While changing a caliper on my '79 4x4 I notice the drivers side tie rod end had too much up and down slack. So, I made a trip to the back yard where I have two spare front axle assemblies. The tie rod I need on both of them is ok (the other side is not) but I noticed that the diameter of the center link is larger than the on on my truck. Bummer..............I can't get it going now until the parts houses open on Monday living out in the sticks.

Question: The tie rod on my truck is around a 5/8" diameter where it goes into the center link. Both the spares are around 3/4". I know there is a difference in years but which one is which? I've been searching but have not found any specs to identify them. I'm not sure if the center link on the '79 is the original one or not or what years the others ones are now. I thought they were all the same until today. I would assume it would be better to go with the larger center link? They appear identical with the exception of the diameter of the center link sleeve.

Thanks in advance for any help anyone can provide.

 

common swap , back in the day , was a landcruiser center link .. much beefier , probabally what you have


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Ok. Thanks. I do know that both of the spares I have came out from under 4x4 pickups but that does not say they were not upgraded from a landcruiser.

Thanks again, I guess the parts house guys can sort this mess out in the morning..