While replacing my tie rods recently I found that what O'Reilly Auto parts listed as outer tie rods were actually inner on my car. I don't know, maybe I turned the linkage around the last time I rebuilt the front end in '95, but I'm wondering if it really matters. Obviously it's easier to adjust the linkage length if the adjuster is closer to the wheel, but other than that is there any reason I need to turn it around?

HotBag

You'd think it wouldn't matter because it's the same distance either way and I think both ends have the same amount of movement. I'd say you had them on this long and as long as your tires wear well let it alone.

This is something that has eluded me for some time. So the last time I did some front end work I looked at this until I figured it out.

The inner tie rod ends have the grease fitting parallel to the rod. It comes out of the end of the joint in line with the rod portion.

The outer tie rod ends have the grease fitting perpendicular with the rod. The grease fitting comes out of the bottom (as installed) flat portion of the joint.

I figured this was done for two reasons: to keep the inner rod grease fitting from hitting the oilpan/frame, and to allow one to place a grease gun onto the fitting without turned the steering side-to-side.

As far as the lengths of the different ends, I believe that it varies over the '67 - '69 MY's. Different sleeve lengths may also be used.

Bob.