Topic: Rareparts 69 Boss Tie Rods

[Aussie_Boss302]

Has anyone had experience with these?

https://shop.rareparts.com/RP28183A-28183-TIE-ROD-END?partlocation=FRONT%20OUTER&veh=1969-FORD-MUSTANG

https://shop.rareparts.com/RP28182A-28182-TIE-ROD-END?partlocation=FRONT%20INNER&veh=1969-FORD-MUSTANG

I’m considering a set for my 69 Boss 302

[J_Speegle]

Not sure if these have changed but have used their tie rods in the past and I know others have also. A certain amount of their Ford/Mustang parts are made using the original blue prints they obtained long ago.

Just not certain if they have changed in any way since and I've not been by their plant recently.

If you get some post back and let us know how you liked them - will help others faced with the same choices.

[Bob Gaines]

Has anyone had experience with these?

https://shop.rareparts.com/RP28183A-28183-TIE-ROD-END?partlocation=FRONT%20OUTER&veh=1969-FORD-MUSTANG

https://shop.rareparts.com/RP28182A-28182-TIE-ROD-END?partlocation=FRONT%20INNER&veh=1969-FORD-MUSTANG

I’m considering a set for my 69 Boss 302

At those prices I would rather have a original reconditioned set. http://anghelrestorations.com/parts.html

[J_Speegle]

Just so others don't have to do the math

Rare parts posted price - $518 for the set
Marcus' posted price - $550 for the set (with adjustment sleeves and hardware)

[69bossnut]

Last set I bought from them just to compare to originals. The ball socket area is to thick. Very noticeable once you know what your looking for. But definitely better than standard replacements. There’s plenty of originals out there to restore. Yours will be the same as any 70 Mustang.

[RoyceP]

I think you are correct - 1969 Boss 302 uses the "big" suspension - but the information at the vendor's link says otherwise. First time I ever heard of a 1968 Cougar Eliminator too.

Last set I bought from them just to compare to originals. The ball socket area is to thick. Very noticeable once you know what your looking for. But definitely better than standard replacements. There’s plenty of originals out there to restore. Yours will be the same as any 70 Mustang.

[69bossnut]

Just to be clear on my post about the 70 tie rods be the same as 69 Boss 302’s I am referring to the tie rod size only as there is a difference between the 69 B2 boot style  & 70 Boot style. Just didn’t want to cause any confusion 😁.

[69bossnut]

I did not realize that. I have put many boots on either versions. 70 on big suspension 69 & vice versa & have not had any issues. I will have to measure some I have here to see what the difference is. I have sets of both so I will report back soon.

[69bossnut]

Ok here are my findings. I measured several original 69 B2 & 69 B9 big suspension tie rods. They all measured in the area where the boot fits over @1.382” all varied by .002” at most. I then measured 3 NOS D0ZZ tie rods with tags still on them at the same area and all measured @1.382” and varied by .002” at most. So I then measured a set of NOS 69 big suspension boots which measured @1.372” on the inner diameter of the ring where it presses on the tie rod. Then I measured a set of nos D0ZZ dust boots which also measured 1.372” in the inside diameter of the boot where it will press on to the tie rods. So by my measurements there is no difference between the big suspension 69 & 70 tie rods. Only the type of boot appears to be different.

[Bob Gaines]

Ok here are my findings. I measured several original 69 B2 & 69 B9 big suspension tie rods. They all measured in the area where the boot fits over @1.382” all varied by .002” at most. I then measured 3 NOS D0ZZ tie rods with tags still on them at the same area and all measured @1.382” and varied by .002” at most. So I then measured a set of NOS 69 big suspension boots which measured @1.372” on the inner diameter of the ring where it presses on the tie rod. Then I measured a set of nos D0ZZ dust boots which also measured 1.372” in the inside diameter of the boot where it will press on to the tie rods. So by my measurements there is no difference between the big suspension 69 & 70 tie rods. Only the type of boot appears to be different.

David, I don't know what I am doing wrong but I have not had any luck getting the big suspension metal ring boot to fit on the the 70 push on boot tie rod. I accept your explanation and thank you for going to the trouble of comparing. 

[Anghelrestorations]

A couple of comments here.  Most of this I have covered in this detailing guide:
http://anghelrestorations.com/uploads/3/5/1/2/35122002/65_to_73_suspension_guide_v2.0a.pdf

For Rare Parts they do great service for the hobby and alot of what they sell is really good.  But for a side by side comparison on the 69 Boss tie rods they dont look the same to me at all.  Close.  But not the same.  For a daily driver type car they would be fine.

As for the 69 Boss tie rod boots and the 70 tie rods they are completely 100% interchangeable.  I have special tooling I made to press the boots in place and with that it works just fine.  Without that maybe its difficult and seems it will not fit, but it does.  I also have all the Ford drawings on the original tie rod boots and dimensions on 69 Boss and 70 are the same in this respect.  Not commonly known...but the same. 

[69bossnut]

Bob,
I understand your points on this. Your knowledge is always appreciated & respected. I also have special tooling I made to install the boots as well & don’t have any issues with either.

[Aussie_Boss302]

Thanks... some good information shared and I definitely don't want to spend more on the RareParts items if they aren't as correct as they claim.

Marcus,

Your guides are the best and a definite go-to for novices and professionals alike.  If you don't mind, can you share how your ties rods are restored?  Do you blow them apart, replace the inners and recap them?