Correct part # for K10 and Blazer tie rod end stock Dana 44

[Toro]

The replacement tie rod end that local part stores, RockAuto (and classic industries) show is correct for my 72 Blazer with stock Dana 44 is Moog ES375L and ES375R. However, the shank is too wide and the threaded portion doesn't go far enough through the knuckle to get the nut on. Comparing to the ones that were removed, the new one is also about 1/2 shorter. Has anyone else encountered this, or have a better part number? Or does the knuckle need to be reamed? Thanks for any help.

[mr48chev]

First thing you have to figure out is "did someone change something" in the past. The 4x4 brigade is famous for the "we swapped over to these off this because they are stronger" thing.

Rock auto shows the same part numbers for K 20 pickups so just swapping to 3/4 ton tie rod and ends shouldn't be the issue.

Just a thought after looking at Dana 44 steering knuckles, you are putting the tie rod ends in on the correct side of the knuckle's steering arm? Oem seem to go up from the bottom while several after market go down from the top.

[Toro]

Yes, they come up from the bottom. This is the original front axle. It is an early 72 model (Sept 71 build date) and has the smaller u joints before the change in mid 72. I have now tried another brand besides Moog (Oreilly house brand) thinking it might be different, but it’s the same, still won’t fit and stud is shorter than the original one just like the Moog.

[Richard]

On a stock Dana 44. 72 and older tie rod ends will be nut down. 73 and newer is nut up.

[1970cstblazer]

On my 1970 Blazer which uses 1972 knuckles for the disc brake conversion, I installed NOS GM tie rod ends part numbers 6273901 and 6273902. Of course, they fit perfectly, and were identical to the original units I removed.



Currently on Ebay, there is one 6273901.

[Toro]

Did these install up through the bottom of the knuckle with the nut on top?

[Toro]

Originally Posted by Richard

On a stock Dana 44. 72 and older tie rod ends will be nut down. 73 and newer is nut up.

Maybe this is the issue. From searching here, I've gone by what others have said, even on this thread, that the nut should be up. I don't buy a lot from LMC, but I use their diagrams frequently and it shows going up through the bottom with nut on top.

BUT, then I found the 72 service manual, and it shows the opposite. Nut down.

I haven't made it to the shop today to check them in the other direction, I just followed previous orientation. So, it looks like factory position should be nut down? Thanks.

[1970cstblazer]

Originally Posted by Toro

Did these install up through the bottom of the knuckle with the nut on top?

As original, these installed top-down nut on bottom

[IronCanine]

I've used those same Moog tie rod ends on my 70 K5 and my brother's 69 K10 (both of which had later model disc brake Danas). But I also used them on my 70 K20 with its factory open knuckle drum Dana.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Toro

Maybe this is the issue. From searching here, I've gone by what others have said, even on this thread, that the nut should be up. I don't buy a lot from LMC, but I use their diagrams frequently and it shows going up through the bottom with nut on top.

BUT, then I found the 72 service manual, and it shows the opposite. Nut down.

I haven't made it to the shop today to check them in the other direction, I just followed previous orientation. So, it looks like factory position should be nut down? Thanks.

Interested in the finding. I do not think September is an "early build" The transition to standard disks happened mid 71. Both my first K20 and current K10 both were nut down, as well as my custom dana60 swapped into the current K10. You did not mention brake type. As mr48chev stated a lot can happen in 50+ years. Axle swapped to newer for gears or discs? Disc or drum was optional early 71. Taper drilled out for hiem joints. Not sure what was in there previously. But nut up is not stock for the year.

[Toro]

Originally Posted by Richard

Interested in the finding. I do not think September is an "early build" The transition to standard disks happened mid 71. Both my first K20 and current K10 both were nut down, as well as my custom dana60 swapped into the current K10. You did not mention brake type. As mr48chev stated a lot can happen in 50+ years. Axle swapped to newer for gears or discs? Disc or drum was optional early 71. Taper drilled out for hiem joints. Not sure what was in there previously. But nut up is not stock for the year.

It is a 1972, so "early build" is in reference to early 72 model being built in September 1971. This is evidenced by smaller u joints in front axle (before change in mid 72) and double wall top. As a 72, it has disk brakes.

In my case, looks like PO replaced tie rods and installed them in wrong position. As I pointed out, it seems like there is some conflicting information out there (including the LMC diagram) but I appreciate others confirming that factory position should be nut down.

[kwmech]

Nut down tie rod ends are pictured in post 5. The ends are offset so the rod doesn't rub on the bottom of the leaf springs, and are a 3/4-16 thread. Nut up ends are not offset, straight and a 7/8-18 thread

[MJN]

Originally Posted by Richard

On a stock Dana 44. 72 and older tie rod ends will be nut down. 73 and newer is nut up.

FWIW- 73 through mid 76 were also down but used different tie rod end and tie rod than '72 and older since one end was made part of the tie rod and only the passenger side tie rod end is separate from the tie rod. There was a design change in '76, mid 76 and later the nuts were on top.

[mr48chev]

My factory manual for my 71 GMC that was printed 11-71 shows nuts down in the image of the axle with the tire rod on it.

Checking the brakes secton it doesn't even show anything for front drum brakes.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by MJN

FWIW- 73 through mid 76 were also down but used different tie rod end and tie rod than '72 and older since one end was made part of the tie rod and only the passenger side tie rod end is separate from the tie rod. There was a design change in '76, mid 76 and later the nuts were on top.

I thought so myself. Had several saying 72 was the cut off point in another thread some time ago. I usually just give up when several insist their point. I have nothing to prove here. Just offering advice from my experience.

[Richard]

Originally Posted by Toro

It is a 1972, so "early build" is in reference to early 72 model being built in September 1971. This is evidenced by smaller u joints in front axle (before change in mid 72) and double wall top. As a 72, it has disk brakes.

In my case, looks like PO replaced tie rods and installed them in wrong position. As I pointed out, it seems like there is some conflicting information out there (including the LMC diagram) but I appreciate others confirming that factory position should be nut down.

Apologize, overlooked that it was a 72. The "conflicting information" is from aftermarket sources. I would look to OEM info only. Not sure on build date of my first vehicle ever, the K20. But I have the build date of my current K10. As previously said. Both nut down on the stock Dana 44's. Seems it would be hard to even get a nut threaded on if installed reverse the taper in knuckle.

[IronCanine]

Here's half:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/13552771437...4379&recoPos=1

[1970cstblazer]

Linky not worky

Ebay Item # 135527714379