torquing tie rod ball studs

[flyboytroy99]

I'm reassembling the steering for my 70 GT. The service manual says to torque the tie rod ball studs to 43 lb.ft. How can I measure this when the diagram shows using two open ended wrench to tighten it? I can't see how a torque wrench could be utilized. Anybody?

[jeff denton]

There are tools available to put an open end or a box end on a torque wrench, you really are not limited to sockets just because the torque wrench has a square peg.
However, really, the 43 ft pounds spec tells me that I should snug 'em up pretty good and then enough more to get the cotter pin lined up. But that's just experience with wrenching, I know what 45 pounds feels like.
I hope this helps.

[namba209]

Originally Posted by flyboytroy99 I'm reassembling the steering for my 70 GT. The service manual says to torque the tie rod ball studs to 43 lb.ft. How can I measure this when the diagram shows using two open ended wrench to tighten it? I can't see how a torque wrench could be utilized. Anybody?

According to the USAF Technical Order 0-1A-8 or 00-32-3, I shoulda remembered those, regarding aircraft hardware and the care and use of hand tools, you can use a crowsfoot on the end of a torque wrench with no ill effects on the item being torqued.

[flyboytroy99]

thanks guys.