Alfetta track rods (tie rods)

["Graham&Joan Hilder" <graham.joan@domain.elided>]

Hullo Alfisti,

Greetings everyone, and a query please, about the availability of new track
rods (tie rods) for my Alfetta (1977 or '78 Alfetta GTV 2000).   These are
the rods with a ball joint at the inner end where it connects to the
steering rack.   I can't obtain any from the main Alfa agent here in
Wellington.  I'll try some other specialist outlets around New Zealand, but
in case I have no luck, I wonder if any readers can tell me please if these
parts are available from outlets in Australia or the USA? (These are places
I can easily have stuff brought over from, by friends who travel).

I understand that there exist both Spica and ZF versions of the Alfetta
steering rack, and hence both Spica and ZF versions of these rods - I've
heard that possibly one make was always used for LH drive cars and the other
for RH drive, but then again, it may have only been a matter of what was in
the parts-bin for that day's assembly-line. Anyway, does anyone know if I
must visually identify the type of rack on my car, or simply specify LH or
RH drive?
Are both Spica and ZF rods available in Australia or USA, and can they be
ordered specifically by type?

I also understand that the rods may have either 12mm or 14mm diameter
threads on the balljoint end which screws into the rack. I know mine are
12mm, and that 14mm rods are no good for my car - but if I were to order
tierods from Oz or USA, does anyone know if both sizes are available, and
how they are specified in the ordering-description?

Many thanks,
Graham in N.Z.
Alfetta GTV, 1750 GTV, AlfaSud Sprint & TI.

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