Tie Rod Question

[clodhopper]

Anyone have the measurements of the "ball" on the tie rods? A PO built mine up with welding, but did not grind it back to proper dimensions. They are "almost close enough" but not quite. If I tighten the bolts it locks the steering. Also, if it is a standard ball bearing size, i could just weld on on and fit it from there. Didnt know where else to look on the site, and didnt want to pay 65 a piece for new tubes.
Thanks!

[raystractors]

Do you have the shims in between before you tighten the bolts? There are several sizes that can be added.

[lazyuniondriver]

My micrometer reads just shy of 0.800" 0.780" actual size. These joints are not new but are in good condition. They may have started at 0.800"

[clodhopper]

My micrometer reads just shy of 0.800" 0.780" actual size. These joints are not new but are in good condition. They may have started at 0.800"

That gives me the info I need. Thanks Driver

[lazyuniondriver]

You betcha. Let us know how you make out.

[clodhopper]

I have found that a steel ball measuring 25/32 inch would be almost exactly what your measurement was. If I can find some that are not hardened for ball bearing use, i am going to make them work.

[Gary Dotson]

McMaster Carr has steel balls, maybe they have what you need.

[clodhopper]

McMaster Carr has steel balls, maybe they have what you need.

I have looked at Mcmaster Carr.
They have the 25/32 ball, but it is hardened chrome steel, non weldable.
The standard steel balls only come in 1/8 sizes above about 3/8.
Converting, the 25/32 is .7813
the 3/4 is .750....3 hundreths of an inch smaller.
the 7/8 is .875....I think that would be way too big... Any thoughts? Anyone have a new tie rod they would measure just as a comparison to Drivers measurement?
Thanks!!

[clodhopper]

Since I needed to place an order with Mcmaster anyway, i ordered some 3/4 steel balls. I will let you folks know how it turns out. Might end up being a good how-to.

[clodhopper]

I have the 3/4 steel balls, and have bolted them into the steering arm with a .030 shim. They appear to fit very good, with just a small amount of play, which should be fine once it is packed with grease. One question, I notice the tie rod ball is flat on top...is that to allow more grease to be "stored" in the joint or some other reason?

[lazyuniondriver]

Just speculation but I would assume the whole piece was fabricated from round stock then bent. The ball end would have had a small piece of round stock left from the lathe which was simply ground or cut off.

[lazyuniondriver]

Your new balls measuring 0.750 are not that far off from my used part measurement of 0.780 .

I didn't measure my shim but I think if you can successfully get the new balls stuck on, you will notice very little slack like I have when assembled, plus you've saved a whole pile of cash.

[tst]

The factory ball end was cast with the arm on it then welded into the tube
Tim

[lazyuniondriver]

The factory ball end was cast with the arm on it then welded into the tube
Tim

You are correct. I had never noticed the mold mark or numbers on the piece leading me to believe they were either turned or forged.

Wouldn't seem logical to pour the metal through the ball end but that would explain the flat spot.