Tie Rod Ends

I found a problem with the tie rod ends, or more specifically the steering knuckles on the 3B. The tapers in the steering arms are too large for the tie rod ends. The first sign of danger was finding washers under the nuts during disassembly.

Maybe my steering knuckles are from something else. The tapered holes are clean and don't appear to be modified.

Do M38A1's have a larger taper on the tie rod ends? I know the threads and tubes are larger on an A1 but I thought the knuckles were the same.

 

I'd like to know more about this. Let us know what you find out.

 

You'd think I would. I've pulled 3 sets and only have one good left knuckle so far. Bad threads and/or cracks on all the others. On the upside I have three sets of spare axles, spindles and hubs.

Everything points to my knuckles being modified. I called a buddy with an A1 this morning. He said the knuckles are identical. Also, all the parts vendors list the same p/n for the A1 and CJ's.

 

I'm pretty sure, as you have found out already, the knuckles are the same.
It's the tie rod tube and threaded shanks of the tie rod ends that are larger diameter.

 

Thanks Glenn. I've got 2 more to tear down before I start pulling them out of parts vehicles.

 

Admittedly, I am a bit of a pack rat. I found a pto winch, T98, D18, and twin-stick pto in the connex while looking for spare knuckles the other night. I don't remember where I got them

 

I think I suspect something is up with the tie rod ends rather than the knuckles. I have the washers under the tie rod end nuts on our 55 cj5. They have been there since doing a saginaw swap around 1982 - I do not remember if the tie rod ends were supplied by advanced adapters in the steering kit or not but they were new at the time. A few years ago I installed a two hole knuckle. I reinstalled the tie rod end and still ended up needing the washer. I have some crown tie rod ends that I have not tried yet. I think would purchase some new ends and see if they fit better - if not return them and try another brand. While I never liked the washer under the nut I am not sure I feel it is dangerous as long as the taper of the tie rod end is seated properly - please inform me if I am wrong.

 

Yeah, I'm ok with the washers. But, it feels like top of the ball will contact the bottom of the arm before the taper seats.

I'll try the TRE's in different knuckles tonight if I can get home at a decent time.

 

So, I found a pair of knuckles on from a '70 D27 that worked. The steering arms are thicker at the ends and the new tie rod ends fit perfectly.

I took the boot and spring off of a joint to check the fit in my old knuckles. The tapers do seat, but not until the ball is in contact with the arm. I'm glad I switched the knuckles out.

Old knuckle pic: the joint is still very loose and the boot and spring are compressed against the joint.


New knuckle:


I found the cool tags when I pulled the old knuckles off the 3B.
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Bring some extra tie rod ends....
I did not bring any spares and was on the top of a mountain, a tie rod end popped, and I had a very interesting drive back to camp.

Now I plan on carrying spares

 

Two hose clamps (or strong zip ties) will get you home.