tie rod differences in size 67-72/ 73 up

[ChevyRacefan]

Hello,
I have read that the 73 and up IIRC tie rod shaft that goes into the knuckle is a different size, taper than the 68-72 trucks.
What is the size difference.
I got a set of drop spindles but don't know what type years tie rods are used with them.
I assume the difference is big enough that measuring the widest part of the tapered hole, will give me a match.
I guess I could get both and see, but I would think I can measure and get the right ones without doing that.
Thanks for any help.

[tim_mc]

That's correct - tapers are different. There are a few threads on here that discuss the differences. Moog shows the same outer tie rod for: '65-'70 C10s (ES350L), the same for '71-'72 (ES4154RL), and the same for '73-'86 C10/'87 R10 (ES409RT). Look for any casting numbers on the spindles to see if you can tell the make and model number.

When I rebuilt my steering, I went with CPP 2.5" drop spindles (CP4S4), and used later '73-'87 components. I used El Camino inner tie rods to match the taper of my stock '67 center drag link.
(2) Outer tie rod end, 73-87 C10, Moog ES409RT
(2) Tie rod adjuster sleeve, 71-87 C10, Moog ES2004S
(2) Inner tie rod end, 73-77 El Camino, Moog ES2020RLT

[Big Kev-O]

I know for a fact 67-70 spindles use a different tie rod than 71-72. I have read on this site that the taper on the 71-72 spindles is the same as 73up. But it is not that simple...67-70 tie rod threads are opposite thread type of the 71up. So if you want to use a 67-70 center link you will need to use 67-70 outer tie rods ON THE INSIDE, and 71-72 tie rods on the outside. In order to use this combo you will need a tie rod adjusting sleeve designed to connect the 67-70 outer tie rods (used in the inside position) to the 71-72 outter tie rods. POL & CPP sell the tie rod sleeves.

I would take the spindal to the LPS and test fit a 67-70 and 71-72 tie rod end to determine what year the spindles are for. Chances are they are 71up.

POL Tie rod sleeve:
https://www.performanceonline.com/19...ONVERSIONS-Pr/


By the time I wrote this up Tim provided a solution I was unaware of. Apparently El Camino tie rods eliminate the need for the adapter sleeve. Thanks Tim!

[lolife99]

This is a good chart for Ball joints sizes.
I thought it had tie rod sizes, but I guess it doesn’t

[tim_mc]

You bet Big Kev-O! I went through this process myself, so hoping it helps others save time and $.

When using '65-'70 C10 center drag links with '73 & up spindles:
'73-'77 El Camino inner tie rods have the narrower taper that matches '65-'70 C10 center links, and the larger diameter 11/16" threaded rod to match '71 & up adjuster sleeves and outer rods.

'71-'72 C10 center drag links use Moog ES403L inner tie rods, which match the 11/16" threaded rods like '73 and up, so the same ES2004S adjuster sleeves are used ('71-'87).

I think ChevyRaceFan has a '71 C10, so I thought I would include the above for completeness.

Great chart lolife99! Nice that it includes C20s.

[ChevyRacefan]

Originally Posted by tim_mc

You bet Big Kev-O! I went through this process myself, so hoping it helps others save time and $.

When using '65-'70 C10 center drag links with '73 & up spindles:
'73-'77 El Camino inner tie rods have the narrower taper that matches '65-'70 C10 center links, and the larger diameter 11/16" threaded rod to match '71 & up adjuster sleeves and outer rods.

'71-'72 C10 center drag links use Moog ES403L inner tie rods, which match the 11/16" threaded rods like '73 and up, so the same ES2004S adjuster sleeves are used ('71-'87).

I think ChevyRaceFan has a '71 C10, so I thought I would include the above for completeness.

Great chart lolife99! Nice that it includes C20s.

Yes my truck is a '71.
But the drop spindles I have in a box, are who knows brand. And while doing research it seems some are made to use the 73 up tie rods, and some don't.
I figured I'd measure the bore of the spindle and match it to the tie rod, but I need to know what the sizes of the part of the tie rod goes into the spindle is. to know what year tie rods to get.
If I even need the drop spindles. I have another thread , that a member linked a thread that answered how to tell if what is on the truck is already drop spindles.

[Tx Firefighter]

The chart that Loflife posted will answer your question if you'll measure the ball joint holes rather than the tie rod holes.

[lolife99]

Glad to see you on the forum Tx Firefighter,...

[Tx Firefighter]

Originally Posted by lolife99

Glad to see you on the forum Tx Firefighter,...

I appreciate it.