Tie rod setup on my 59 Apache

[texascowboy593]

Howdy old friends!

I'm finally getting some stuff done of the "Tracy Lee" aka "Flight '59".

Here's my latest problem:
Apparently the inner sidewalls of both front tires have been touching the tie rod ends and there is a GROOVE in the sidewalls now!
Here's the setup as I understand it: CPP 3inch straight drop axle with original tie rod assembly. I told my friend (chief mechanic on Flight 59) that I was gonna change the wheel/tire combo and we could order a different wheel backspacing to bring the tires more out and away from the tie rod ends. He said that wouldn't work... I looked on CPP's site and coudn't distinguish if their tie rod pkg was any different (dimensionally speaking) form the original.

Any one else experience this problem? I'm gonna probably end up call them up and trying to sort it out but I figured I'd send the question to the real experts here!!!

Here are a couple of pics. The one with my finger is pointing out the groove worn into the inside sidewall. The pics are from my camera phone...

[prostreeter58]

I think you were spot on when you mentioned decreasing the backspacing.........if you are going to keep the current setup you will need to change the spacing.........

[entourageguy]

Nice to see you on the forum Tex.
Try a wheel spacer.
Maybe a 1/4" or 3/8th" should move it away enough.
How is the little one doing?

[texascowboy593]

Originally Posted by prostreeter58

I think you were spot on when you mentioned decreasing the backspacing.........if you are going to keep the current setup you will need to change the spacing.........

I agree about the spacing. I still need to buy a newer tie rod and ends for safety. I even showed him the graphic in the Summit catalog showing how to determine backspacing etc. Thx ProStreeter!

Originally Posted by entourageguy

Nice to see you on the forum Tex.
Try a wheel spacer.
Maybe a 1/4" or 3/8th" should move it away enough.
How is the little one doing?

I'll run it by Woody (The Mechanic). Glad to be back even if it's only part-time. The world has gone into fast-forward for me and I just don't have the time to post like I used to.

Lil Cooper is doing great. Took him to the doctor for a checkup today. He's 17.5lbs at 5 months old! He's gonna be a big guy like his old man!

Thx E.G.!