Thread: Mini tie rod ends?

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My good friend jumped on a sweet deal at the local scrap yard: a '71 sears garden tractor for $60. No attachments, but it's in great shape. A new coil and carb adjustment and it runs great! But, the tie rod fell apart on one end and it's a discontinued part.

I haven't looked at it real close yet, but I suspect the ends can be replaced.

Anyone have a source for mini tie rod ends?

We have a big lawn parts supply house called AES Lawn Parts near by. The guys on the counter are like auto parts counter men back in the 60's and can often find what you need just by looking at the old part. If you have one near you that's where I'd try - https://lawnparts.com/
Failing that I'd find another old lawn tractor to salvage a tie rod from, along with the mating parts, and weld them into the good tractor. It's not like you're going to be driving down the road at speed. Extreme low safety concerns, I'd say.

Do they / Does it look like this? These are from a Cub Cadet.

On that model of tractor ( I have a '68 Sub 12 ), the best replacement is to use little Heim joints. You could use tie rod ends for an MTD/ Cub Cadet. The above ones are what I used on my John Deere due to the astronomical price JD wanted..

If your tractor is a "custom", they are a little different but much the same

model # 91725570. The tie rod is a straight bar- that is I think it is supposed to be straight, it's slightly bent in the center.

those tie rod ends you posted look like they might work, but I would need a piece of threaded rod.

I don't know the length but that's the critter for sure. Right now, I'm leaning towards cutting the ends off and adding rod ends.

Looks like 816R is the part number and is fully NLA. Some rod and a couple rod ends will put you back in business. That is what 99% of owners of them do when they break.

I'm leaning toward a turnbuckle with rod ends, 3/8" should do it. Cut the turnbuckle in half, cut the ends off the tie rod appropriately, and weld them on. Total cost about $12.