Could your stem, upper hoop be knocked back a bit? I know mines back 1/ to 3/4 of an inch. and my tie rods do touch but only at full droop, compress it about an inch it clears. im actually going to drill the arms for zerk fittings when I take em off to replace the bushings and pins next week, so I can flush out the grit. I use 2 sets a year. but I had ole funky pins, Alba is sending me new style pins with the bushing kit, so we will see.