I guess the best place to start on Mustang tie rods ends, sleeves, clamps and hardware is what I do know, or suspect. I am looking for information on original factory items.
- The 6 cylinder ends and sleeves are Falcon based, and 8 cylinder ends and sleeves are Mustang based. All sleeves have a RH and LH thread component.
- 6cy - ends are 1/2-20 thread with 5/16-18 GR5 hardware on clamps;
- 6cy w p/s - ends are 9/16-18 thread with 5/16-18 GR5 hardware on clamps;
- 8cy - ends are 9/16 thread with 5/16-18 GR5 hardware on clamps;
- 8cy w p/s RH - same as without p/s;
- 8cy w p/s LH - 3/4-18 thread with 3/8-24 GR5 hardware on clamps;
Somewhere I came up with a 3/8-24 bolt with a square shoulder for the power steering clamps, and I also found 5/16 grade 8 bolts mixed in.
All items are more or less natural in finish with paint dabs.
The questions:
Are my above statements correct?
Is there any difference in years?
Were grade 2 or 8 bolts used, what size and where?
Did the assembly line use 5/16-24 threads, and where?
Did 'K' Mustangs and Shelbys use the standard Mustang 8 cylinder setup?
I looked at the pictures of Charles' convertible and it's a bit difficult to make out hardware size. The hardware does look natural. Were any phosphate and oil (-S2), cad or zinc plated?
Jim