The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts 38 Tie Rod Question

Hi all, working on my 38 1-1/2 ton and was looking at my tie rod. It seems bent. Is it supposed to be bent or should it be straight ? Thank Smoke[img]http://[/img]

I am not familiar with that year but, I believe it should be straight.

Tow ‘friends’ are known to be careless about hooking up for a tow, thus lots of bent tie rods, always bent forward indicating tow situation. Take it out find a friend to help hold it, use a press to straighten carefully.

Ed

Thanks Ed, I’ll give that a shot.

Smokeman They all should be good and straight,once freed-up should turn easily with a pipe wrench to set toe-in.

Thanks fixite7 been checking all the vendors for a new replacement. Plentiful for the 1/2 up to 1 tons. Not having much luck for my 1-1/2. Mine is 44-1/4 long,1” diameter . Worst case I can straighten it but for safety, I would rather put on a new one.

doubtful you will find a new one, (unless you happen upon a NOS one on the auction site). I would straighten it and run it while looking for another one.

Smokeman, I found a couple salvage yards in Minnesota that have our trucks in their inventory. They both would probably have parts available.
http://www.windyhillautoparts.com/contact.html (800) 398-0566

https://www.frenchlakeautoparts.com/ 320-274-8497

RPM Motor Sports at 1316 Eberhardt St, Albert Lea, MN 56007 advertises on eBay quite a bit for early truck parts. They also might have something for a '38.

Thank you sir, I will give them a call

Thanks Wayne I will check them out

Shade tree straightening method...

Take the tie rod off, find your closest hardwood telephone pole (don't use a live tree, they don't work as well), grab the long straight end like a baseball bat wrapped in a rag , swing hard and hit the pole right on the high spot of the bend. The tie rod will work itself back to it's original shape due to metal memory. It may take a few swings and you need to adjust how hard you hit as you get it closer to perfect. It's worked for me many times.

Mike B