[Malibu]

Hello,

I did the 71 TA spindle disc brake swap years ago on my 69 GTO. Now I need to replace the ball joints and tie rods. From the research I did I have to order the ball joints from a 2nd gen car.

I can't seem to get a definite answer in regards to the inner and outer tie rods. Should I order for the TA or GTO? Thanks!

[Scarebird]

This may be a good time to change out those spindles. They correct a few issues but cause others. A set of Howe tall ball joints and tubular upper arms with stock disc spindles will solve quite a few issues.

[b-man]

Inner tie rod ends need to match the center link so GTO inners.

Outer tie rod ends need to match the spindles so whatever is compatible with your ‘71 Firebird spindles.

[Malibu]

Scarebird, good points and something I might need to do in the future. I think for now I might just change out the parts I need to keep the car safely on the road. In the meantime I might have to slowly start getting that other list together.

B-man, thanks for that input on which parts I need. Quick check on Summit racing and Rock Auto mostly list AC Delco and Moog parts reasonably priced.

[Scarebird]

We sold about 80 sets of those in the early 2000's.

The issue is we modified them to take the existing A ball joints and ties rods. I would measure what you have first and see if they are stock 69 pieces.

[Malibu]

Hey Folks,

I ordered the tie rods that were recommended here and thank you. One item I did overlook was the tie rod end adjusting sleeve. I went to order it but then noticed the firebird outer tie rod is listed as a slightly larger diameter than the GTO inner tie rod. Not sure how to order that piece. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Malibu]

So this is interesting. I measured the outer tie rod and it measured around 8.5” similar to the inner length. It seems to match the A body.
The F body outer tie rod comes out to approx 5.5”
Did I use the A body tie rods and it worked? So long ago I don’t remember.

[Malibu]

So this is interesting. I measured the outer tie rod and it measured around 8.5” similar to the inner length. It seems to match the A body.
The F body outer tie rod comes out to approx 5.5”
Did I use the A body tie rods and it worked? So long ago I don’t remember.

[HWYSTR455]

I bet you got them from Rock Auto, I had many problems with items in the wrong boxes, especially Moog stuff.




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[Malibu]

Hi, I haven't purchased them yet. I was looking at rock auto and I just went with the dimensions listed in the description.

[Sirrotica]

FWIW, the 2nd gen outer tie rod that matches your spindle, and the A body inner tie rod that matches your centerlink can't be mated together. The adjusting sleeves are 2 different diameters. The A body outer tie rod may work in the F body spindle, buy you have to be certain that the taper matches. You can't use 2 parts with different tapers.

I've been down this road before trying to use mismatched steering parts in dirt track cars, be certain that the tapers are the same angles. The F body uses much stronger/beefier tie rods than the older A body does. They have to be tight in the holes as well as the same taper.

[Scarebird]

IIRC almost all GM tapers for this era were Morse taper - they did however have different diameters.

[HWYSTR455]

Aftermarket has tie rod sleeves that are longer, and/or 7/16 & 1/2 thread. But, depending on your setup, the tie rods may be the correct thread.

Can look here for part numbers:

http://www.angelfire.com/tx/lonestar...allspindle.htm

H-O used to make a swap kit, Ken is on here, PM him and ask if you get stuck. Might not get a response right away though.

It's been a long time since I've done this too, but I don't recall having an issue with the tie rod diameters.



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[Tarl]

From my notes, I used Moog ES427R on my 72 when I had B-body spindles. I had an entry for 64-70 that said use Moog ES2033RL for the outer tie rods. I am not sure they will work on the 2nd gen F-body spindles.

[HWYSTR455]

Yeah the ES2033R & L are listing on that one link I provided for 64-70, 71 & 72 are their' own series.


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