Bought 2 track rods which were dirt cheap new, question regarding the right side, I see the one that is on has a bend in it, whats the bend in it for? 

 

The ones I bought are straight so the same as the left on that's on but I notice that when I put full lock on left and right the bed isn't helping it from hitting anything and a straight one seems to be the same length so question is can I use one of these straight ones or is the bend needed for something I am failing to notice.

 

Got the front strut in the process of coming apart to change the shock just came in because its dark and I don't have lights in the shed just now (its been re roofed so need to put them back up) and its being a complete bastard with rust to take off so thought if I can use the straight one I will just grind and use the straight one and replace both sides while I am doing the work for the left side because the left one has the nut welded on from the last time I was doing the left side for the MOT so it has to be done really and the tracking will cost the same either way.

 

 

the one with the bend is non adjustable. these have one sided tracking so you set the driver wheel to 0 and wind the passenger side in or out

well with both the straights I have being adjustable does that mean I could use it? Does the bend serve any purpose I mean? 

The bend is there for a reason, I'd not mess with it. Just replace the arm for a proper one, they are cheap enough. 

People have tried in the past to straighten the arm or fit two passenger side ones as you have suggested but they can never get the tracking right. 

Thats the answer I was looking for, bit of a problem at short notice will have to "somehow" remove the current without replacing in that case can't afford not to have a car for work next Monday and wont manage to get one delivered this time of year in such a short time. 

 

Not sure if dingbros would have one will give them a call and see.

If you're just wanting to take the strut out to change the shock, leave the steering arm in the strut and unbolt the arm from the bracket on the steering rack. It's only a (13mm?) nut and bolt. If you put the car in a full right lock, you should be able to see it when you pop the bonnet and take the air box off

 

and loosen the clamping bolt that holds the bracket onto the steering rack's rod, or it will be a swine to get back in.

 

Did that today. 17mm spanners.

 

Happy new year!

The bend is so the arm clears the brake servo/master cyl as the arm moves up and down with suspension movement.