Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I just purchased urethane tie rod boots, ball joint boots, and bump stops from zpartshouse. I purchased enough for both cars for about $100 for both cars. The original boots have turned to mush.

I have a set of original tie rods and a center link (with original rubber boots) so I was able to test fit the urethane boots and noticed that the design is quite different. The original boots snap into a groove on the tie rod ends but the urethane boots just slide over.

Any comments or concerns over this design?

By the way, I got them in RED.

Shannon

Maybe you could post a pic so that it is easier to visualize the difference.
Thanks,

Linda

Linda:

Good idea. I'll test out my photography skills tonight.

Shannon

Shannon, they are different. I went with urethane boots. They do not use the clips like the old rubber boots. I was a bit skeptical at first. After a short time, they conformed well. One good thing is, you don't need to worry about blowing out the boot by over greasing.

Kyle

Skyman wrote:One good thing is, you don't need to worry about blowing out the boot by over greasing.

Damn. Now I learn that......

Installed the Energy Suspension urethane ball joint and tie rod boots on our 1970 SPL during the brake and suspension renovation. Although the design is different (no snap ring/clamp), they seem to work OK, keeping the grease in and the elements out. If you started with components in good condition and grease the chassis @ every engine oil change interval, should be OK.

I have the same items from Dean at Datsun Parts and the same concern. When I assembled them this week I put a thin washer on the top. When everything is bolted together the boots do seem to seal fine.

Here are the photos of the pieces. I hope they are clear enough to show the differences.

ppeters914 wrote:

Skyman wrote:One good thing is, you don't need to worry about blowing out the boot by over greasing.

Damn. Now I learn that......

I usually add a vent hole or two with the pickle fork, so blowout is not an issue.
I got the same urethanes at Solvang, I'll find out soon how they work. My "brand new" Nissan joints are so old the rubber boots turned to very sticky black goo in the box.

Reviving an old thread...

How large a vent hole is recommended?

He was joking...hope anyway. Dont put any holes in them. Thats a good place for water and dirt to get in.
The old ones could be tore with a pickle fork just taking them off.

Rich

Doh! That went over my head. Makes sense. My old ones have turned to mush.

My original post on this.
http://www.311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.ph ... ots+option" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

My website from my initial installation.
http://higenki.com/roadster/suspension.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Did installing these tighten up the front a little. I mean the originals were soft pliable rubber and these are hard urethane. I have a set and am planning on putting them on in the next few weeks and I was just wondering if there is a noticeable difference.

No, no handling difference, the urethane is a lot softer than you are thinking, not like urethane suspension bushings.

Its all about the Shore scale.