Thread: Tie rod end question....

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Silly question, but need to make my mind - OK. Switched out racks on the hot rod. Using 1986 Celebrity rack. Old rack and spindle are 1/2", did not notice till I put the rack in that new ends are 7/16". Can I use them? Or, do I need to find rod ends with 1/2" bolts?

David

Originally Posted by Dsprint2000

Silly question, but need to make my mind - OK. Switched out racks on the hot rod. Using 1986 Celebrity rack. Old rack and spindle are 1/2", did not notice till I put the rack in that new ends are 7/16". Can I use them? Or, do I need to find rod ends with 1/2" bolts?

David

To the best of my knowledge, rod ends are not categorized by the size of the thread of the retaining nuts, but by the angle of the end where it mates to the spindle, such as "x" number of degrees per foot.
1 1 2 per foot reamer in Suspension & Steering | eBay

it is the taper and size of the hole. if the hole is bigger and taper is the same you need to find a same taper tie rod end with the same size nut or the other smaller tie rod many seat to hi in the spindle bind on the shank or body of tie rod . Goodson page 123 sell taper reams if it just needs to be open up but way cheaper to buy a tie rod end that works . if taper is the same and fits good .you may use a spacer if the castle nut foot print is to small have a machine shop make some out of 4340 or buy a setup shim. there made out of good grade steel and are thicker have a rockwell to them .. then just a plane washer . not a plane washer under it.. and you will be fine ..the press must be there taper must be the same and have room for castle nut with the key in