Hey all.
1967 Cutlass. New center link and tie rods. Issue with outter tie rods.
Awhile back I ordered a front end steering kit from Rockauto. Mistake. Had to send the center link back. (They did send me a shipping label and credit my account) got the right center link from another place. All is well, or so i thought.
On my car the inner and outter tie rods are the same size. Or looks to be. The inner tie rods that came in kit fit perfect. The outer has a spindle thread that is too long. Castle nut sets too low for the kotter key to even be useful. My question is what IS difference between inner and outer tie rods? Is it just the threaded spindle is wider diameter? Im going to go ahead and order another set of outter tie rods from Kanter but im just wondering what is the difference in the inner and outter?

 

RH vs LH threads for starters. If they were the same, you couldn't adjust the tie rods like a turnbuckle. Also, the location of the zerk fitting is different due to clearance issues. Also, the outers see a lot more wear than the inners, so they tend to be beefier.

 

Thanks Joe! Precise answers and cleared it up for me 100%. Sometimes this forum is easier and quicker than scouring the internet.