Topic: Tie Rods 1965 - 1973

[Anghelrestorations]

I had some extra time on my hands the last few days, so put that to use and added a new section on here for all the different version tie rods for each of the years.  Alot of different pieces and items to add...if anyone sees anything out of order let me know but hopefully covered every single item.  Starting on page 23. 

http://anghelrestorations.com/uploads/3/5/1/2/35122002/65_to_73_suspension_guide_v2.0a.pdf

[OldGuy]

Great addition to an outstanding thread! Your unselfish sharing of information is very much appreciated.

Thank you, Marcus.

Frank

[Crgjohnson]

Nice job Marcus!!! I have been waiting for this one. Thanks for all the hard work that went into creating the factoid.

Craig J

[Morsel]

Thanks for doing these documents Marcus, they help us all very much and I know we all appreciate the time you put into creating these.

Jason

[Anghelrestorations]

Thanks...I enjoy putting these together although the tie rod section probably took more time with photos and edit then any other section.  But at least we have a good visual of every single variation.

[Jco1966]

Thanks Marcus!!!!

[Maksim27]

Great pictures and explanation on the tie-rods.  I hope one of these days you can do an article on center links.  Mine has a manual steering center link for the 66 Mustang 6cyl.  The center link is almost like the tie-rods, except different boots are used.  Don't know if some center links were bare metal or painted black.  Are there any daub marks on the center links.

[Anghelrestorations]

I will be adding the center links in this article as well at some point.  Plan on covering every suspension item. 
As far as finish I dont think they were painted black but were a "natural" finish. 

[Maksim27]

Usually NOS center links and tie rods are painted black.  Assembly line were bare metal.  I think the NOS were painted black as Ford didn't want surface rust on these service parts when selling them to customers.

[Anghelrestorations]

Yep...totally agree with the fact they were usually painted black when you see Ford service parts. 

[J_Speegle]

  Don't know if some center links were bare metal or painted black.  Are there any daub marks on the center links.

Agree as mentioned with the natural heat quenched finish for the center links and many of the other parts. Yes the center links had paint identification marks originally so that the workers could pick out the right ones for the application in a quick manner. Colors, location, type of application and other details differed between years and application

[rare70cat]

Any info on strut rods and the different colors on the front strut rod washer? The front strut rod washers were color coded per tire application. For example. The strut rod front washer was light blue on a 1970 boss 302 with F60 tire. I have a 1970 cougar convertible and the tires on my car were E78 x 14. So I'm curious as to the proper color for the front strut rod washer for my car. Thanks

[Bob Gaines]

Any info on strut rods and the different colors on the front strut rod washer? The front strut rod washers were color coded per tire application. For example. The strut rod front washer was light blue on a 1970 boss 302 with F60 tire. I have a 1970 cougar convertible and the tires on my car were E78 x 14. So I'm curious as to the proper color for the front strut rod washer for my car. Thanks

That question was already answered in another thread. Bare steel for your E78 x 14

[rare70cat]

Thanks Bob, I searched quite a bit. I assumed there would be several color codes for different tire applications. I have an nos strut rod bushing set and just need to put some rust prevention magic on them then.