Length
- Park on level ground with the wheels pointed straight ahead.
- Measure center to center, from the center of one joint stud to the other, as Speedway Motors shows.
- For a new design, measure between mounting points at ride height, also following Speedway.
Ends and threads
Moog lists universal outer tie rod ends by dimension, and Win Store tables give thread and taper sizes. Record:
- Thread diameter and pitch.
- Thread hand (left or right). Adjusters often use one of each.
- Taper size and stud length.
- Overall length and shank length.
Questions
What does center to center mean?
The distance between the centers of the two joints at the ends of a rod, measured with the wheels straight.
Where this comes from
- Speedway Motors: How to measure tie rods or drag links
- Speedway Motors: How to measure for steering linkage
- Moog: Outer tie rod ends by dimension
- Win Store help center: Rack end and idler arm thread and taper sizes
Last reviewed 2026-10-19. General information only: your vehicle and part maker's instructions come first.