C3 1968 tie rod boots

[John D.]

Anyone know a source for old style tie rod boots? The ones I got from Paragon are two small. As an alternative, any way the boots can be repaired?

Thanks, John

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 1968 tie rod boots

John-----

If you are using original GM tie rod ends, the configuration of the boots are different than those used on aftermarket-type tie rod ends. The aftermarket ones won't fit properly.

A little-known fact is that although the tie rod ends used from 1963 through 1982 were all the same, the 63-64 versions used a different seal than the 65-82. The 63-64 seal was smaller and was more of a "chinese coullee hat" configuration. It held little grease. The 65-82 seal fit down over the body of the tie rod end and formed a "resevoir" for grease.

Both the 63-64 seal, GM #3687643, and the 65-82 seal, GM #3826598, were once available seperately from GM (unlike 65-82 ball joint seals which were NEVER available seperately). However, both have been discontinued for years and I know of no current source for them. You might check with Long Island Corvette Supply. Primarily, they are a 63-67 Corvette part source, but, since these seals you need were also used for 65-67 Corvettes, they may have them.

I don't know of any way to repair these seal effectively.

[Gene M.]

Re: 63-68 tie rod boots..... try used

John, Try junk yards, these boots were the same as used on passenger cars. Many times there is a pile of steering parts and complete arms with the good boots still intact.