Tie Rod End Size

[bucket]

If you look in the old parts books they specified the 1" tie rod for 4.10 and lower gears. Maybe something to do with the extra torque trying to increase the toe-in on acceleration?

Seems like that would be the most logical explanation. I think it only applies to the later models though. Like James, my two '77 K5's came with the 1" tie rod. Although I think there were still exceptions in the later years too and some trucks got the 1" with 3.73 gears.

 

[Jdgrant96]

Learning something new every day. I’ll have to look into swapping over to the 1”, since I’m redoing everything already. I keep seeing Moog recommended but have read good reviews about Mevotech as well. Any real advantage to one or the other?

 

[Blue Ox]

Not doubting you at all, but my 1/2 ton had the 1” setup from the factory.

Seems like that would be the most logical explanation. I think it only applies to the later models though. Like James, my two '77 K5's came with the 1" tie rod. Although I think there were still exceptions in the later years too and some trucks got the 1" with 3.73 gears.

No idea about the earlier trucks. But my ’85 K20 with 4.10 gears came with the 7/8" tie rod. I think in some cases they put whatever they had available on them to keep the line moving. I've since upgraded to the 1" because I had one handy and they are a lot more easier to adjust.

 

[SubDominant]

Learning something new every day. I’ll have to look into swapping over to the 1”, since I’m redoing everything already. I keep seeing Moog recommended but have read good reviews about Mevotech as well. Any real advantage to one or the other?

Mevotech seems to be an economy brand. If it were me (and it was just last week), I'd order the Moog problem solvers.

 

[SubDominant]

Not doubting you at all, but my 1/2 ton had the 1” setup from the factory.

And if you search for the parts you get both options for the half ton. Mine seems like OEM and it is 1" on a half ton.