The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Steering Joint Boots

1951 3100....Going back with all the original tie rods and drag link. All appear to be tight and in good working shape. Dis-assembled all of it, cleaned it, anti-seized all of it, (I'm a big fan of anti-seize). My concern is any and all of the joints being exposed. Certainly they had some type of rubber seal or boot that covered the joint (ball/stud) when it was produced, or maybe they didn't. New designed tie rods have the rubber cup that protects it from grit and grime, and also holds the grease in. Is there anything made for these? Did they come with something originally? I can fabricate something, that would be functional and look fine, but I would prefer to go back with whatever may have been used originally.

Thanks,
Mike

Mike,

I don't know if they came originally with rubber boots/covers, but they are available:

http://www.classicparts.com/1947-91-Tie-Rod-End-Boots-Polyurethane/productinfo/76-005B/#.VuqkJZMrKdE

I think that Steele Rubber sells a set?

You can barely make out the rubber boot/seal on this reproduction tie-rod-end set.

Considering the long oval slot on the original tie rods and drag link, the ones from O'Reilly appear to be what they would need to look like. I suppose I'll fabricate them.

Thank you sir.

The Factory Repair Manual recommends greasing those every 1,000 miles. A lube schedule, that frequent should be sufficient to force the grime out, protecting the joints.
Carl

Probably won't put 1,000 miles on it in a year. But wanting it to be correct, like it was originally, means something. If I was to speculate, they most probably didn't have any type of cover/seal on them when it was made. Just wanting it to appear correct. Too much attention to detail maybe...........

But thank you Cal.

Mike