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I'm getting ready to replace the busted rubber grease boots on my tie-rods and happen to notice the bolts for the end clamps look original and a bit thin with pitting. Might as well change them while I'm at it.

So.....as is my habit (thanks Wes!) before I touch a wrench I review the TM to make sure I understand what's involved, and to try and determine if the stuff I'm about to handle matches what the ORD9 and Reference Guide says about it.

My September 1955 ORD9, page 263, says these four bolts (1 per clamp) are 7/16-20NFx1-7/8 and 85,000 psi yield. Ord part number 181673. Doesn't compute. I look again at the bolts on my clamps. No way they're that big 7/16. They're actually 5/16-24NFx1-3/4. And 1-3/4 length leaves a good 1/2-inch plus of threads hanging out there past the nut for no apparent reason.

Unless I missed something huge, it looks like there's a mistake in the ORD9? OMG The M38 Reference Guide appears to repeat the error.

I bought four new Grade 8, 5/16-24NFx1-1/4 bolts, nuts, and locks to install. And as much as I'd like to use the factory grease seals and springs instead of $2 rubber boots ---- it'll have to wait until next time I service them and save some more coinage.

Just a thought......maybe we could use a sticky thread to discuss and post TM pen changes of any kind in one place for easy reach? I mark up my manuals when I stumble on them in the forums and they appear to be proved true (Wes' good housekeeping seal of approval), but I'm pretty sure I don't have them all.

That's why it is handy to have both the Nov 51 and the Sep 55 editions of the M38 ORD 9! And the civvy 1949 Willys Master List. The M38A1 Sep 56 ORD 9 has the same discrepancy.

Clamp - ORD# 7375333, Spicer # 14145, WO# A837
Nut - ORD# 120368 - 5/16-24NF-2
Screw - Spicer # 5-73-223, WO# A875 Hex Hd 5/16-24NF-2 x 1 7/16
Washer - ORD# 120638, WO# 51881

Or the 1949 Willys Master Parts List for the jeep;

Clamp - WO# A-837
Nut - WO# 5910 5/16-24NF
Bolt - WO# 640507 or WO# 645218 Hex Hd. 5/16-24NF x 1 7/16
Washer - WO# 52045 5/16

Thanks for confirming the pen change to the September 1955 edition of the ORD9 Wes.

And on second thought about using $2 rubber grease boots...I think I'll stick with them. Having to use a pickle fork to separate a tie rod end would instantly trash a pricey $12 factory original cup and spring.

No problem back in the day when they were 50-cents .