Is there a Longer Tie Rod or Center Link?

[MWHughes]

Hey:

I am trying to install some L&L headers on my 67 f250 with a 460cid. I currently have a Bendix PS gear box. The headers interfere with it. I tried a ford gear box but it too wouldn't clear the headers. I then tried moving the gear boxes 2 inches fore and aft to no avail. I then received a tip about using a Bronco gear box. It sits on the outside of the frame rail instead of on the inside like the original gear boxes. However, this creates about a 4 1/2 difference in length for the tie rod/center link to attach to the pitman arm. I would like to find a longer tie rod and center link combo to make up this difference. Does anyone know of another application that will work or maybe an aftermarket part? As a last resort I can have someone weld in a 4 inch bar to extend the original center link. If necessary I will also use a slightly longer pitman arm as well. A small tip to help remove the pitman arm from the tie rod. Use a pitman arm gear puller not the pickle fork tie rod remover. I destroyed 3 pickle forks. Instead, apply a good quality penetrating oil and then use the gear puller. Don't try to force the pitman arm off by cranking down real hard on the gear puller. It will only bend and pop the puller right off. Instead, tighten down until you feel good resistance, this means you are applying some good force on the tie rod taper bolt. Then let it sit for an hour. Come back and apply a little more force. Then let it sit for an hour. Then apply a little more force and POW! Off pops the arm from the tie rod like a gun shot. Nothing like 40+yrs of road crud and rust to make removing a bolt harder than putting a man on the moon!

thanx,
Michael

[heep70]

You could make your own tierod using some DOM tubing. Cut to length, thread the ends and screw in the ball joints. Make sure you secure them with jam nuts.