Outer Tie Rod part specific to each side of vehicle ?

[fazdamord]

Hello, I have a 1999 Mazda B3000, going to replace my front suspension parts. I am wondering if the outer tie rods are specific to each side of the vehicle or does the same outer tie rod fit both sides of the vehicle. Not very well versed in suspension at all, so any help would be appreciated. Thanks a lot!

 

[Curious Hound]

They are specific. There are right-hand and left-hand threads on both ends of that whole assembly.

 

[fazdamord]

They are specific. There are right-hand and left-hand threads on both ends of that whole assembly.

I was looking on rockauto.com and I did not see any left or right side tie rods, it was just "outer tie rod" i did not see any distinction between them. is there a way to tell by the part number ?

 

[franklin2]

He's right, one tie rod for both sides. You must have to turn the sleeves in opposite directions when doing an alignment on it.

 

[Curious Hound]

He's right, one tie rod for both sides. You must have to turn the sleeves in opposite directions when doing an alignment on it.

That's quite possible. Been a couple months since I've aged with it. I just twist, measure, twist, measure, twist, measure.... lock down and go driving.

 

[scotts90ranger]

On the SLA the outer ends are the same for both sides, they're just right hand threads... since the inner tie rod ends are balls they just spin so it doesn't matter like it does with a regular style steering...