Ford Industrial Steering Arm Ball joint

[VTPSD]

Hi, I have a 75 Ford 420 industrial with very sloppy steering. The Tie rod ends are both worn, but I have found replacement parts for these for a reasonable price.

The joint that is the most worn is #2 is this diagram. It is probably ready to pop apart its so worn. To replace you have to replace the whole connecting link which is near $500!!

I was thinking I could just cut the joint off the end and thread the rod for a universal tie rod end or weld a universal tie rod end into this link. I dont know if the link is hollow or solid.

Has anyone else come up with a solution for this problem? I think I read a thread on here that referenced it, but I cannot find it.

Thanks in advance
-Dana

 

[DLTTrekkers]

Cut and weld works for me and my customers . They are very happy with the savings !

 

[VTPSD]

Cut and weld works for me and my customers . They are very happy with the savings !

Is that link hollow inside? Seems like it would be nice to get one with male threads that could insert snugly inside the link and maybe I could do a couple plug welds and seam weld the outside.

What kind of ball joint are you using to weld to the shaft?

 

[DLTTrekkers]

Iam talking in general . You will have to match the tapper and then it will be a cut to get the right lenth and then welding MIG welding

 

[VTPSD]

I have a really nice 220 miller mig, I'll just measure up the taper and order one up! Thanks! $500 for a tie rod end is something I couldn't swallow.