The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot '60-'66 Trucks Putting Tie Rods for 1966 C-10 into 1963 C-10...

Good Evening Gentlemen,

I have shifted gears slightly on the rehab of my 1966 C-10. Originally, I had bought everything needed to completely overhaul the front brakes and front suspension and steering. I have changed my mind, and picked up a complete kit for installing disc brakes with drop spindles. So, I had to get another set of ball joints and tie rods.

The point of all this, is I now have a set of new Moog upper and lower ball joints, inner and outer tie rods, and adjusting sleeves that I can't use. A friend of mine has a 1963 C-10 that he is working on. I am selling him all my new front brake parts, and he is interested in the front suspension parts. I have cross referenced the upper and lower ball joints, they are the same. I have also cross referenced the pitman and idler arms, they are also the same. However, the tie rod ends and adjuster sleeves are different.

1963 C-10

Inner Tie Rods: Moog ES678
5/8 – 18 RH thread, 6.66” long
Stud taper .516/.626

Outer Tie Rods: Moog ES323L
5/8 – 18 LH thread, 4” long
Stud taper .516/.613

Adjusting Sleeves: NAPA (Rare Parts) 25395 (Moog Obsolete ES312S)
5/8 – 18 thread, 8 11/16” long


1966 C-10

Inner Tie Rods: Moog ES370R
5/8- 18 RH thread, 7.19” long
Stud taper .516/.623

Outer Tie Rods: Moog ES350L
5/8 – 18 LH thread, 7.19” long
Stud taper .516/.626

Adjusting Sleeves: Moog ES350S
5/8 – 18 thread, 6” long


I have searched the net, and have not found any information on whether the 1963 C-10 centerlink is the same as the 1966 C-10 centerlink.

So, here is my question. Does anyone know if a complete tie rod assembly for a 1966 C-10 will bolt into and align correctly in a 1963 C-10?

Thanks for your time,

Seth K. Pyle

Since the centerling is a non-wear item, you won't find specs on it. Just from the dimensions listed, the tapers are the same size, and there's not much difference in overall lengths of the parts when it's all added up. I don't think there would be any problems with using the later tie rods as a complete assembly.

Thanks Longbox, that is so simple that I feel stupid for not thinking of it. I added the measurements up, there is only 1" difference. The 1966 assembly is 1" longer. I don't see why that couldn't be accounted for by turning the tie rods in a little more into the adjusting sleeves.

Just to be absolutely sure, I asked my friend to get me a stud to stud measurement of one of his tie rod assemblies on his 1963 C-10. I still have the original tie rod assemblies from my 1966 C-10 assembled. I will compare lengths.

Seth K. Pyle