tie rod lengths

Can anyone tell me the exact measurements of a right hand drive 1971 ghia's tie rods? I'm getting some HD tie rods made up as a part of changing a left hand drive beam to right hand drive and although I have a right hand drive '63 ghia (K&L) I think the tie rods on the '71 pan (ball joint) are different. I know the current (LHD) tie rods are different lengths to the RHD beam because the steering box (same) is 'sided' and mounted on the other side of the beam but I don't know whether the 71 Ghia suspension is exactly the same as the the equivalent beetle. Anyway, I'd be grateful if someone can help with some measurements of the tie rod lengths on each side (either including the lock nuts or not including the lock nuts).

Any help?

Thanks

the suspension for the 71KG should be the same as a ball joint beam front end

what happened to the origional LHD tie rods ???

Can you simply install a complete RHD beam assembly? Nice and easy and all factory...

vw54 wrote:the suspension for the 71KG should be the same as a ball joint beam front end

what happened to the origional LHD tie rods ???

The LHD tie rods are there but because the steering box is not mounted in the mirror image position for RHD (because the same steering box is used but it is lop-sided) the tie rod lengths are different.

VWCOOL wrote:Can you simply install a complete RHD beam assembly? Nice and easy and all factory...

Yes, I agree. I just haven't been able to get a response to my post looking for one. If anyone has a (cheap) spare in the Brisbane area please pm me. All I need is the beam itself and the tie rods. I don't need the steering box, trailing arms or stub axles, brakes etc

Thanks for your responses.

you need the pitment arm the one that comes off the steering box ) if is off set compaired to a RHD version the tie rods are the same length

u also need the stop plate from a RHD car and weld it on to the beam

I converted a link pin one to LHD and cut 3 inches out as well-got the correct pitman arm on and set the steering box in the centre position,set both wheels as close to straight ahead as I could,fitted the tie rod ends and allowed 13mm of free thread each end and made them to suit(and obviously cut the RH threaded end and just rethreaded it)Also need to cut the bracket for the steering damper and refit it.You will need a reference point as to where the steering box locates on the beam to weld on some locating lugs.