{"product_id":"dorman-542-890-steering-tie-rod-end-front-outer","title":"Dorman 542-890 Steering Tie Rod End - Front Outer","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDorman 542-890 Steering Tie Rod End\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDorman 542-890 is a direct replacement steering tie rod end for specific Ford and Mercury applications. It is built for smooth, safe steering response and is a fitment-based solution for front outer steering service on classic compact and midsize platforms.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDirect replacement tie rod end for OE-style steering service\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits front outer position on select 1978-1981 Ford and Mercury vehicles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePowder-coated black steel housing for durable corrosion resistance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFemale-to-male end configuration\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncludes grease fitting, castle nut, cotter pin, and zerk fitting\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePart number 542-890 for easy cross-reference\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eDetailed Description\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis Dorman steering tie rod end is engineered for specific Ford Fairmont, Mustang, Thunderbird, Mercury Capri, Cougar, and Zephyr applications. It replaces the original equipment tie rod end on the front outer steering position and is evaluated to help maintain smooth steering operation and consistent road feel. The steel housing and powder-coated finish support long-term service in demanding undercar environments. If you are searching for a front outer tie rod end for a 1978-1981 Ford Fairmont or a 1979-1981 Ford Mustang, Dorman 542-890 is a direct-fit service part for those applications. This part cross-references MOOG Chassis Products ES2128RL for the same application.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat It Helps Address\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLoose or imprecise steering response\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFront-end play caused by worn tie rod end joints\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUneven tire wear related to steering linkage wear\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eClunking or wandering from a deteriorated outer tie rod end\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRestoration of OE-style steering linkage geometry on listed vehicles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eInstallation Notes and Tips\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits 1978-1981 Ford Fairmont, front outer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits 1979-1981 Ford Mustang, front outer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits 1980-1981 Ford Thunderbird, front outer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits 1979-1981 Mercury Capri, front outer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits 1980-1981 Mercury Cougar, front outer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFits 1978-1981 Mercury Zephyr, front outer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlways verify steering linkage orientation and alignment after installation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInspect related components such as inner tie rods, idler arm, and ball joints during service.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eQuality Assurance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDorman states that this tie rod end has undergone an industry-leading evaluation process to help ensure smooth, safe operation. The part is built as a direct replacement for the listed applications and is backed by Dorman’s product engineering standards.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Dorman","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52768390774965,"sku":"BKKY-542-890","price":39.07,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0628\/1442\/1173\/files\/RB_542890_Sid.jpg?v=1783317239","url":"https:\/\/www.partcatalog.com\/products\/dorman-542-890-steering-tie-rod-end-front-outer","provider":"PartCatalog","version":"1.0","type":"link"}