I agree with George, I always measure the tie rods too and set it as
close to original as possible.  However this is just so that I don't
have problems on the way to get it aligned at a four wheel, computerized
alignment shop.  Typical price is around $60.  Well worth the money when
you think about the price of tires and the wear and tear on front end
components.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

George Goff wrote:

>In a message dated 10/20/05 6:40:23 PM, felder@KNOLOGY.NET writes:
>
><< Also, a big time and money saver: I measured the distance from the center
>of the tie rod ends to a known spot (the innermost thread, for instance) on
>the rod ends out of the rack. Reinstall to the same measurement and you want
>need an alignment, assuming you didn't need one before. >>
>
>I've done a form of this also, at times using some very precise means to
>reestablish the toe in.  The results can be very close to the spec, but you need
>luck to be spot on.  The problem is that you might not realize the alignment is
>off until you see an odd wear pattern on the tire 10 Kmi. down the road.  If
>your tires are fairly new, it is worth the cost to have an alignment done.
>
>George
>
>
>