What kind of tie rod and drag link ends do I have? (1 Viewer)

[tone33]

I bought a '78 FJ40 about a month ago and have been going through it. It has a beefy aftermarket steering setup where the tie rod is routed behind the diff - which I think is 4x4 labs, but I'm not positive (I've heard Luke makes or used to make this setup - not sure if anyone else does). I need to replace the ends as one is seized and one is floppy. I also have the saginaw steering upgrade. Any idea what kind of ends I might have or how I could go about matching them up? I went to my local auto parts stores but they all want year/make/model to match up - seems they can't look them up by pitch/length/thread direction anymore. I have a build thread over here - in case anyone happens to know the history or PO of this mustard colored TN/GA FJ40. Oh, and I also have the small bolt pattern on my knuckles, if that helps. So... any ideas?

 

[tone33]

pics of ends

 

[tone33]

more pics

 

[tone33]

...and more pics ...

 

[reddingcruiser]

Those look like 4x4 Labs steering arms. Ends should be GM 1 ton. 'Large' pattern knuckles.

 

[tone33]

Any idea what year or year-range? When you say "large" pattern knuckles - do you mean on the GM part?

 

[reddingcruiser]

No, refers to the knuckle stud pattern (spacing), and 12mm studs. Came out around 1/79, so you may not have them after all. Call 4x4 labs, they shoud be able tell you what TREs you have/need.

Large pattern spacing is 55mm x 30mm. Small pattern is 46mm x 30mm.

 

[tone33]

Right - I have the small pattern w 11mm studs. My truck is a 12/78.

 

[reddingcruiser]

Missed it by a month. I prefer the large pattern but never really had an issue with the small pattern knuckles. If you wheel hard you should check the torque on the knuckle stud nuts regularly. That'll help keep you out of trouble.