Okay, so I'm getting to the point where I'm mocking up my ram. I have some questions.

1. I've read that the ram and the tie rod need to be parallel. How parallel? I've seen photos of rams that are perfect and I've seen photos where they aren't even close. Mine is within a 1/16 when collapsed (tires turned to the passenger) and off enough I can see it when turned driver (extended). Still trying to figure out in my head how that can be. Perhaps the tie rod is rotating a bit? I have the synergy low misalignment bushings installed as well.

2. From the instructions I have, I turn passenger and collapse the ram. Place a mark on the tie rod where the mount is sitting. Turn full driver, extend the ram and mark again. Straighten the tires and place the tabs to the ram at the midpoint and that's where I would tac weld the tabs. In the photo below I have about 1 inch of difference. That kind of surprised me as I expected that it should have been very close... not sure why I expect that, but I did.

 

The ram should be parallel and works best if you can mount it directly over the tie rod. Most people don't get the axle side away from the axle enough. Not having them parallel will cause the tie rod to rotate when you turn putting more wear and tear on the TRE's.

 

You want it as straight is possible. Simple as that. But if its off a tad, you probably wont even know.

Pick up a clamp type mount. So much easier to work with. People say they slip, but the one I picked up from PSC has not budged an inch, and its turning 40" tires.

All I do to get the clamp in the right spot is compress the ram to half, I put my 8" ram at 4" and tighten the clamp there. You want to have an equal "unused" length of ram at each end.

 

Thanks fellas. I think I'll keep trying in terms of getting it parallel. Still can't figure out how I'm very close when collapsed and off when extended. And my axle side mount has it above but slightly to the rear of the centerline of the tie rod.

I figure I will get it placed, tac weld it in. Then cycle the suspension to see if what I have works.

Once (if) I get that far, then I'll take it to get mig welded by someone more experienced (and with a better welder) than me.