^^^ that is why you need to replace the locking clips. It will be next to impossible to get the clips and tie rod aligned. The open clips will tear up the boot when it sags. No the locking clips will not affect the length as long as they are flush against the tie rod, bent or not.
And no with the spacer, im pretty sure you loose some thread engagement.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Def
Put the car on some vinyl floor tiles with some dish soap and a little water and the tire will pivot freely. A quick roll back and forth is all you need if you still feel there is binding(doesn't happen with spherical rod ends/bearings though).
Toe plates that you use to measure the front toe with tape measures work well for a quick alignment. Just as accurate as the average alignment rack where the heads have been dropped/banged around etc and are never calibrated.
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I wouldnt use dish soap, use bar and chain oil, Trust me, that stuff is from heaven.
Anyway, double check the steering wheel linkage after the rack. Make sure the slit in the joint coupler is lined up with the yellowish plastic guide seal. Make sure the joint didnt skip any teeth, because if its rusted it could. I removed the joint, coated the splines in bar and chain oil, and re installed/torqued to spec.
Yes, bar and chain oil. It seals out moisture, lubricates and kills rust - keeping metal strong. I usually mix some turpintine with ground up candle wax, and then mix that with some bar and chain oil and you have a winning concocksion