track rod end saga,

[wildo105e]

OK all, whilst in the middle of putting back on my steering rack i have mislaid the track rod end nuts. OK so a bit of measuring and i reckon them to be be 3/8 UNF which arrived today, one fits the other doesn't and no amount of trying random nuts comes u with one that fits

So the question is what thread could the thread be 10mm fine ???? i know that manufacturers use anything as my TCA's have different nuts aswell.

My next question is which TRE's should they be ? They have a large taper for 2.8 capri struts but when measuring the rack the threaded part is 13mm so would that make it 1/2" imperial ?? Metric seems to be 14mm from the things i have found so far.

It seems a expense to buy some new TRE's for 1 nut but if that is the case so be it hopefully they are not RS ones especially as i have put new boots on them as well.


Thanks

[Miniliteman]

Do both TRE's fit on both track rods?

[davemk1]

Apologies if I'm jacking this thread but I too have a tre problem.
I've fitted eccentric top mounts and adj tca's to get maximum track(rs stub axles)so I need to get rid of the toe in now.
My new quick rack is m14 but my tre's are only hanging on by a couple of threads now when set about parralell!
I bought some (shortest) rack extenders but even screwed on as far as they go I'm getting too much toe out!
I believe the rs green ones are longer so will they fit my arms and rack or will I have to cut more thread on the steering arms,cut the ends off and use the extenders?
Thanks, Dave

[Miniliteman]

Do both TRE's fit on both track rods?

Do you mean the nuts for on top of the tapered end of the TRE?

[Miniliteman]

or will I have to cut more thread on the steering arms,cut the ends off and use the extenders?

That's what I did.

[Graham]

cutting more thread on the rack will weaken it, so i wouldnt do that

[davemk1]

Thanks Graham.
So would the longer green ones be suitable?
How much longer are they?
Are they m14?

[alladdin]

yes green rs tre is m14 thread and english taper for removable steering arms

doubt they differ in length but cant say they arnt

[Miniliteman]

or will I have to cut more thread on the steering arms,cut the ends off and use the extenders?

What I meant was I cut a bit of the steering arms and fitted home-made extenders.
No more thread cutting was needed.

Green TRE's are same length as normal ones.

[davemk1]

Ah I see! Thought I read somewhere green ones were longer! Must of been dreaming!

[davemk1]

OK. I wasn't dreaming.
Motorsport tools do longer ones!
Probably going to go that route.
Thanks all

[wildo105e]

My next question is which TRE's should they be ? They have a large taper for 2.8 capri struts but when measuring the rack the threaded part is 13mm so would that make it 1/2" imperial ?? Metric seems to be 14mm from the things i have found so far.
Thanks

does anyone know the answer ?

From what i can find mk1 has the large taper which should fit the 2.8i strut and have an imperial thread which i think should help me just need confirming before i go and order some.

I think the green RS ones are metric thread with the large taper which is what is required for MK2 escorts going to 2.8i struts etc

please correct me if i am wrong

Ta

[GavinR]

That sounds right to me

The RS ones have metric internal thread to go onto the Mk2 metric rack with metric track rods, but an imperial taper to fit the struts

[wildo105e]

lol just come back from my mates car shop, luckily they used to rally escorts so appreciate the issues. I think the above is correct now after looking at their catalogues etc. The fiesta part may only apply to very early ones though. Which sort of makes sense as mk1 escorts ended in 74 and fiesta started i believe in 75

My solution came much cheaper in that the thread i could not find turned out to be a M10 x 1.25 pitch (fine) so i have one that is 3/8 unf and 1 m10 fine !! it will work but will drive me mad having 2 different nuts on the car "OCD" for you.

luckily my mate has a box of TRE nuts of all variations for just the occasion.