knuckle to knuckle...

I'm having some issues with my steering conversion. I'm trying to covert my CJ from Ross steering to Saginaw. I'm doing a 2 hole, single tie rod conversion flipping the tie rod to the top of the knuckle. All the parts came from a Jeepster w/ a D-27. The problem is that the single tie rod seems long on the '6'. It measures 39.75" end to end w/ TRE's removed ( I know D-30 tie rod is only 39.5"). With the TRE's installed they have to be in tight against the tie rod in order to come close to fitting between the knuckles, which gives me no room for adjustment. This isn't making any sense to me.

Question 1&2: Why would this set up work on the C-101 and not on a CJ? Isn't a D-27 a D-27?

Question 3&4: How much of the tie rod is threaded? Can I cut off 1/2" on each side and still have enough threading to secure the TRE?

Question 5: Anyone have a single tie rod set up on a D-27 and what is the lenght of it?


Thanks for any help...

 

We shortened the one on the D27 in my jeep... we cut it more toward the middle and then slid tight fitting solid stock inside, welded that and welded up the seams really well.

 

This is the proper way to do it, please don't weld on steering parts. I know alot of guys do it but its just not the right way to do it.

 

I've done a single tie rod conversion connected to the bellcrank. The tie rod is 35 1/2" long and I used one of the old tie rods for the drag link. Its attached w/ the x-steer TRE that was on the two piece. Here's a link to the tie rod from AA http://http://eshop.advanceadapters.com/commerce/ccp1723-jeep-tie-rod-35-1-2--lg--716830-716830.htm
Here's a couple of pics.
View attachment 19573

View attachment 19574

 

My D27 setup with Saginaw power steering uses the TRE on the passenger side with the hole for the drag link and a standard TRE on the drivers side. My tie rod tube without the ends is only 35.5" long.

 

Thanks for the replies,

No plans on welding any steering parts, unless you count boxing the frame where the power steering box is mounted.

I was considering cutting 1/2" off each side of the tie rod to shorten it.

I know about using the drag link parts and the two hole TRE, however the two hole knuckle is suppose to due away with that and allow for the one piece tie rod. I just can't figure out why its so long on the CJ and not on the Commando.

 

I did a power steering set up on mine and had the same problem. If you bend a small piece of wire you can reach into the holes and feel how far they are threaded. I was able to cut off 1/2 inch off each one and had plenty or thread for the ends to go in and adjust. In my opinion this is a good safe option. cutting and welding makes me worry because if it isnt str8 or crappy weld you could be in danger. Just be sure that if you cut off the ends a little that you can put your ends in to proper depth. Anyways It worked well for me and you could never tell its been done.

 

Some simple math: the difference between 39.75" and 39.50" is .25" (1/4" for the decimally impared) which would be .125" (or 1/8") per side. .50" (1/2") removed from each side might be too much. what is your measurement with the 2 piece tie rod?

I'm not real familiar with the dana 30, but from the pics I've seen, the knuckles are different as well (open vs. closed design).

 

That's what I bought for my single hole knuckle, too, but I think he said he's got a double hole knuckle. ~39.5" sounds about right to me.