[brockb455]

These 73's are a real parts challenge. The only inner tie rods I can find do not have a bend in them to clear the pitman and idler arms. The original tie rods had this bend (see the pictures below) Either a) it is necessary to bend the rods to fit, or b) Global West gave me bad information when I bought the parts. I returned them once but they said that these are the only parts indicated for a 73 TA.

See where the tie rod will foul the pitman arm when I lower the car?

same with the idler arm

See the bend in the originals?

Should I take these to a machine shop and have them bent?

[Formula8]

You have some choices. I recall that Napa had the early Firebird tie rods but there were like 3X the cost of the striaght one. The centerlink was less than the difference and all of the late stuff is way available compared to the correct parts. As long as you replace the centerlink, you should be good to go. I take it originality is not critical for your application or you would not be working with Global West and have their pretty blue bushings in your uppers. Origniality is not a huge issue for me so I bought all of the late Camaro stuff and ended up with something that works perfectly, saved me a few dollars and is easier to replace if that should become necessary.BTW, the Global West stuff is top notch. I have their Delalums in my front control arms, their SFC and body bushings. I just put in their upper control arms in a buddy's vette, and those were very nice as well. Expensive but nice.

[thefirebirdm@n]

Dave over at Pro-Touring F-Body has the right tie rods. I purchased them and installed them on my car and they fit perfect [pics below]. He also offers both Firebird and Camaro parts if you want to go with either. I went with the Camaro centerlink and pitman arm.

http://www.pro-touringf-body.com/cha...omponents.html

I don't know if he can sell just the inner tie rods, I'd recommend calling him. Also he's been slammed lately so you may have to call a couple of times to get through to him.

[Held for Ransom]

Original part numbers for the inner tie rod ends are ...
1970-3, Left 7809578, Right 7817062 (suoerceded by 7809577)
1974-5, Left 7817063, Right 7817062
1975-6, Left 7825545, Right 7825546
1976, Left 14013013, Right 14013014
1976-81, Left 12309443, Right 12309444

MOOG part numbers ...
1970-5, Left DS784, Right DS783
1976-81 Left ES2002L, Right ES2001L (maybe late '75 too)

As you can see, Pontiac had several numbers for the rod ends.
Are you sure they didn't sell you Camaro ends (MOOG numbers, 1970-4 Left DS782, Right DS781)? They cost less.

Jimmy looks to have the later years (more equal length inner and outers).

[brockb455]

Originally Posted by Formula8

You have some choices. I recall that Napa had the early Firebird tie rods but there were like 3X the cost of the striaght one. The centerlink was less than the difference and all of the late stuff is way available compared to the correct parts. As long as you replace the centerlink, you should be good to go. I take it originality is not critical for your application or you would not be working with Global West and have their pretty blue bushings in your uppers. Origniality is not a huge issue for me so I bought all of the late Camaro stuff and ended up with something that works perfectly, saved me a few dollars and is easier to replace if that should become necessary.BTW, the Global West stuff is top notch. I have their Delalums in my front control arms, their SFC and body bushings. I just put in their upper control arms in a buddy's vette, and those were very nice as well. Expensive but nice.

I replaced everything, including the centerlink, so I was surprised when it did not fit. Do I have an original centerlink and late model tie rods? Will a late model centerlink work with my original pitman arm? Or, can I bend the tie rods I have, or will that break or weaken them? This is a pain. Thanks for your help.

[brockb455]

OK everyone. Thank you for the help. Here is what I have.

a) This is a late 73 TA so it has the 74 frame / control arms (don't know if that matters)
b) New centerlink matches the original
c) Inner tie rods are DS 781 DS 782 so they are CAMARO ends
d) Outer tie rods are ES404RL
e) New Idler arm is K6186
f) Pitman arm is original

What should I do?

[Held for Ransom]

Only the inners are incorrect.
Tell them you're working on a Pontiac, which uses the numbers I listed earlier. Maybe work out a deal to pay a little more money to offset the price differences. Try to work with them in a professional manner and you should be treated fairly.