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During the last two yearly inspections of my 69 Oldsmobile Toronado it was rejected due to a worn-out tie rod.
I quickly ordered 2 new tierods on rock auto according the specifications of my car.
Also I cross-checked the AC Delco part finder to get the correct part.
I asked my local garage to install the tie rod but they, said it didn't fit
when My car was back in the garage I jacked it up to try myself.
I found out that the new tie rod has a different taper fit. the taper is smaller on the bottom which allows the tie rod to slightly deeper down and due to that, there isn't enough thread to fully tight the castle nut.
I added a few washers to solve the problem.
Question 1, Does anyone know which tie rod will be correct for my 69 Toronado
Question 2, what do you think of my solution.
Please note I'm not from the USA but from the Netherlands, shipping parts back and forward can become costly due to the high shipping cost and import taxes, also Oldsmobile pars are very Rare here, so there are not too many places where I can go.
I wouldn't drive my car like that! Worn tire rods are preferable to tie rods with the incorrect taper. You should be able to get generic tie rod boots for your old tie rods (not sure if these are the correct size though).
If you don't want to order another part from the US then find some tie rods at your local auto parts store and take the boots off of them for your old tie rods. BTW, did the local inspector pass your car with the washers on the tie rod? If so, then...
Ultimately, you need to remove those tie rods and get RockAuto to refund your money. Good luck!
I didn't drove with the washers as I wash doubtful as well.
I will return the wrong parts.
And I ordered a NOS tie rod from Ebay. It will be delivered next week and I hope they will fit.
It seems that some of the '69 Toronado's used the tie rod's from the ''66 up to ''68 models.
66-72 use the same steering components. 73-78 are different. RA shipped you the later style tierod end. People converting earlier Toronado to later style disc brakes run into this all the time.
^^x2^^ Those front sway bar end links are toast. Order/Install new front sway bar end links. Order up a new set of front sway bar mount bushings, as well.
Replacement Tierod for 69 Toronado doesn't fit
Worn tire rods are preferable to tie rods with the incorrect taper. You should be able to get generic tie rod boots for your old tie rods (not sure if these are the correct size though).
