Z3/E36 tie rods?

[Sagaris]

I am getting a Z3 rack cleaned up for installation.

I would like to replace the inner+outer tie rods while it's out but my understanding from searching the forums and checking realoem is that the Z3 rack does not use a locking plate to secure the inner tie rods. What is done to prevent the nut from backing off on the Z3 rack if it doesn't have a locking plate?

Also, people with Z3 racks seem to be saying "I need to get some e36 tie rods" Aren't they identical to the Z3 rods minus the locking plate?

What inner/outer tie-rod configuration works on your car?
Z3 inner with Z3 outer?
E36 inner with E36 outer?
or
Z3 inner with E36 outer?

There is just so much unverified information on the rack swap threads

[tttoon]

Z3 and e36 tie rods are identical (apart from the locking plate). I have a z3 rack with z3 inners and e36 lemförder outers. The inners are held by the outers and the clamp over the outers. This should make it impossible for the inners to rotate.

[Sagaris]

ahh! It all makes sense now :D

Thank you for your response!

[SwiftE30]

I used e36 m3 steering rack with OEM lemforder replacement e30 tie rods. works great!

[Danny]

I used e30 rods with my z3 rack (plus blue locktite for peace of mind.)