I've gone to replace the outer tie-rod ends on my '65 KL front end and I have come unstuck trying to put the new joint in. It seems the taper above the thread on the new joint is a lot shallower than that of the original..... making it imposible to get enough thread through the steering arm to get the nut on.

My local auto parts store has the same part number from all suppliers (TE132R/TE132L), its the same number for type 1 and 3 so theres no mix up there....... am I not pressing it in hard ( I've clamped it, 4 pound sledge hammered it) enough or have I been suplied with the wrong part number?

Any wisdom/advice will be much appreciated

You've got the wrong part, try Mick Motors or similar VW parts suppliers, the tierod end is the same for type 1 & type 3 and even kombi for that matter, but they did change the taper and thread size for the later ones.

You probably got a ball-joint model tie rod end, the tapers are different.
You dont really have to force them in at all when you have a K+L one.

Thanks guys

Yeah I was thinking something like that too thats why I went back to the shop to check.... they went through all their books and swear its the right part??? I will take the old one in tomorrow and get them to call their supplier and have them measure the two.... you must be right cause everything else is the right size, apart from the taper.

So what happened to the old one?
Apparently BJ ones are stronger so did you snap the K+L one or is it just worn?

the old one is completely worn out making a racket whenever i go over rough stuff (so all the time...) the boot is completely perished. I didn't think it would be such a hassel to get new ones.

non-genuine parts suppliers never know everything manx... so stick it up them if they tell you your wrong.... have had this happen many times to me as i work in genuine parts...

Air fooled you are totally right:beer I went back and had it out with them and they swore it was the right part and were trying to tell me that the old one I had was an inner? think I would know being as I had just removed it. Anywho I got a refund then went and paid my mechanic (whos closing up shop at the end of the month :cry ) a visit to see if he had any and he knew straight away what was wrong with the one from the auto parts store- seems that they all are like that due to lousy machining (it was 1.3mm to fat) well Karl had a NOS tierod end on the shelf..... cost me twice as much but it sliped straight in like you guys said it should:thumb