Anyone know if the factory tie-rods are tapered? If they aren't would it be possible for those out there running their torsion bars cranked to relocate the tie-rod to the top of the steering knuckle.

Don't even think about it. It will put the tie rod on a different rotating ark than the suspensions movement. Bad voodoo! It's a geometry thing. Everything must move on the same ark as each other. You can do it if you never drive over 2 or 3 miles an hour. Things get ugly any faster than that.Yes they are tapered. Super Diesel

Can anyone else confirm they are tapered? If so that anwsers my question, if not I'd like to look into this more.

Yes, they are tapered, and Super Diesel is correct on the other point (!!!).

Yes, they are tapered.

<LI>http://service.gm.com/engif/000/000/340/340960.gif
http://service.gm.com/tif.gif (http://service.gm.com/servlets/RetrieveTif?pic=340960)
</LI>
<LI =1>Inspect the shaft (6) for bent or damaged threads.
<LI =1>Clean the tapered surface of the steering knuckle (1).</LI>