Speaking of tie rod ends - recently replaced them on both my roadable
vans - the two '88 GL's. I used Meyle on on and TRW on the other - and
both used self locking nuts rather than castle nuts with cotter pins.
I'm a bit uneasy with that, but that is what I had, so used them. What
is the List's opinion about using the self locking nuts in this application?

John

On 5/29/2012 11:47 AM, ralph meyermann wrote:
> I heard that the rear trailing arm bolts usually need cut out,Im soon to be
> replacing mine after reassembling my whole front end! I purchased moog
> parts for the front tie rod ends and ball joints and have yet to put
> spindles back on to see how many threads are showing,I figure if you can
> get the key thru the castle nut you should be good!
>
> Velma 82diesel 1.6 na westy
>
> On May 29, 2012 11:03 AM, "email99"<email99@bellsouth.net>  wrote:
>
> It's time for some suspension maintenance.
>
> First a question:
>
> I recently replaced my steering rack (with tie rods) and tie rod ends
> and I found, after alignment, the engagement of the tie rod into the tie
> rod ends was not as deep as I would have liked.  It seems the length of
> the female threaded housing of the tie rod end is not as long as I
> remembered when I have replaced the rod end in the past.  Have the
> replacement parts changed over the years?   Are there brands that are
> longer than others?  Please note that I am not talking about the tapered
> stud that attaches to the spindle arm.
>
> Now a request for some advice:
>
> Also, the bolts attaching the rear trailing arm bushings are frozen in
> the bushings and even after considerable abuse, they refuse to budge.
> Is there a portable hydraulic press that maybe a frame alignment shop
> might have that could press these out?  If not, I guess I will have to
> hack saw the bolts and inner metal sleeve to remove the trailing arm and
> then drill out the rubber bushing to remove the rest of the bushing.
> Does anyone who has done this have any suggestions?
>
> I'm seeking advice from anyone who has done this in the past.
>
> Please pmail me if you like.
>
> Thanks,
> Ed
>