Passenger tie rod reverse thread

[Junkman]

For the record, if you go to install a new outer tierod and the threads are reverse of what is needed, expect that the PO reversed ends.

I went to align my 84SD and couldn't because the passenger outer tierod needed changing. No problem. I bought the part and went to install. Threads were opposite of what I needed.

The package had been opened & I figured that wrong part was in the box. I couldn't compare with unopened package because none were in stock. I ordered both an inner and an outer.

I discovered that the PO had reversed ends on the tierod & the inner was in the place of the outer. Except for thread direction both parts were very similar.

Bottom line, if you can't install a tierod because the threads are reversed, buy the other tierod end.

[colincoon]

Or why not just replace both tie rods, drag link, and steering damper at the same time?

[mistersooty]

I found that out this summer as well. I couldn't get the passenger side tie rod ends separated and took the 81 SD and what I thought was the outer tie rod end to my local shop for replacement. After 15 minutes or so they had replaced the tie rod but because of the thread reversal they had replaced the passenger inner tie rod instead of the outer. Luckily I guess, the inner tie rod was bad as well. The shop ordered the correctly threaded tie rod end as well as an idler arm bushing replacement as the idler arm had plenty of play as well.

1977 240D
1981 300SD

[Junkman]

Originally Posted by colincoon

Or why not just replace both tie rods, drag link, and steering damper at the same time?

I'm only doing what is needed to get this car safe for highway speeds hopefully before winter. I'll do more in the Spring once I am sure I'll keep it long term.

Perhaps the next person that runs into this will have the information and not have to expend effort thinking this through. One of the slowdowns with DIY Is doing a job infrequently and having research add to the time needed.

I ran into this on a 78 Datsun Z. Only 1 aftermarket inner tierod is available. PO had installed available inner on the wrong side making matching outer a requirement.