The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Tie Rod on 3800 ?

I have been referencing this great source of info for a year now and it sure has helped me along . Many thanks to All ! Bought this 1950 one ton Panel from a farmer in VA where it had been sitting for 12 years . I soon got the engine running and rewired it last winter . I am redoing the front end now and takling the king pins etc , I got the tie rod off the other day and noticed it has a distinct kink in it closer to the left side than the middle . Is this correct or has it been bent, probably whilst being towed at some stage ?! If so , can the rod be hammered straight again by somebody who knows what he is doing ? Thanks for advice . I will post pictures in the near future .

yes it's been bent & yes it can be straightened by someone that knows what they're doing.

Even upon closer inspection of the tie rod , I dont see any chain marks or gouges on it at the bend position . But thanks for letting me know and I will get it pounded straight by a machine shop .

I think the bends are caused by a hard ditch or field hit I have seen quite a few of them bent usually about a foot or so in from the end on one side or the other. Some of these trucks certainly served their time before we end up with them.

Got a machine shop to gently straighten the tie rod . We used a press and some carefully placed 1" pipe ( cut in half ) around the tie rod at the fulcrum point . After several presses , it was straight as it could be . I used the word "get it pounded" before and realize now that that would have ruined it , as it is hollow inside !

Onto the next job...........