G'day folks, Thanks for all your wealth of information you guys provide.

I have a quick few questions if anyone can help as no one down here in OZ seems to know the answer. My problem relates to my 66 FB's outer tie rods (MS Factory discs).

When I bought the car I notice play in the wheel where the tie rod meets the spindle, I thought new tie rods would suffice no deal. What I found is the following.

Tie rods for my year measure 12 and 13 mm's at the taper (brand new). My spindle taper measures 13 and 14 mm therefore they are not catching and seating correctly, they draw right up and the spindles fouls the body of the tie rod. Ive been told just to shim them or add some spacers but that sounds "dodgy". My Spindles are the orginal Ford pieces (confirmed) not Granda's or Versailles. Both spindles measure the same at the taper. I tried my new tie rods on two sets of second hand spindles just brought from the US by a shop; one measured the same as mine with same result. Second set had smaller taper at the spindles and fitted perfectly.

My question is, Has anyone else found this to be the case and how have they got around the problem? Was this a production issue.? I thought it may be wear and tear after 40 years but could wear and tear be so consistant in both spindles (as they are both perfectly round no oval wearing).

I have notcied Mustang Steve (http://www.mustangsteve.com/tierodbushings.html) produces adapters I may have to go this route as I cant find any outer tie rods that will fit or other means of rectifying my problem.

Any suggestions or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

thanks folks

 

PS;

Im definately using V8 tie rods not 6cyl (as mine is a 289)