Yerf Dog tie rod problems

[Sir Cartzalot]

I was about to tighten these up and I noticed the tie rod ends that bolt to the steering column aren't flush. They're supposed to be flush and flat against each other right? I loosened the ends so they could move freely and that didn't seem to make a difference. The long tie rod that connects to the passenger spindle is also rubbing against the frame. The frame doesn't look bent to me. I could be doing this wrong lol. Any help or advice is much appreciated.

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

I would do this:
1) Remove the bolt
2) Flip one end to the top of the steering arm thingy
3) Leave the other on the bottom
4) Insert washers between everything
5) Tighten it all back up
6) Test drive
7) Win

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

If you have the frame blocked up, The suspension is sagged. It will make more clearance when its on its wheels.

 

[Hellion]

I would prefer a piece of thin wall tubing as a spacer between the two tie rod ends, instead of stacked washers. This tubing would be a short piece 1/2” long perhaps, that fits the outside diameter of the bolt. Then the tube will anchor the inner ball (its a ball and socket joint) so the outer socket has the articulation and can freely turn and pivot on the bolt.

You could use a tube spacer on either side like ezcome-ezgo has suggested, as well. The tube would act as a stand-off there to prevent binding.