Of course, two steps forward, one step back. My life. Went out to hook up all the steering components. Started with steering tube and new tie rods. I screwed each end in to about where I remembered the old one were for the initial setting. But the wheels were both pointed out, so I twisted the steering tube to bring them in untili couldn’t move it more. Not enough so I took it off AGAIN trying not to mess up the new paint. Turns out that the passenger side tie rod will screw in all the way, but the drivers side bottoms out almost 3/8” early. So I checked to make sure no crud up inside the tube. Nothing there. So moved on to the steering connecting rod. What a pain but did get it installed. However, before even installing it, the steering wheel seems to 'catch' when going from end to end with nothing hooked up. I have a feeling the steering tube might be bent a little causing a drag. Another thing to check. While the manual says the adjustment is to tighten the plug until the ball seats, then back off 1/2 turn for wheel end and 1 turn for cab side. My issue is truely determining when the ball 'seats' With those springs in there. Any input from those who have done it as to 'feeling' the ball seat?
Tonight I’ll compare the old with new tie rods. With 39,000 showing on the non-functioning speedo when I got Wilbur, I just assumed the old were shot. The rubber cups were definitely bad/missing. But once again after market import parts seem to strike. According to Carl at Walcks, he said if it’s too long, just cut it down as these are all that anyone can get. We will see tonight but left without accomplishing the days job.