Tie rod end thread direction?
 

Which side of the car has right-hand threads on the tie rod, and which side has left-hand threads? Which threads does the drag link have?

Before removing the old parts, I ordered a right side (American passenger) tie rod end and the threads are reversed from what is on the car, but it does fit the drag link which is supposed to be the same as the left side of the car. I'm thinking my tie rod has been reversed end-for-end at some point in it's life.

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

Yes, I think you figured it out! It doesn't really matter which side goes where on the car when both tie rod ends are screwed into the tie rod.

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

The tie rod should be reversible, so not an issue, but I'm not sure what was original. As I remember it is as you stated, the passenger side would be the normal thread (same as the drag link) and the driver side is the reverse.

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

If you are buying a pair, no issue. The vendors don't note the thread rotation in the catalogue. I'll have to try again and order by thread rather than by side. Another lesson learned.

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

Yep, that's a fact! :)

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

Most ,if not all ,of the early Ford tie rod ends have a R (right)or an L (left)in their part #to indicate the thread direction..

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

Just because, I always to put the right hand ends on the right side and the left on the left? For absolutely no reason.

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

I looked at several vendors, they are only distinguished by different part numbers, 11A-3289 and 11A-3290. Some vendors have them as 11A-3270 and 11A-3271.

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

For what it's worth.....an old friend of mine(RIP) was a Ford mechanic.I remember him saying that Ford numbered their parts (when applicable) ending with an even or odd number. Even for the right and odd for the left.Maybe....
It could be a bunch of BS. He used to drink a little. It could have some merit though.

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

In the case of these tie rod part numbers, your friend was right if using the 3270/3271 numbers, but wrong if using the 3289/2390 numbers.

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

With few exceptions, such as cylinder heads and there's a good reason for that exception, the right side part's number ends in an even number and the left side part's number ends in an odd number. It was deliberate aspect of the Ford part numbering system to simplify it and create predictability.

Re: Tie rod end thread direction?
 

I probably should have qualified my statement by adding that the R and the L is usually seen on NORS parts