If I count the threads?

 

If I do just one end, I never get an alignment. I usually check the length from a set point on the rod to the new end, I've found some end manufacturers thread a little bit more or less than others on the rod, throwing the counting meathod out the window. Then I just double check front and rear toe with a tape measure and a piece of wire marked at the lengths. So far it's worked pretty good for me, starting with a good alignment of course.

 

i agree with gorms. u should be able to measure tire to tire on both the font and back of the front tires. make sure u use the same point on the tires consistently so u dont throw off ur measurements. then when u put the new tie rod on, u can just measure the tires again to make the match the old measurements. or if it wasnt aligned in the first place, even out the front and back measurements!

 

I took the old one off and measured grease fitting to grease fitting, - did that to the new bar.

Straight as an arrow!