I just did some font end work on my M37. New upper and lower knuckle bearings.

After installing the original tie rods back into the knuckle, the slotted nut ends up being down almost below the slots on the nut, so the cotter pin is basically useless. I can not remember how things were when I took it apart 3 months ago...

What are my options? Guessing that drilling a new hole slightly lower may be the best option but figured I would ask those who have more knowledge and wisdom.

Put a washer under the nut?
Find a taller castle nut?

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Both suggestions are appealing, and far simpler.

Is a washer under the nut acceptable? Does it need to be hardened, or will a plain washer work?

I am under the impression that a washer would/could cause things to loosen up. Maybe that is absurd, but I don't want to experience such a problem.

My thoughts are that a hardened washer shouldn't be necessary. In fact, once the taper of the tie rod end is seated into the bore it should stay there and not move. Even if the nut went missing a good taper fit is strong enough to hold. The nut serves as a safety and the cotter pin as a backup safety.

However, using a hardened washer wouldn't hurt. I'd look for one that was a snug fit around the shaft so it carries the full load.

_________________
--> Check out my FI Turbo build <--
--> And the race truck build project <--
--> The Diesel Corvette <--

Ok, Thank you. That is a lot easer than I was going to make this into.