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Cross tubes stretch across the width of the truck and make the connection between both tie rod ends. Cross tubes are internally threaded and allow for toe adjustments when the truck is being aligned. Cross tubes can be damaged by road debris or when tie rod ends are being replaced.
Cross tube assembly 463.DS9810. Includes ES5579L and ES5580R tie rod ends. Details
Cross tube assembly 463.DS9904 for International, Ford and Chevy/GM applications. Details
Cross Tube 464.208 for Spicer tie rod applications. 60. Details
Freithgliner Cross Tube 464.213. 63.625 inches long, 1-1/8 inch inner diameter and 1. Details
Cross tube assembly 463.DS9887 for Freightliner Cascadia. 63.625 inches end to end. Details
Eaton Cross Tube 464.002. 60.00 inches long, 1-1/4 inch inner diameter and 2.00 inch outer diameter. Details
Cross tube assembly 463.DS9889 for Mack CL-Series applications. Details
Cross Tube 464.1363S. 58.625 inches long, 1.00 inch inner diameter and 1.50 inch outer diameter. Details
Meritor Cross Tube 464.299. 62.00 inches long, 1-1/8 inch inner diameter and 1. Details
Chevrolet/GM Cross Tube Shaft 464.9563. 40.875 inches long x 1-3/8 inch inner diameter x 1. Details
Cross tube assembly DS1367A for Ford. 65.80 inch center to center, 1-1/8-12 inner diameter. Details
Dayton Steering Cross tube clamp 347-004. Details
Steering cross tubes are commonly referred to as tie rod tubes since they are the connection between the left and right-side tie rod end. Cross tubes are a crucial part of the steering system because they make the connection between the left and right wheels and allow for toe adjustments in the vehicle’s alignment.
Toe is a measurement of how far the front or rear of the tires are from each other when the vehicle is traveling straight. If the front of the tires is closer together than the rear, it is called “toe-in” (think of it as your vehicle being pigeon-toed) and if the rear of the tires is closer together than the front it is called “toe-out”. The toe setting can have a major impact on how the tires wear and it will affect the steering feel of the vehicle. An incorrect toe setting may not immediately present a problem, but it will drastically reduce tire life.
Tie rod ends are threaded with opposing threads so one end will have right-handed threads and one end will have left-handed threads. Cross tubes will share this opposed threading and after the tie rods ends are installed the tie rod cross tube can be turned to make fine adjustments to the distance between the tie rod ends. With the opposing thread design turning the bar in one direction will increase the total distance between the tie rod ends and turning the bar the other way will decrease this total distance. Once the correct setting has been made the clamps on the ends of the cross tube are tightened, locking the tie rods into place.
Cross tubes will need to be replaced in situations where the tube is bent or no longer able to be securely connected to the tie rod ends. If a tie rod tube becomes bent the toe will be changed and it may no longer be possible to correctly align the truck. If the truck has tight clearances, a bent bar may strike other steering or suspension components as the steering wheel is turned. Damage to the threads may prevent the tube and the tie rod ends form having a secure connection causing a dangerous situation.
A cross tube can be ordered using an OEM part number as a cross-reference. Since the cross tubes are a very simple part one cross tube may cover many applications and years. If an OEM part number is not readily available there are several important dimensions on a tie rod cross tube that should be identical to the part that you are replacing and by taking a few simple measurements, you can ensure that you are choosing the correct replacement and that the new part will be easily installed.
Length - Cross tube length is measured from end to end. The length of the tie rod tube is critical to the alignment of the vehicle and if the incorrect length is installed it may not be possible to correctly set the vehicle’s toe.
Internal diameter and thread - Cross tubes are internally threaded to accept the left and right-side tie rod ends. The thread is left-handed on one end and right-handed on the other to allow adjustments to the tie rod assembly length. The diameter must match that of the tie rod ends to the connection will be secure. The thread pitch will always be a fine thread, but the diameter of the tie rod ends, and the tie rod bar will change depending on the vehicle design.
External diameter - The external diameter of the cross tube is important for clearances between the bar and other suspension components. The outer diameter of the bar is decided by what clearance is available on the vehicle and how much strength is needed in the bar.
Cross tube replacement is common during front end service due to multiple types of damage or wear. If you are in need of a replacement cross tube and you are having trouble finding the parts that you need please reach out to us at TruckSpring.com or call us at 1-800-358-4751 and we will be glad to help you find the parts that you need.