When I first purchased my car I went crazy purchasing parts to rebuild her and I found a guy on eBay parting out his “almost new” Vette Brakes and Products tie rod sleeves with tie rod ends (but that's another story!)  When I took my old sleeves and tie rods off I noticed that the VB&P sleeves are a couple of inches shorter than the originals on the car.  The VB&P measure 8 ¾” (9 5/8” if I include the jamb nuts) vs. 11” for the originals.  Spoke with VB&P and they think these might have been used with a bump steer kit.  My question is if I back out the tie rod ends to match the length of the originals I have about ¾” of tie rod end thread into the sleeve.  Is this safe or should I go back to the originals?  I attached a picture to clarify.  Thanks.

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Mario

NO! I would NOT use them like that....you need far more of the tie rod ends in the sleeve than just 3/4, imho. It's a major safety issue....if one(or both) of them fail, you could end up in a place you don't wanna be....a hospital, or worse....
Sorry....I have to suggest getting the correct set-up, or use the original stuff. Unless you plan on doing a lot of autocross, or other types of racing, the stock tie rod sleeves will be all you need. If your tie rods ends are worn, you can replace those with stoke type, or up-graded stock type rod ends.


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

What he said.....

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My Christmas present to ME! Bought Sat 11-30-2013. 72, 350 4 spd, Silver with blue interior...Can't you just hear Pablo Cruz playing in the background?

VERY funny!

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Mario

use original.lost a car to tie rod failure.

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1979 Corvette

Yikes!  Thanks, I ordered new tie rod ends and new sleeves!  Sounds like a story for over a drink (or two!)

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Mario