Although
people have used either one on any car; Nissan shows they
are not interchangeable. Of course they don't mention how
you would ever figure out which rod was which. We are
just providing this information so you know what is
"supposed" to be used. The late style tie rod ends and
side rods have a slightly wider receiving groove for the
boot to "snap" into. Earlier boots came with a metal
retaining clip while the later boots used a simple rubber
o-ring.
The
"early" style rod and boot dates back to at least 1960;
possibly earlier. The "later" style was introduced with
the 1968 roadsters. Both types share the same diameter
receiving area for the grease boot. The shape of the
groove on the rod end for the boot to grab has a slightly
different shape on the newer rods.
Maybe
the redesign was to hold more grease? I'm sure the old
sedan these originally came on didn't see quite the
spirited driving the roadsters do. The ball joint boots
were redesigned at the same time; to share this bubble
type seal although in different sizes.
The
early rods seem to have the raised Nissan Logo closer to
the joint end of the rod. The later type's logo is
farther away on the part that curves downward.
I
have found things to be somewhat inconsistent with Nissan
parts so the above may not be a valid point. As to
whether the much more economical "old style" boot will
work as well and protect the joint as well on later rods
I cannot say. I will say I've seen a lot of them existing
peacefully in that task...
