76 Bronco Front Wheels rub tie rod

[76 MS. bronco]

The front wheels look like they are toe'd out in the front. like the front of the wheel is pointing away from the center of the vehicle. also, the wheels are rubbing the tie rod and knuckle. not sure of the correct terminology. what can i do for this????

Thank you!!!

 

[Bronc76]

Ms- are the wheels stock or aftermarket and is the suspension stock or lifted?

 

[76 MS. bronco]

They are aftermarket with about a 4" offset, i believe. the suspension is stock.

 

[Bronc76]

Ms- the toe-out can be aligned by turning the tie rod sleeve. going by your name i'm assuming yours is a 76 too, so you probably only have one adjustment sleeve on tie rod like mine. you can use a tape line to measure the distance from center to center of tire front and back. (some tires have a centerline). its not the most accurate way to do it but it will get you close. i think 1/4" toe is pretty good. (some one else may know more). jack up the vehicle and see if there is any play as you hold tire top/bottom and move it side to side (ball joints/ wheel bearings may be bad) and check tie rods for play. you might want to have it checked at alignment shop.

 

[S_bolt19]

where at on the knuckle is it touching? That has me more concerned than the toe in/out does at this point. Your tire or rim should never touch the knuckle. Chance for serious damage if it is.

As for the tie rods, follow the directions given. If it is time to replace steering parts, I would highly recommend going with the older style steering linkage. It is a better set up and is easier to adjust.

 

[76 MS. bronco]

Thanks for the replies.

It is a 76 with only one adjustment.

S_Bolt19 - The knuckle is touching where the end of the Tie-Rod end and Knuckle join. Actually both, the Rod and Knuckle, are touching the wheel.

 

[Bronc76]

The older style setup would be easier (pre 75). when i lifted mine superlift told me if i switched i would have to buy a pitman arm too, but i just kept the inverted "y" setup because it was still good (just a little info for ya).

Bolt- would the 4" offset be the problem?

 

[76Explorer]

Backspacing on a 76 should be 3.50" for 15" wheels. I have 16" wheels and barely cleared the tie-rod with 4.25" B.S. I added 1.125" thick wheel spacer/adapters to for more clearance, and to give the truck a wider stance.