6wheeler 603 #1 Posted February 25 Hi all. I know there was something in here about making our own tie rods. But, I'll be darned if I can find it. . I would like to use Heim joints. I need to get or make 3 sets for now. If someone has made some? Give me some hints on what you did. Thanks Pat 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,508 #2 Posted February 25 Stock OE Wheelhorse rod ends are mostly 3/8. I use 7/16 greasable tie rods from McMaster Carr. Normally double male. Normally RH thread on both ends. A LH thread on one end would make adjustment easier but I don't have access to the LH taps or dies. We only adjust during assembly so it isn't a big deal. The reason for the 7/16 is two fold. 1. The holes on the steering system from the OE 3/8 rods are often egged out so drilling up to the 7/16 corrects that. 2. The larger rods are ALOT stronger than the smaller ones. My biggest personal hindrance is access to a lathe. I've had a few folks make me up some center sections using different sizes of round or even hex shaped stock. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pfrederi 17,739 #3 Posted February 25 I do not have metal working stuff so this is how I made some ..newer ones i use heim jonts Fine threaded rod from McMaster. 1/4" 6 inch pipe nipples. You have to run a 3/8 drill through them to clean them up but the ID of 1/4 pipe is just about 3/8 9 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,323 #4 Posted February 25 (edited) I do have access to a lathe, and have made 2 sets using replacement AYP RH female heim joints. Split sizes - 7/16-20 tor the female end, the stud is 3/8-24. One set was made from galvanized 1/2" round stock, the other from 5/8" steel hexstock. I prefer the later - visable at the bottom of the picture. You WILL to chase the plating out of the female ends..... Edited February 25 by ri702bill 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,323 #5 Posted February 25 (edited) Look at the ones Lowell sells in the Vendor's section. Ready to install, reasonably priced... Edited February 25 by ri702bill 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Handy Don 12,232 #6 Posted February 25 1 hour ago, ebinmaine said: My biggest personal hindrance is access to a lathe. I have a friend who has been trying to sell me one of his three lathes. When I asked why three lathes, his response was “Why not?” In response to his pitch, I tell him I prefer having a friend with a lathe to owning one myself! Next time I see him, I’ll get some more details! 3 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,508 #7 Posted February 25 7 minutes ago, Handy Don said: I have a friend who has been trying to sell me one of his three lathes. When I asked why three lathes, his response was “Why not?” In response to his pitch, I tell him I prefer having a friend with a lathe to owning one myself! Next time I see him, I’ll get some more details! Trina and I have considered one for here more than once. Obviously the pricing is a primary consideration. I'd like to have the capability of repair or maintenance on the Wheelhorses mainly. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,508 #8 Posted February 25 11 minutes ago, ri702bill said: Look at the ones Lowell sells in the Vendor's section. Readt to install, reasonably priced... Brian Badman may have some too. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,660 #9 Posted February 25 I use 1/2" heims joints.These rods were turn down from 5/8" to 1/2" then fine treaded. I use only right hand heims joints don't have a left hand die. I useally drill and tap the spindles to a 1/2 fine and bush the ones on the triangle down to 3/8". The last ones I made with 1/2" rod. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,660 #10 Posted February 25 Here are the ones with the 1/2" rod. I got 1/2" to 3/8" steel bushings from Lowes and cut them down, had to put the on a bolt in the drill press and file the 1/2" down to get them in the heims joints. Just used 3/8" bolts at all ends. had to run the die on them to get them to tighten on the heims joins. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,178 #11 Posted February 25 Mine from 7/16" threaded rod and greasable joints. Never had a problem. 6 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,629 #12 Posted February 25 @Ed Kennell been road testing HEIM JOINTS FOR YEARS , can relate , no failures yet , Pete 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,323 #13 Posted February 25 36 minutes ago, peter lena said: @Ed Kennell been road testing HEIM JOINTS FOR YEARS , can relate , no failures yet , Pete And, if you DO, no big deal to replace just the ends..... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,660 #14 Posted February 25 2 hours ago, ri702bill said: And, if you DO, no big deal to replace just the ends..... For a few dollars more, buy good quality lined jeims joints, the frist one I bought in 1989 are still tight. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peter lena 8,629 #15 Posted February 26 @Ed Kennell , also have them on my clutch linkage / PTO trunnion replacement , helps the smooth / solid action , of course . dozer blade , swing lever arm ends , keep it smooth , Pete 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 25,561 #16 Posted February 26 7 hours ago, ri702bill said: Look at the ones Lowell sells in the Vendor's section. Ready to install, reasonably priced... Have them on three 's... excellent quality. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
6wheeler 603 #17 Posted February 26 8 hours ago, ri702bill said: Look at the ones Lowell sells in the Vendor's section. Ready to install, reasonably priced... I looked in the vendors section. Um, Nobody under Lowell. Maybe I did it wrong. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,178 #18 Posted February 26 1 hour ago, 6wheeler said: I looked in the vendors section. Um, Nobody under Lowell. Maybe I did it wrong. You searched for tie rods - Wheel Horse Parts and More 1 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
