steering linkage boots and new seatbelts

[curtis]

I have two questions for ya'll. I can't seem to find new boots for the steering linkages. All the parts stores say they're discontinued. Anyone have a line on two of them? Or know if boots from another car will work, maybe 323 or something. Same goes for front seatbelt receiver, the part bolted to the floor. I got a fixit ticket because my dog chewed mine up and the belt won't stay fastened. I'm heading to pick n pull in the next couple of days and would love to get those two things.
thanks
curtis

[GenevaDirt]

what year car? Also....the boots you are asking about....are they the ones on the steering rack? If so you can get them on evil bay.

[91mcnasty]

Almost any boots will work if you add a zip tie.

[yelo festiva]

napa

I got a pair at napa back in April. Part # 269-1614. They were $17.00 apiece, but you need to cover that rack or it will wear out.

[Zanzer]

If you're talking about the bellows on the rack, I always replace them with universal shock boots. They're only a few bucks each and you can get them in colors. I have electric blue on mine LOL

[crazyrog17]

I just bought some universal shock boots but the tie rod end side is a bit too big. How did you get it to fit nicely, Zanzer?

[curtis]

It's an 89. I tried napa and the guy could only find 1 in the entire system in texas. I live in california. I'll try again and also look for a universal boot. thanks

[Zanzer]

I just bought some universal shock boots but the tie rod end side is a bit too big. How did you get it to fit nicely, Zanzer?

I did mine when I was replacing outer tie rods ends so while I had them off I slid an old sway bar end link bushing from a Mustang over the rod. It was a perfect fit for the extra space in the boot. I then secured it with a zip tie.

Here's a pic of the bushings (except I used blue ones). New Energy Suspension ones are a little pricey at $13 but you may be able to get some stock replacements for way cheaper or just look around for anything rubber that will fit over the tie rod and take up the space. Maybe a piece of thick wall hose? I didn't have to get too creative because I had these laying around but I'm sure there's all kinds of other stuff you could use. Maybe hit the hose aisle at Lowes and see what they have.

[Safety Guy]

That's a neat idea, Zanzer! Colorful, too!

Also, FMS sells the exact part. They were either $10 or $12 each last I bought some. One more idea: since folks are saying the Aspire rack bolts right in, try buying Aspire manual steering rack boots. They should fit.

As for the seatbelt latch pair, you'll just need to find an '88 or '89 model, since '90 and later used the auto seatbelts and the buckle latches are completely different. You could always put a WTB ad in our for sale forum.

Karl