Listers, Today I decided to do normal maintenance only 1982 308. Thought I would have a look at the tie rod ends and replace them if needed. I checked the DIY cross reference and there was an offering. The local guy stocks MOOG and had the items on the shelf. They do NOT fit, at least on my 308 ! The thread size seems all wrong and the thread on the inner tie rod for adjustment is kinda short. Using the suggested MOOG part would leave my car with a couple of inches toe out. Even if the threads were correct. Is the cross reference number correct?
It probably doesn't help you, as I'm in the UK - but when I replaced mine, I simply bought the same ones as used on a 1970's Mini. (They used the same steering rack). Off Ebay, very cheap.
Good Morning, I have been following your tip and what I have found so far is the part listed with internal inch 5/8 thread. I have not checked the Ferrari but I just assumed it is metric. Around 8:00 EST Northeast USA I will check. Hummmmm perhaps the rack is the same but the external fitting are changed per make of car. any chance you could get me a part #. Thank You.
This is the UK website link: GSJ734 - mini track-rod-end,mini parts, mini spares, uk classic parts A princely £4.15 (i.e. less than US$ 5.00) each! For that money, worth getting them shipped to the USA.
My tie rod ends external threads are imperial for sure. It's one of the few bolts on the car that's not metric. I don't know about the internal thread where it attaches to the tie rods but I'd assume they are imperial too. Our steering racks were made in the U.K. in the seventies. Metric was not prevalent.
Good Morning Listers, YES the rod ends are INCH. Big surprise. Now to find what fits or give it up and buy from one of the parts guys. For the record it seems the female inner is 1/2 X 20 thread and the tapered pin is 3/8 x 24 thread. MANT THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE RESPONDED!
Listers, I have a complete shop and removing them is straight forward. I have only one side off as I wait for the parts. It took about three moments and if I really needed to move the car I could put the old joint back in but the boot does have damage which again in a pinch....could be reused. Thank You all for the info and support.
Currently I have the factory 16" wheel spec... so around 3mm total toe-in Image Unavailable, Please Login
Listers, As several have suggested there is an alternative joint that will fit the 308. It comes from the classic MINI and it is close. The MINI units I have are 10 thou larger at the bottom of the taper pin. They will not fit as deep into the steering arm as the stock original Ferrari part. I have installed one side and set the toe at 1/16. Am I satisfied ....... ? Well I do not think the MINI joint will ever come out BUT ? Anyone have any thoughts?
Good day Johnny, Good info. I would be curious if the "new" Ferrari ball joints are the same as your originals or are they closer to that used on the Mini? Who knows... maybe this slight variation is what is currently offered by the various Ferrari part suppliers? Cheers, Sam
Hello, I am wishing that someone has a new FERRARI joint and can measure it. I will come back in a bit with the measures of the joint I took out and the MINI joint
Listers, Measurements. Old at the start of thread .460. Top of taper. 503 New SOT. 478. TOT. 512 I am not sure I like this. Perhaps someone can offer insight. Will call one of the Ferrari parts guys in the morning. Comments please !!
Are they actually the same as the Mini and not the Triumph Herald/Spitfire/MG Midget/Lotus Elan which are slightly different? Seem to recall many years ago having the same problem on an Elan. Although all the steering parts were made by Cam Gears Ltd they had slight differences.
The vendor I got them from listed them as MINI parts and I was working off info from some Brits as you can see the above.
Listers, The "new" tie rods are installed. Toe set at 1/16 in. From above you can see I tried to use an offering that was to fit the Classic Mini and was recommended by some British folks. Please with all possible respect I tried this part in the 308 and I cannot offer it as a good fit for the 308. When measured the Mini tapered pin only made about 1/2 distance into the Ferrari steering arm hole. I thought the part looked great but just did not fit well enough. For me when it come to brakes and steering there is only "correct" not ....good enough. The parts I used came from: Italian Car Parts | Ferrari Parts | Alfa Romeo Parts | Maserati Parts in New Jersey USA. The parts were PERFECT replacements for the units that came off the car. They were excellent to deal with and the parts arrived over night.
