Sounds like you got it sorted but thought I would chime in. I just replaced my upper and lower control arms and tie rod ends. The new tie rod ends would not thread into the tube all the way so, I cut about 3/8" off of them and rounded the edges. After that, the new tie rod ends threaded all the way in the sleve (tube). Took her down to the shop and she was out of there in a little over an hour. The mechanic (old Fiat mechanic by the way) said that everything went smooth. Said I need to tighten up the steering box but to be carefull not to make it too tight. Should snap back when you let go of the steering wheel he said. Anyway, hope this helps.
