Car is waiting on my decision.... I can't decide if it's worth going with cheaper inner tie rods for my rebuilt steering rack or go Oem. Has anyone used aftermarket parts with success?

Thanks!

 

You might want to do a search. Seems like depending on model year the inners came with two different size threads, but aftermarket only came in one of them.

 

Also that you get the ones you need. I have tried and been shipped the wrong ones twice. I was looking for early 1994 and was shipped later ones.

 

good idea. I do have to check aftermarket

What has everybody else use?

 

Where did you order from?

 

Rock auto and Napa

 

EDIT: Here's what Sarge was talking about. (From J-Auto's site)





Juan treated me great and he knows his way around an FD.

J-AUTO - Bushings, Suspension, Parts for Mazdas

 

j- Auto looks like lots of good stuff for the FD

i have always liked the Fortune coil overs.

 

I used OEM inner tie rods, and OEM replacement boots. I bought them from Atkins Rotary. Be mindful of the inner washers that get bent to prevent the inner tie rod from spinning if it gets loose, you will need to un-bend them before trying to remove the original inner tie rod. It's in the factory service manual, and you can find useful Youtube videos of people doing the same procedure on similar year Miatas. I had trouble finding those washers in stock so I reused the originals, but I think Atkins may have them in stock now.

I used aftermarket outer tie rods, from RockAuto. I replaced everything all at once, and it feels good and drives well. The steering felt good with the old parts, but the boots were torn and the original joints looked loose. I borrowed an outer tie rod puller and the inner tie rod removal tool from a local auto parts store, probably O'Reilly.

 

Just recently did mine with oem one's from Atkins rotary. They had everything I needed. Took my fd in to get 4 wheel alignment done. Discovered I have a messed up driver side rear camber bolt and nut along with bad rear toe link bushings. It's an old car, I should have know better. Just saving to re do all suspension and bushing parts on my fd.

 

I've had my 93 since 95.. With all original bushings. It's crazy how much rubber is. Lol
I too have to change all new before going through a wheel alignment.

 

Be careful with Atkins. If you need stock OEM parts, I'd contact Ray Crowe at
Ray 703 785 5554
Ray was THE man to go to for rotary related parts. He worked at a Mazda dealership on the East Coast (Malloy Mazda). He retired from there but he still helps us RX-7 guys out with parts. Easy to deal with, an FD guru, and he actually picks up his phone when you call. I have no affiliation or anything like that, just a happy repeat customer.


Atkins, on the other hand..They used to be a great resource. Sadly, not so much anymore.
https://www.rx7club.com/bad-fugly-bu...rices-1143367/

 

Ouch! Thanks for this, guess I should have been careful. The parts are already on my car and looked exactly the same, as I did a comparison from old to new next to each other. Either get parts from your local mazda dealer or Ray Crowe is always the best.

 

Ray Crowe for everything OEM imo. Not worth dealing with the others. 20 years of buying parts from him and never a problem. You know right away whether it's in stock or not and get Ray's excellent customer service, discounts and reliable shipping.

 

I delt with Atkins back in the day.... I've also heard many things about Ray. I've gotten prices from him but not on the inner tie rods. I wanted to see what other options are available. Especially cost wise vs quality.