Moog tie rod clearance issue

[Phils67]

Just installed the new tie rod on my axle project. Bought it from Moog (PN# DS915) and they claimed it was for a 78 J20, which this diff is out of of. It's a passenger drop front. I have clearance when the wheels are turned full left but when turned full right it hits my diff cover. The diff isnt under the truck yet, just on the bench. Also there is a slight curve to it on the driver side which seems pointless at this stage in the assembly, especially since it curves toward the axle tube and not away from it. Wondering if it hits because it doesnt have the drag link installed between the tie rod and steering box yet? Hoping this isnt going to be an issue during final install. Any thoughts? I would attach pics but it's been a multiple year long battle trying to upload pics to this forum.

[Stuka]

For photos, they just can't be raw full size images. If you want to have those, use imgur or something to host them for you, and then just link them here. Raw full resolution images are often 5MB each, so not only are they not great for viewing on the web, but they take up a lot of space too. Another option is to use tapatalk, and they then host those images.

Anyway, the tie rod will rotate when the drag link is connected to it. But my first though is where are you turn stops adjusted to? Or, does the axle even have any?

[Phils67]

I'm using tapatalk and it still isnt allowing me to post here. I'll keep trying. Stops are there and look like they haven't moved since the axle was originally built. I would say they are set where they would have been for a stock fsj. I'm also using a nodular iron diff cover with pretty heavy ribs on it. I may have to end up shaving 2 ribs down

[Phils67]

If anyone wants to post the pics up here for me I will gladly email them to someone.

[Stuka]

I'm using tapatalk and it still isnt allowing me to post here. I'll keep trying. Stops are there and look like they haven't moved since the axle was originally built. I would say they are set where they would have been for a stock fsj. I'm also using a nodular iron diff cover with pretty heavy ribs on it. I may have to end up shaving 2 ribs down

Strange. I just tested posting a photo from tapatalk and it worked fine. I had to choose the medium quality (top one is VIP only, meaning you payed for the app), but it posted fine. Are you getting an error or something?

[Phils67]

It's not giving me an option to change sizes. Just says error-file to large. I'll delete and reinstall the app and see if that helps

[Phils67]

Hopefully this uploads

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[Phils67]

This is the same part number BJs lists btw

[Stuka]

This honestly looks like its for a right hand drive truck. If it was flipped 180, the bend would stick out, and clear the diff cover, and then the drag link would connect on the other side.

Your diff cover isn't THAT much larger than stock. The fins stick out a little farther. But I have honestly not paid much attention to how close that gets with a stock cover. Maybe it is close enough that that 3/8" of or so that those fins stick out is enough to make it hit.

[Phils67]

I was thinking a RHD also. But again that is the part number BJs sells for the widetrack, so either moog and BJs are selling incorrect products or I got the wrong part packaged in the correct box. I dont want to adjust the stops out if i dont have to, better turning radius was part of the reason for this swap. Guess I'll contact the seller and see what's up here. Every picture I come up with for that part number shows it to have the exact same bends.

[RamJetFSJ]

That is correct. Some MFGs sell straight bars, but I had to use the MOOG bar to clear my drop pitman arm. I would say the issue is from your thicker diff cover. It gets really close to the stock cover at full lock. You can clearance the cover, or adjust the steering locks, or just leave it be, it will only contact at full lock, and won’t hurt anything.

[Phils67]

I'll have to see once I install it I guess. Maybe the steering box will limit it enough to where it doesnt hit. Worst case I clearance the fins on the cover a little. I assume the bend is for the drag link clearance at the pitman and not for diff cover clearance. Which makes sense

[RamJetFSJ]

There are bolts on each knuckle that limit how far it turns. Did you remove those for painting? And possibly then not reinstall them, or turned them all the way in?

[Phils67]

I never touched them. They are there in the position they were in when I got the axles. They appeared to have never moved from the day they were built so left well enough alone

[RamJetFSJ]

Cool. Must just be the extra thickness on the diff cover then, me thinks.

[Phils67]

I'll find out soon I guess. This project is kicking off in the coming weeks.

[Phils67]

As I get further into this project, I now see the bend is for the pitman arm/drag link. Gives it just enough clearance in that area. If it touches the cover I'll grind a little of the fins or adjust the stops a little. Still going to be an improved turning radius over the closed knucks