I need to replace my outer tie rod ends, they're shot. The car is an '87, with a 8/'86 build date. I've bought four so far, two different part numbers, and they're both wrong. The thread is too small on the end to thread onto the rod. The part numbers I've used are JLM1098 and JLM9660. Is there a third one I should try?
Welsh lists JLM9726 for pre-HE cars. But everyone else lists this as an E-type part. It seems it might be the right one dimensionally, but before I order it blindly I'd like other people's opinions. Welsh cites the pre-HE tie rods as being about 9/16" and the HE ones being 1/2", and mine are 9/16".

 

I needed to replace my steering rack x2 in the early earliest days of my journey and what I remember, a problem that I ran into, was a need to get clear on the inner rod end connection type. There was a difference year to year on the rod end (from memory) because there was a split around the late 80s into the 90s where the inner rod went from a male to female connection end at the rack. IDing style connection at the rack end of the inner rod (under the boot cover) might give a better idea of which type of inner rod, therefore the outer tie end, you'll need.

 

Jaguar's EPC for 82-87 XJS HE shows the JLM9726 as correct for your car. Give it a try.

The JLM1098 is replaced by the 9660 so they should be functionally the same. If the 1098 doesn't the fit your car, the 9660 won't either.....as you've found out!

Cheers
DD