They are custom tie rod ends. The sleeves are custom made as well. After many prototypes these are hollow to keep the weight down.
The tubing is 1.250" diameter. The threads on the tie rod ends are about 29/32".
I wanted something that was beefed up from stock so the wimpy OEM tie rod end wouldn't bow. I wanted a modern tie rod end, not that goofy old skool ball and cup setup, because I plan on using this truck for a daily driver. I want to be able to jack the truck up when I'm doing an oil change, shoot some grease in the kingpins, steering, and everywhere else and be done with it. This also gives me more clearance for the aftermarket wheels (replacements for FORD 1969 F-250 - they have 1/2" studs 8 bolt on 6.5) - Great replacements by the way and easy to obtain.
I also wanted something that looked very clean and stock. An ealier prototype had large jam nuts, but there was a problem obtaining tooling that would properly cut the threads. Using the clamp syle gives a little more realistic leeway.
Nothing was available for the 3/4 ton. This could also be used for a 1 ton and maybe a 1 1/2 ton, but I'd need to know what the length from center of the grease fitting to center of the other grease fitting on the tie rod assembly as it is assembled on the vehicle with toe set at 0 (zero).. From there I could compute the length of the custom sleeve.
If someone is interested in doing something like this, I will assist in helping you achieve this. I'd like to see more vehicles like these driveable.
