Slop in Passenger tie rod connection

[Kremer5]

The castle nut doesn't tread down far enough to take all the slop of my replacement connecting rod end (passenger side). It is relatively new. should I put a washer below the castle nut to tighten it up, or is this an uncommon problem with replacement rod ends?

FYI...I'm not an expert.

 

[SteveL]

If it has front disc brakes on a pre 76 axle it probably has full size or f-150 knuckles. They have a different taper where the Tie-rod goes in. The vendors sell an adapter sleeve you pop in the hole where the tie rod goes.

 

[DirtDonk]

What Steve said. But it can also be a regular part-discrepancy issue as well.
Many years ago I purchased a set of Moog tie-rods and had to put a washer under the nut too. It wasn't needing much, but it was not a perfect fit like the original either. And that was with stock '71 D44 knuckles.

But if yours is way off, it might be just as Steve mentioned as having had some sort of a parts swap done in the past.
Do you know the history of the Bronco? Or do you just know that they're stock knuckles?

Bottom line though, is if the taper is the same and you get a good tight fit with just a regular or slightly thick washer, you're safe to do so as far as I'm concerned.
I used grade-8 washers anyway, because I don't like things like steering components loosening up over time(!) because something like a cheap a washer was somehow distorting. Of course...

Paul

 

[Kremer5]

Hi, yes everything is stock, with new bushings knuckle joints, etc. The washer tightens it up a little, but I can still move the PS tire side to side. I purchased a new tie rod end at Napa yesterday and by looking at it, I am not sure how the same thing won't happen again.

I have a video on my phone i can send to you via text. 406-366-0632. I would love to get anyone's opinion before i do anything that requires re-alignement.

 

[DirtDonk]

Text sent...
I wonder if you have a wobbled (or wollered) out tapered hole on that one side. Maybe both to a little extent. Can happen if things are ever allowed to get loose and stay that way for awhile.

So you still have drum brakes on the front?
What year is the Bronco?

Paul