Steering Rack Inner Tie Rods

[Cropper]

Hi all, has anybody considered using a different tie rod rather than putting extensions on the standard MK2 Escort ones?
I know all the new ones are complete with a screw in joint, to the rack, but if the joint was removed you should be left with a longer inner tie bar. I am not sure the actual dimension of the ball on the newer joints, I am looking for an old one or a cheap new one to try. the rod may need shortening and a suitable thread, to suit your own setup, but I think the finished rod with no unsightly extensions would look pretty good. You can get new ford transit rods for about £7 on ebay, these should be long enough.

What do you think?

Neil

[baz-r]

yes there is a co. that can make you a new track rod longer than the orignal thay do heavy duty bits for rally cars
kiley clinton http://www.steering-racks.co.uk/

[Cropper]

Thanks, I have seen their website, but in the interest of keeping costs down I was looking to do it myself, the question really I suppose, is, will a new tie rod have the same diameter end, when taken apart, as the MK2 escort?, If so then its cheap & easy to sort, hopefully!!