Tie Rod ends

[jwgreen]

Ok I've been looking and looking but cant seem to find a replacement or rebuild for the tie rod ends. Anybody have any ideas??

[Esteban]

Regarding tie rods, you can adjust them. The big slotted cap at each tie rod can be rotated to correct minor play. If you do this, they will be good for the next 10 years at least!
The easiest way is to use an angle grinder fitted with a cutoff wheel and get rid of the indentations done in the housing, to prevent the slotted cap from rotating. After that you can rotate the cap, and even unassemble the tie rod for cleaning.

03 Grinding.JPG

Before trying to tighten the cap, or unscrewing it to clean everything, you must get rid of the indentations done at the factory, to prevent the cap from coming loose. With a metal cutting wheel this can be done easily. Don't remove more than is needed. This is a picture of a new tie rod end. The first thing to do will actually be to tighten the cap, to have a feeling of the play, and how you’ll need to tighten afterwards. Then proceed to the dismantling and cleaning of the parts. Some minor nicks can be removed from the ball.

02 Old and New 2.JPG

The following picture shows the internal s of the ball joint. Only missing is the actual cap. The beauty of the Patrol, is that it has hardened pieces. The actual ball and seat are hardened. No wonder they l ast for so long. On top of the ball goes the upper cup, then a heavy spring, and finally the threaded cap. Not shown in the picture is the rubber boot.

01 General view.JPG

04 Parts.JPG

I don't know if the tie rods are still available in Australia, but having there the wheel at the wrong side , the tie rods are different. The short one, however, can be used without any problem, and this is what I have done in my case. Years ago, the local dealership in Ecuador brought a set of this tie rods, and got stuck, because they were for other markets. I purchased them for nothing, and had already replaced them. I gutted one, and used the components for the longer tie rod.

Finally, this picture shows a LH drive tie rod, passenger side or short, and a RH drive ( bottom) . They are exactly the same, except for the position of the grease zerk, issue that can be solved with an angled one. The threaded portion is the same, so they are interchangeable in case needed ( sourcing them in Aussie for instance)

05 RH and LH.JPG

Good luck.

[moore_rb]

Now THAT is some good info Esteban...

I was very excited to learn that I can use my "spinning spark-maker" on my tie rods

[RiverPatrol]

I was very excited to learn that I can use my "spinning spark-maker" on my tie rods

[jwgreen]

Esteban,

Thanks for the info but mine are too far gone to salvage really. They are scored and pitted beyond repair. I pulled them apart already to clean up and reassemble but I don't trust the condition they are in. But I think I have found a replacement I'm just waiting for it to get to my house and me be there at some point to look at it. Hopefully I'll know something in about 2 weeks when I should be home.

[miller]

Esteban beat me to it but that is how I rebuilt the tie rod ends on the '72. Replacements are no longer available in Australia. The old part number has been reused for the GQ Patrol so unless you found NOS you'll end up with late model rod ends.

This was one of those moments when you go toe to toe with the sales guys when he is trying to tell you they didn't make Patrols before 1980!! Ummm yes they did buddy it's parked outside!

[jwgreen]

So riddle me this Patrolers,

If I got a complete tie rod setup for a later model Patrol (ie one that is still available) would it fit on my 69?? Its either that or have mine altered to accept a comparable tie rod ends. Any suggestions???

Replacements are no longer available in Australia. The old part number has been reused for the GQ Patrol so unless you found NOS you'll end up with late model rod ends.

[RiverPatrol]

I am pretty sure the next gen Patrols - the mq - had a different steering setup, since the front axles were also different. That would mean the tie rods were different also. We never had them here in the states so I base this information on heresy.

[Esteban]

So riddle me this Patrolers,

If I got a complete tie rod setup for a later model Patrol (ie one that is still available) would it fit on my 69?? Its either that or have mine altered to accept a comparable tie rod ends. Any suggestions???

the first question could probably be answered by Tim or Steve. They might have a used one that they can try for a fit in the corresponding hole. In any case, cutting and welding will be involved, and I don't see any problem there if the person welding can do a job like Robert (moore_rb).

The same will be true if you find any tie rods that might fit in the Patrol conical holes.

I used to have years ago a 1983 MQ Patrol. The setup for the steering was similar to the G60, but in addition had an idler arm in the middle, that was very prone to trouble with some bushings that wear in no time. With my brother we decided to alter the system and get rid of the idler arm. Cutting, welding, and the problem was solved for good.

This diagram shows the steering linkage from the MQ Patrol (160 series)

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[antiquecyles]

I am pretty sure the next gen Patrols - the mq - had a different steering setup, since the front axles were also different. That would mean the tie rods were different also. We never had them here in the states so I base this information on heresy.

"heresy"? Is that like a Mounz bar?
Ok, I will quit