Concern over new Tie rod / Track rod ends

[dltalfa]

I just finished replacing both outer tie rod / track rod ends and rack and pinion boots. I bought all teh parts from Black Dragon.

My concern is the quality of the tie rod ends. The ends do not have grease zerks nor a plug to put one in. Even more concerning,..the threaded part of the end does not have a hole for the cotter pin. They come with a Ny-lock nut instead of a castle nut with pin.

Has anyone had any experienmce with these parts?

[colinc]

Very interested to hear opinions on this as I have also purchased Black Dragon tie rod ends. Waiting for spring to install.

[5thhorsemann]

I've installed nylock nuts on ball joints and tie rod ends in the past, and was just as scared as you are now. Two words, RED LOCTITE. That will hold better than the cotter pin and you don't have to line up the hole (good thing). The lack of a zerk on the other hand I'm not crazy about, but newer cars don't have them at all, and with modern lubes they say there is no need as the grease doesn't dry up as it did with the old oil based greases.