OK, so I'm an idiot, but I'm trying to figure out exactly what parts I need to replace my drag link and tie rod ends for my 1986 F350 6.9 IDI 4wd. I'm obviously not a mechanic.

It seems that everywhere I look online...I find 3 parts. The left (driver side) inner, right (passenger side) inner, and left outer.

On my truck (and all trucks, i assume) there are 2 assemblies - a 2 part piece that connects both wheels, and a 2 part piece that connects from that to the pittman arm.

Maybe I'm using the wrong name for the parts. I imagine that the left inner and outer ends could be interchangeable, since on my truck they look very similar, but I can't find any clear indication that is the case.

The right outer end has a number: 651 K5 170 stamped on it. I can't seem to dredge up any parts matching that number. The drag link (correct term?) looks like its approx. 1" in diameter, and the inner tie rod looks like it's approx. 1 1/8" in diameter.

Additionally, some places, the parts indicate "up to 4200 lbs", which I assume is the weight rating for the front axle. This is a diesel, so I might guess that this has a heavier front axle, but I don't know.

Some parts indicate that they are for RWD or trucks with a particular type of cab. I bought this truck used, and believe the cab to have been replaced. Anyway, so it all ads up to confuse a n00b such as myself.

Any advice?

 

If your truck is all original, then you will have the dana 60 straight front axle. Make sure you look up parts for a f350. The f250's had the twin I beam front 4wd axles and they are set up differently. Being a diesel doesn't affect anything on the frontend.

Looks like autozone stocks the pieces that go from one side to the other, but they will have to order the one that goes from the steering box to the crosspiece.