M38A1 CDN2 Steering question

[Warren Quin]

I have a 67 CDN2 and am having trouble locating either a correct outer center tie rod (the one that ties into the bell crank) or possibly I need a different bell crank or I have no idea...

I had to replace the center tie rod end and when I got the part it could not be used due to a bend in it. When attached it hit the inner tie rod. Thinking I got the wrong part, I ordered from another source. Same issue. To get the unit out of the garage, I put one in a press and flattened it. While this works I'm a little concerned about stress cracks, and the fact I probably shouldn't have to do this, so I wanted to fix it properly.

This weekend I took off the bell crank to see if I could swap in the spare one I had for my 3B thinking it looked like it would sit higher and would allow the tie rod end to clear. All the online information and the CDN2/3 service manual shows the same crank and repair kit parts for almost all the CJ/M series Jeeps. Well after getting it off I could see that wasn't actually true. While it has the same bearings and center bushing, everything else is different. I seem to have all the correct parts for the bell crank installation on the A1 as designed (it is still riveted), even though I can't find any information or pictures on what I have, they all work and have minimal wear but I can't use the stock tie rod end.

In the attached pictures you can see the original tie rod end that was on the unit beside the replacement (you can see the bend), tire rod end installed (flattened to clear the inner), the bell crank assembly with dust cap with flattened tie rod end installed, top view of the bell crank assembly, and the frame mount. As you can see the entire bell crank installation is factory but looks nothing like the manual or anything else i can find.

Does someone know what I am missing? Is there a longer bell crank? A kit to use a standard A1 bell crank and repair kit? Or was flattening the tie rod end a normal procedure with this setup?

Thanx for any help with this...

Warren