Steering Rack outer tie rods

mtpockets · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2015, 10:58 AM

BDR #621: After 30,000 gentle miles

I need to replace the tie rods. Anyone have a part#? Seams Backdraft Parts is out

We leave in 21 days on 2,000 mile Iron Butt road trip/race.

PS> Guess I should have mention it's a manual steering rack. Car built in late '07, took ownership early '08.

mtpockets · #2 (**permalink**) 04-01-2015, 10:18 AM

Backdraft parts: Backordered 2-3 weeks

> I don't have 2-3 weeks. The Big Bend Open Road Race and Iron Butt Tour of west Texas is 3 weeks away.

I'm hearing Mazda outer tie rod ends. Anyone else???

mln385 · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2015, 03:41 PM

Try taking one to your local Napa and cross referencing or matching.

Cashburn · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2015, 04:48 PM

Post a couple photos of what you have on your car. There were several different styles used over time and that's the only way to check and assist.

mtpockets · #5 (**permalink**) 04-06-2015, 07:46 AM

Ok, found them. There's a local guy that has built several race cars and he's a great source of information. He went to the Moog website, he narrowed down search parameters, length and thread pitch lead us to a part that was real close. The taper fit was a little larger and just a little reaming and it fits perfect. I'll post the Moog part# when I get home in the event someone else runs into this issue.

TimeForACobra · #6 (**permalink**) 04-09-2015, 05:55 PM

Hope this helps.... Here are some notes I have from the now defunct Backdraft Boys web site and one thread here. I cannot vouch for the validity or correctness as these are just notes I have. From what I understand, you have to determine if your tie rods are straight or have a bend/cure in them.

Quick Power Steering Rack Options
"We found an application for the straight tie rods,they are for a 1974 Mazda Rx-3,found them at NAPA."

Defunct Backdraft Boys thread 1:
"Curved tie rod ends
Spicer Part Number 4011251"

Defunct Backdraft Boys thread 2:
"I spoke with mike regarding new ends. They were out so I went to Rock Auto and bought a pair, Mike agreed they were just the same thing as they have. Problem, after inserting the shaft of the tie rod into the arm, I can't get enough thread through the arm to safely tighten the lock nut down. It seem the shaft on the one that came with the car is longer even though they are both off a 74-76 Mazda with the same bent configuration. Any Ideas?"

Quentin Z · #7 (**permalink**) 01-16-2017, 08:39 AM

Anybody have the Moog Part# for the curved tie rod ends?

BDR0572 · #8 (**permalink**) 01-17-2017, 05:14 PM

DWES3401RL direct replacement for mine 572, not curved but they fit great and aligned easily

Quentin Z · #9 (**permalink**) 01-19-2017, 01:48 PM

Thanks. I went ahead and ordered from BDR along with some other items. For the record, those are straight now too:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kscaw82l20..._9775.JPG?dl=0

Now if someone could provide a part number for the inners!

BDR0572 · #10 (**permalink**) 01-22-2017, 04:49 PM

https://www.dropbox.com/s/y8f8zk7b6v...2_002.jpg?dl=0

Quentin Z · #11 (**permalink**) 01-23-2017, 12:49 PM

Thanks BDR0572!

Quentin Z · #12 (**permalink**) 02-23-2017, 03:02 PM

For the record:
"BDR - Replacement is Straight & Did not work (too long), might have worked to cut 1/4"" off each end of the tightening sleeve (barrel), ended up using the boots from these on the original ones, and tossed the rest.

MOOG EV801027 DID NOT WORK; Try Moog ES3401RL next time, some early car owners claim success with it"