Belltech 31200 drop spindles

[1970Tex]

I'm having some outer tie rod end fitment problems with my Belltech 31200 3" drop spindles, and wondering if anyone else has encountered the same. Factory tie rod ends (71-72 with 11/16"-18 thread) and the end just drops in, with no force required to remove either from the spindle. Definitely can't torque to specs. Measurements on the tie rod end are .500" tapered to .625" Measurements on the spindle are .542" tapered to .716".

I phoned Belltech customer service and the hole dimensions should be .510" tapered to .635" which correlates with the tie rod ends.

I have no idea how someone could have enlarged a tapered hole (broaching maybe?) on both sides. Do these need to be enlarged to run rack and pinion steering? Just wondering if there is a substitute tie rod end to use, or just replace the spindles?

[weq92f]

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I'm seeing that factory '72 outer tie rod ends are moog es415rl and factory '73 outer tie rod ends are moog es409rt.

Those tapered ends are as follows (based on my Web results):

1972: es415rl: 0.507 to 0.625(MOOG site Q/A)
1973: es409rt: 0.593 to 0.752(from summit Q/A)

Your outers measure 0.5 to 0.62....That appears dead on for 1972 part.
Your spindle measures 0.54 to 0.71....That is way closer to 1973 tie rod end measurements.

Maybe take the spindle to a parts house and test fit a 73-87 outer??

Hth,

-Kevin

[1970Tex]

Hmmm....interesting. Belltech advertises that the 3120 is compatible with 71-72 tie rod ends. Mine is stamped 31200. These must be different. I have the Moog ES415rl and they don't fit. My suspicion is 3120 is 71-72, and 31200 is 73-87. The threads on 73-87 are the same as 71-72 (11/16"-18)

The guy i spoke to at Belltech must have gave me the specs for a 3120. I think you just gave me a hot lead sir, Thanks!!!

[SCOTI]

I've had to use 73-87 outers more than once.

[weq92f]

Originally Posted by SCOTI

I've had to use 73-87 outers more than once.

.

Same. I have a brand new set of 67-70 ball joints on the shelf due to later spindles being installed.

$hit happens.

-Kevin

[1970Tex]

With help from Kevin, i think i see the problem. The spindle is for 73-87. Those tie rod ends fit well. The PO said all the front end was all 71-72. (its a 1970 with front disc conversion) Upper ball joints are not the same. (.682" pin diameter on 71-72 and .716" pin diameter on 73-87) lowers are the same.

Upper ball joints is my next job to do. The good news i wont need a separator to get it out, and he also drilled out factory rivets! I'm not sure how i didn't pick up on it earlier, but the fender washer and lock nut under the castle nut is a dead give away! lol