I cant seem to figure out what tie rod ends I need. Autozone has different ones depending on serial numbers, one is for M00001 and M00002, this is for both inner and outer, It also say by the last 6 of the vin code. Can any one tell me how to figure this out with my vin#?

 

I think they are tuggin your leash. What year is your truck and model?

 

Its a 1970 F-100 4x2. All the parts stores I called yesterday say the same thing. The tie rod ends that are on my truck now must be too long, I have them screwed in all the way and bottomed out and still have 3/4 in toe in. I may just cut them down so that I can get this thing alligned.

 

Well when I went to looking sure enough it came back with "up to ser no ..." I am not a parts guy so maybe Number Dummy will chime in on this one. I know Ford seems to like the years that end with 0 to make transitions and usually single year items. Example: I had a 1980 4x4 and was shopping for gears. It is the first year for that body style and I was told it was the only year in the independent front suspension that had reverse rotation. I have a '70 and have run into '70 only items when looking around.

 

The serial number is the last 6 digits of the VIN / I don't give a rats behind what autoparts stores claim, because the M serial numbers do not apply to 1970.

1970 F100/750 serial number range: G30,001-J70,000.

1971 F Series Trucks serial number range: J70,001-M30,001.

1972 F Series Trucks serial number range: M40,001-Q80,000.

There is no before/from certain serial numbers listed in the truck parts catalog inre to tie rod ends.

The I-Beam ID numbers must be known to get the correct parts for 1971.
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C5TZ-3A130-A .. Right Tie Rod End / Obsolete

C5TZ-3A131-A .. Left Tie Rod End / Obsolete

Applications: 1965/70 F100/250 2WD / 1971 F100 2WD, 1971 F250 2WD with 12 1/8" x 2" drum brakes.

Use with I-Beams marked C8TA-3008-B (right), C8TA-3009-B (left).
-------------------------------------------------------------------
D2TZ-3A130-A .. Right Tie Rod End / Obsolete

D2TZ-3A131-A .. Left Tie Rod End / Obsolete

Applications: 1971 F100 2WD-Use with I-Beams marked D2TA-3008-DA (right), D2TA-3009-DA (left) / 1972/74 F100 2WD.

This truck is 41 years old, prolly has had multiple owners, so who knows if the parts are original or have been swapped in from another truck?

The I-Beam changeover occurred in 1971. Look on your trucks I-Beams for the cast ID numbers. If different from the above examples, post what the numbers are.

Info sources: 1964/72 Ford Truck Parts Catalog & 1973/79 Ford Light Truck Parts Catalog.

 

As to Number Dummy's response I also came across parts that had no reference to ser no. So I found both ways but tend to side with NumberDummy. Well not tend, I just do. It was the first I had ever heard of using ser no for front end parts. I turned a wrench for 12 yrs & had never heard of such a thing. I am guessing their parts books do not specify by year and have them grouped. The M designation that you and Number Dummy refer to as he said was in '71 so your answer would be before.

 

Number Dummy,

Where on the I-beams will the casting numbers be? I will look and report back tomarrow.

 

You aren't siding with me, you are siding with FoMoCo. The info I typed was taken directly from the 1964/72 Ford Truck Parts Catalog.

The cast ID numbers on I-Beams are EZ to see.