Tie rod trouble

[19654x4]

Hi! I have a 1965 F100 with a 1972 f100 4x4 chassis. I installed steering knuckles from a 76-79 so I could use disc brakes. Well, I have brand new 72 tie rods and they will not tighten up. It seems that the taper is slighly larger on the later knuckles. I just dont get it!. Is there a difference in tie rods from a 72 to 76?

Travis

[AlleyCat]

Yes there is. The later tie rods are a bit heavier than the bump era stuff.

BTW, welcome to the site.

[seattle67]

Welcome!

Yes, there is a difference.

http://fordification.com/discbrakes02.htm

[JWW]

Hi! I have a 1965 F100 with a 1972 f100 4x4 chassis. I installed steering knuckles from a 76-79 so I could use disc brakes. Well, I have brand new 72 tie rods and they will not tighten up. It seems that the taper is slighly larger on the later knuckles. I just dont get it!. Is there a difference in tie rods from a 72 to 76?

Travis

There are some differences. Check out the tutorials Keith put together below. They should answer what questions you have...

http://www.fordification.com/discbrakes01.htm

http://www.fordification.com/str-susp_variations.htm

[19654x4]

Ok, well my truck is a 4x4 and I want to keep the manual steering(sounds crazy dont it?) do I need an entirely new drag link too? What year parts do I need to keep manual steering and disc brakes? or would it just be wiser to go ahead and upgrade to power steering if I have to change everything anyway? Kinda sucks I already have a new drag link and tie rod, and I made my own drop pitman arm for my manual box.

Oh and BTW thanks for the welcome! I'm a regular over on the slick60's site and I figured this would be a better place to get some answers for my 1972 chassis

Travis

[Thunderfoot]

Looking at the part difference between the two tie rods the 72 uses a 7/8"-18 thread and the 76-79 uses a 1"-18 thread, so you will have to get the drag link to go with the newer tie rods. Not sure on the rest but if you can get the steering arm hooked up you should be ok.

[AlleyCat]

I'd suggest you use the tie rods and drag link from a 78 or 79.The 78 - 79 trucks used the same style steering linkage as you have now.The 76 and 77 trucks used a system similar to a 2 wd truck.The only people who like that set up are tire dealers.