This is a transcript of a WhatsApp conversation.
Razoredge Track Rod Guidance
Roger, The original track rods were a straight tube with the ball joints screwed in and held at the correct depth with clamping rings .
ST introduced the all-in-one units as an improvement during the late production series and this became the replacement for all TDB and TDC vehicles plus the Vanguard series 1 and 2. These solid forged rods were specific to our cars and the Vanguards so once stocks of these were exhausted one has to revert to the tubular rods with screw in ball joints.
Fortunately the ball joints are at present readily available, talk to Paul, but if one does not already have the tubes then there is an issue.
(Chris Hewitt used to get tubes made to the correct specification but the last order he was due to place was at the time that he was not able to cope. When all the steering stock was transferred to me I tried from then on to find a company that were willing and able to make them. Sadly no success on that activity. )
The tubes ARE NOT just any old bit of steel tube but need to be a specific alloy to a defined strength and toughness in order to withstand the stresses in the steering system.
The company that Chris used to use point blank refused to consider making any more as they now only make aviation related products. No level of incentive offered was of any interest to them. The situation at present as far as I know is that if you already have the tubes you are lucky. If like many in the club you do not have them then there is a problem. Most annoying for me was that I had bought a complete set of tubes and joints from Chris but made the mistake when I took over of trying to sort out a very difficult issue with a member in Germany and sent him my two tubes fully expecting to get more manufactured for the club and thus get the two that I am owed back. I remain owed literally as I write.
None of the rods you have pictured are what you need unless the 3rd from the left is a tube with joints screwed in but not clamped. They MUST have clamps as otherwise the tube could gradually unscrew and the result of that could be fatal not only for the car but all those in its way.
The workshop manual details the correct length that the track rods must be set to if one is using the tubed variety.
