Tie rods

[Digger 66 3,488]

Let me say that I snooped around but didn't find quite what I was looking for .

I warned you guys that the questions would come ....so here's the first one : My ball & socket tie rod ends are shot ,

now keep in mind my intent  to have a solid working tractor with an impending resto on the horizon.

 

Option 1 . I thought about breaking out the welder & putting a booger on the outer rim of the female part , but that would be short lived .

Option 2   Are these (re)produced by anyone or is there a " universal " type available ?

Option 3    A very cool & custom thing I may do down the road is : tap a S/S rod & add Heim joints ( with the correct S/S shoulder-bolts.)

  Or would these work ?? http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-New-Toro-Wheel-Horse-Tie-Rods-Ball-Joints-/320574148240?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa3b54e90

Enough babbling & speculation ,

Give me some feedback -- The centers are 9" & the studs on the balls are 3/8 " X 18 TPI ( I think )

 

Thanks fellas

 

- Gene

 

Edited July 10, 2013 by Digger 66

[KC9KAS 4,744]

The Ebay ones look like they would work, or you could make your own using parts from McMaster-Carr......You will have to compare to see which route would be more cost effective for you.

Keep us posted as to which way you repair these.

 

Many here (and other GT forums) have used McM-Carr parts to rebuild/repair their tie rods.

[953 nut 59,746]

You can buy replacement ends at Agri Supply that are 1/2-20 thread  and cut off the bad end on your tierod, run a thread on it and drill out the stearing arm to 1/2". The part number is 35863 and they cost $8.99 plus shipping. If you only need one end per tierod this would be a little less, but if you need both ends on both rods the eBay tie rods sound like a winner.

 

Keep those questions coming!

 

 

Edited July 11, 2013 by 953 nut

[daveoman1966 3,839]

For $45, ebay is definitely an option. Before you pull that trigger though, go to your local TSC... may have them on the shelf for inspection.

[953 nut 59,746]

The Ebay ones look like they would work, or you could make your own using parts from McMaster-Carr......You will have to compare to see which route would be more cost effective for you.

Keep us posted as to which way you repair these.

 

Many here (and other GT forums) have used McM-Carr parts to rebuild/repair their tie rods.

 

  Went to the McMaster-Carr site and they have the same rod ends for about $3.00 less, hadn't been on that site in years. You can learn a lot and save a buck or two on the "Square"

 

 KC9KAS !

 

 

[BOWTIE 226]

This might help. if have both pieces . I have taken a 3/8" lock washer and spread it apart and ground about a 1/8" off one of ends. Then flatten it then squeeze it around the ball end.  Put the ball end back in the socket and mig weld the washer on the sides. Grind it down some and you still put the rubber boot on it. It will last for years. I can post a picture if needed.

 

BOWTIE  

[Digger 66 3,488]

This might help. if have both pieces . I have taken a 3/8" lock washer and spread it apart and ground about a 1/8" off one of ends. Then flatten it then squeeze it around the ball end.  Put the ball end back in the socket and mig weld the washer on the sides. Grind it down some and you still put the rubber boot on it. It will last for years. I can post a picture if needed.

 

BOWTIE  

 

Now that's a cool idea ... Got any pics ? ( I get what you're saying , though .)

[userj8670 68]

Gene - have a mc master car parts book (about a foot thick lol) if you want to take a look at it

[KC9KAS 4,744]

 

The Ebay ones look like they would work, or you could make your own using parts from McMaster-Carr......You will have to compare to see which route would be more cost effective for you.

Keep us posted as to which way you repair these.

 

Many here (and other GT forums) have used McM-Carr parts to rebuild/repair their tie rods.

 

  Went to the McMaster-Carr site and they have the same rod ends for about $3.00 less, hadn't been on that site in years. You can learn a lot and save a buck or two on the "Square"

 

 KC9KAS !

You are quite welcome....."We're in this together" *

 

*Red Green

 

 

 

 

[Digger 66 3,488]

Heres a little play-by-play after doing what BOWTIE suggested 

I'm certainly no welder but the repair will more than suffice 'till I can get the new ones

THANKS AGAIN Bowtie .. I owe you one !  

 

 

Even managed to get the boot back on 

[can whlvr 994]

just to throw this out there new ones from toro are still available,ive  made about 4 sets from ends and threading rod,but new ones arnt crazy priced if you need 4 ends and rod,

[userj8670 68]

what do they run for price?

[Digger 66 3,488]

what do they run for price?

 

 

There's a link to some replacements in my first post .

Going to stop at TSC Saturday & see if they have them on the shelf , if not I'll order them Sunday .

 new ones from toro are still available

 

 

Don't suppose you have a link to those ? 

[userj8670 68]

i guess either go on the toro website or just call your local toro dealer?

[Digger 66 3,488]

UPDATE : 

 

Well the washers I welded on worked , however after I installed the rods , the front wheels were " pigeon-toed" . I must not have had the balls centered in the sockets correctly . No big deal ,

So next was a trip to TSC for some parts :

4 -  3/8  X 2 1/4 " X 24 grade 8 bolts 

4 -  3/8  X 24 grade 8 nuts 

4  Ball-joints 

1 piece of 5/8:" round stock ( I had laying around ).

 

Here"s some pics :  Now I'm happy !

 

Edited July 13, 2013 by Digger 66

[Digger 66 3,488]

Just went for a mow , she tracked true & steering is much more precise .

Going for a ride on the wheelers tomorrow & will post up some more pics of those tractors in the junk heap.