My Tractor Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

suburban tie rod ends/ball joints fix, and help needed

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 26 Posts

BillTheTractorMan

· Tractor addict
Joined
·
2,854 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
So one of the no longer made ball joints is past the "it's toast" stage. It's together right now, only because of duct tape....


Now I'm going to be getting a little bit of money in tomorrow if a LT frame of mine sells. This would get me enough to buy a pile of used ones in unknown condition, or consider fixing one side right now.


I found this, the guy wants $80+ for them. I can't afford that or even get half way to that. He told he that he used the 3/8 male/female ball joints, I can get those, for $13 a piece.... Now for the rod, I don't know what size I would need or how to create left and right hand threads for each side. Please don't laugh, I'm sick with something nasty and 16 hours of sleep a day is not leaving me much thought energy.:thSick:


What should my shopping list include to produce at least enough to do one tie rod/side?


I have really limited tools, and currently no access to tap&die sets. I was assuming I could buy the die that I need separate from a pack for cheaper but I'm not sure of this. Is my assuming correct? Or did I fall for the "@$$ out of you and me" again?


My next option is if any one has any of the 3/8 male by 1/2 female, I would be willing to buy one or two if they are in good shape and not really worn out.

Unfortunately my budget is stuck at $35 right now until another thing sells but no one seems interested in mower decks right now.:banghead3



:thanku::thanku:
 

Attachments

#2 ·
The cheapest easiest way would be to use two 3/8 right hand ball joints and a piece of 3/8 all thread. (threaded rod) . Only tools you need are a couple wrenches and a hack saw.

It might not be pretty but will work fine.
 
#3 ·
I have a ST/10 I'm parting out. I wonder if they will work.
Floyd
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#4 ·
i bought a pack of mtd ball joints for like $15 and a raw rod and cut it to length and cut my own threads. the problem with mtd ball joints is that they are 7/16 national fine thread. you might get lucky and find it in all thread around your house but not mine. the rod size you need i think is 13/32 or 27/64. i could be wrong. someone confirm or correct me please.:drunkie:
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#5 ·
Get some 3/8" ball joints, 4 ea. 3/8" fine thread bolts about 3" long. Cut heads off, find some tube they fit into, weld to length needed. I bought the MTD ball joints, also. Don't know where I'll be able to use them. Need to see if I can find 7/16 fine thread bolts. Most all thread is coarse thread.
Slow_Crawler, if they are close in length, don't see why not.
Good luck.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#7 ·
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#8 ·
I agree on the cheapest way idea. The only thing is a tie rod is supposed to be adjustable so when you loosen the jam nuts it will adjust in or out when you turn it in either direction. The cheapest way method is the easiest to do. Once you achieve the proper alignment you really don't have to adjust the alignment unless you bend something. I have made some tie rods in the past out of threaded rod and all right hand thread rod ends. They have been working ever since. You might want to put a coat of paint on the threaded rods to keep them from rusting. Your budget sounds like you might consider the cheapest way, or keep saving until you can afford the other way.

If I remember, you can buy both left-hand and right-hand Irwin/Hanson Brand threading dies at a stocking hardware store.

http://www.irwin.com/tools/taps-dies-sets/re-threading-hexagon-fractional-dies-right-left-hand-hcs

They should be able to order the left-hand thread dies if not in stock. You will have to price shop the dies for the best deal. I have a local hardware store that sells them for a few dollars each. They also sell the rod ends and the 3/8" smooth metal rod in various different grades of steel. Who knows, maybe one day I will buy a stick of 3/8" stainless smooth metal rod and make a set for myself just for the fun of it. Sears sells dies but I think all of them are for right hand threads.

Small Fry said:
The cheapest easiest way would be to use two 3/8 right hand ball joints and a piece of 3/8 all thread. (threaded rod) . Only tools you need are a couple wrenches and a hack saw.

It might not be pretty but will work fine.
Click to expand...
 
#10 ·
Hey Bill, I took a look at the $80 set of remakes. How much do you think you can make a set for yourself? Heck, I might buy a set of the remakes if they are made the right way. It's probably a lot easier to buy the remakes rather than making a full set from scratch. Those remakes look pretty good in the picture.
 
#11 ·
Ok at the risk of making you and others here upset I will try to give you a plain simple, inexpensive, easy to find and proper fix Bill.

After looking at the SS12 and 10 parts list it looks like the rod ends you need are 3/8"-24 which is a really common size and can be found just about anywhere.

So as a couple of folks have said McMaster Carr or you can try Midwest Control which is where some of the Gravely guys are getting them.

If you're tie rods and all the hardware is fine all you need to change is the tie rod ends so it shouldn't be too expensive to get fixed.

Depending on how many you want to change it wont be much more than $11.16 + shipping for 4 ends from Midwest.

No searching through the junkyard or buying/trading for used one which may be close to failing themselves and the $80 set is just plain dumb in my judgement.

But do what you like I just think it would be smarter to use new and easy to find parts than play games.

Hope it helps Ron
 

Attachments

#12 ·
Bill I thought I might have a fix. The ones on my ST/10 are 1/2" shorter than the ones on my 16/6 and the ST/12. Sorry they wont work.
Floyd
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#13 · (Edited)
Slow Crawler said:
Bill I thought I might have a fix. The ones on my ST/10 are 1/2" shorter than the ones on my 16/6 and the ST/12. Sorry they wont work.
Floyd
Click to expand...
The SS16 takes the same size joint as the SS12 and ST12, but are you referring to the tie rods being 1/2" shorter ?

It should have the same size rods which would work fine since I think all here need is the ends ?

From all the manuals I have the joints are 1/2"-20 for the tie rods and the stud is 3/8"-24, but even if they are the 1/2" size it would still be cheaper to get new ones or use Heim joints with standoffs.

Ron
 
#14 ·
Yes. The rod ends on the ST/10 are 1/2" shorter than the rod ends of the 16/6 twin, ST/12 that I have.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#15 ·
You made some pretty good suggestions. How difficult is it to get the threaded tie rods cut to the length you need?


ranchkingron said:
Ok at the risk of making you and others here upset I will try to give you a plain simple, inexpensive, easy to find and proper fix Bill.

After looking at the SS12 and 10 parts list it looks like the rod ends you need are 3/8"-24 which is a really common size and can be found just about anywhere.

So as a couple of folks have said McMaster Carr or you can try Midwest Control which is where some of the Gravely guys are getting them.

If you're tie rods and all the hardware is fine all you need to change is the tie rod ends so it shouldn't be too expensive to get fixed.

Depending on how many you want to change it wont be much more than $11.16 + shipping for 4 ends from Midwest.

No searching through the junkyard or buying/trading for used one which may be close to failing themselves and the $80 set is just plain dumb in my judgement.

But do what you like I just think it would be smarter to use new and easy to find parts than play games.

Hope it helps Ron
Click to expand...
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
Thanks for all of the responses, unfortunately the guy did not show up or call. Still hoping he might tomorrow.


Taking into consideration with what's been said, I'm looking into possibly doing it this way.

Using 4 of these
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=51

And finding two tie rods that are 8 inches in length that have the 3/8inch #24 thread. So fat this is what I have found but I I think a little more searching may yield OK results. If not I might have to try getting them cut and re threaded on one side.

Here's what I have found and there options are either too long or too short. One difficulty I see is the shape or the tie rod, I don't think I will be able to thread it when it's that shape. Meaning it would need to be put on a lathe which I don't have.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-ends/=bb0y4b


:thanku:Thanks every one for the comments and suggestions.:thanku:
 
#17 ·
Hey Bill, Don't you want to purchase two right hand and two left hand rod ends? I haven't taken the time to do the math on the tie rods but you might consider taking the time to figure them. Here's a sample place to begin doing the math on the correct length of the tie rods.

http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=1212

Keep in mind you haven't figured your drag link into the cost.

BillTheTractorMan said:
Thanks for all of the responses, unfortunately the guy did not show up or call. Still hoping he might tomorrow.


Taking into consideration with what's been said, I'm looking into possibly doing it this way.

Using 4 of these
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=51

And finding two tie rods that are 8 inches in length that have the 3/8inch #24 thread. So fat this is what I have found but I I think a little more searching may yield OK results. If not I might have to try getting them cut and re threaded on one side.

Here's what I have found and there options are either too long or too short. One difficulty I see is the shape or the tie rod, I don't think I will be able to thread it when it's that shape. Meaning it would need to be put on a lathe which I don't have.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#rod-ends/=bb0y4b


:thanku:Thanks every one for the comments and suggestions.:thanku:
Click to expand...
 
#18 ·
Mcmaster sells 3/8-24 threaded rod.
Put this part # in.
98791A031

24" long 3/8-24 steel fully threaded (right hand thread) rod for $1.91

Your not going to get much cheaper than that!

BTW,
Do the ends come off the original to be able to replace just the ends?

I never looked that close.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#19 ·
You're still in school if I remember correctly. Buy your tierod ends, then find someone who takes metal shop to thread you up some rods to length with the right and left hand threads.
 
#20 ·
Ok to clear this up and so a old guy like me understands this please tell me why you folks keep saying change the tie rods ?

From what I can tell it's just the rod ends that are bad, so why not change out just the bad parts ?

If you had a car/truck would you change the whole front suspension just because it has a bad tie rod end ?

I doubt you would !

The diagram clearly shows they are replaceable, and at the prices they are I don't see why it's even an issue !

Advantages of new :

They are going to last another 40 years.

It will tighten up the steering.

Easy to find replacements

About the same price as junkyard replacement parts.

Quick to find.


Disadvantage of used parts :

You don't know how good they are.

Trying to find them at a junkyard will be hit or miss.

They will cost about the same as new after you chase them down and take them off (most yards are remove yourself)then clean them up you still have junk parts.

Even with a good used set the they are still in unknown condition.

Recommendation :

If it's just the rod ends that are bad just change the ends, you don't need nor require an $80 set of tie rods or a used set for a 40 year old tractor.

Nuff said !

Ron
 

Attachments

1 - 20 of 26 Posts
About this Discussion
25 Replies
12 Participants
Last post:
BillTheTractorMan
My Tractor Forum
posts
4.4M
members
246K
Since
2005
A family friendly forum community dedicated to all Tractor owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about specifications, modifications, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
John Deere Forum Craftsman/Sears Forum Backyard Round Table: L & G Tractor Related Topics Introductions Walk Behind Mowers