Kubota Tie Rod Ends (L4200)

[Jay4200]

At least one of the joints on the outer tie rod end of my L4200 is toasted and wobbles, and the boots on both inners are torn, so I might as well replace all of them.

Questions:
1) Can I just replace tie rod ends or end ball joints, or does the whole tie rod assembly have to go?
2) If just ball joints or ends, are there any common automotive (non-Kuota) parts that cross-reference?

Thanks - Jay

 

[firemen122]

Jay the folks I got my 4200 from had just replaced all tie rods. They said you have to by the whole link on each side. Fairly expensive they said. I would take off and see if parts store has a replacement with right size shank if so just cut and weld replacable ends on .....

 

[Jay4200]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( Jay the folks I got my 4200 from had just replaced all tie rods. They said you have to by the whole link on each side. Fairly expensive they said. I would take off and see if parts store has a replacement with right size shank if so just cut and weld replacable ends on ..... )</font>

Apparently I didn't take a close look at the tie rods before I posted. I called the dealer, and got prices for the entire left assy, and the right with one end. I thought the guy was nuts. I then went outside and actually looked at the tie rods. As it turns out, the left is one piece with the ball joints cast right into the rod. The right only has one cast end and one removable end. Each rod is are ~$130, and the removable end is ~$50, so it's a little over $300 to replace the whole mess. I'll probably just bite the bullet and get the OEM stuff - it's not enough savings to deal with the PITA of fabricating custom ones. Of course, I'll probably wish I did when I toast the rod end /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif.

Jay