Ok, I know I blew it. I was re-assembling the front end and looked at the wrong torque value in the manual for the outer tie rod end-to-steering knuckle. Supposed to be 29ft-lbs max and I used the 59ft-lb min that was for the tie-rod jam nut. I broke everything apart again and retorqued to 29ft-lbs. The cotter pin will engage the nut but it's definitely less than the other side that wasn't over torqued. Any guess as to whether the damage was to the tie-rod end or the knuckle? I'm thinking it's the knuckle since it's cast. Steering is one thing I don't want to lose on the road... I don't see any damage/cracks to the knuckle. Thoughts? Appreciate feedback.

 

you'll be fine, just tighten up the bolts to spec, then keep going untill the holes in the nuts and the tie rod line up, insert NEW cotter pins, bend pin over, yer done. Pix?

 

i dont think tightining to 60ftlb would hurt it. i just use the impact to put mine on and ive never had a problem

 

Torque it till it breaks...Then back off 1/4 turn..

 

Usually I would go a 1/2 turn after it breaks just to make sure.

Anyway, thanks for the feedback. I feel better about leaving it alone. Apparently Haynes isn't very consistent in what they refer to as jam nuts vs. lock nuts...

 

yeah, no issues there... I've seen those things torqued to 100+ before, but I don't recommend it. In the past, I've seen the threaded ends shear off from overtorquing before..

usually I just snug it by hand using a box end wrench and then tweak it until the cotter pin lines up by tapping the end of the wrench.