The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Tons 'o Fun Tie rod and ends

my 3800 has a bent tie rod. will a 3/4 ton fit as a replacement? I can't seem to find one for a 1 ton.
Any suggestions.
Thanks, Mike

Hy mike49, welcome, it is always helpful for answering questions if the person asking the question tells us what year of truck he/she is asking about. Most tie rods are the same 3/4 ton and 1 ton, but if you give us the year we can confirm.

Hi, it's a 1949 chevy 3800. I've only had it 1 month and am trying to clean up some of the issues like steering slop, seat belts, adding an oil filter. My son and I were working on it today and discovered quite a kink in the tie rod. The ends seem good but the rod flexes while steering hence the needing to replace. I've checked the catalogs and can only find 1/2 & 3/4 ton parts.
I'm hoping the 3/4 T will be acceptable replacements.
Thanks again.
Mike

On my '54 2-ton, I took the tie rod to a machine shop that straightened it.

I walked in with it, he took it to his press and 10 minutes later I walked out with a nice straight part.

The 3/4 and 1 ton tie rods are completely different. The 3/4 ton tie rod is a solid rod with 3/4-16 threads. The 1-ton is a hollow tube with 13/16-18 threads on the inside and is the same on both the 1 & 1-1/2 tons.

These 2 different tie rods are used from 46-55 (early) according to the '59 parts book.

The complete tie rod w/ends from a 1-ton can be used to upgrade the smaller trucks to the newer style tie rod ends.

What do you mean by newer ends? Yes the rod does seem to meet the dia you mention vs 3/4" of the 3/4 T. I did not realize the 'rod' was really a tube. I will check that out in the AM. What do I need for replacement ends on the tube you mention? This is my 1st old truck and am new at all this.
Thanks so much.
Mike

Mike,

The smaller trucks used a solid tie rod with ends that fit over a ball on each steering arm. These ends are adjustable for fit on the ball.

The bigger trucks used a hollow tie rod and the ends screwed into the rod. The ends themselves have a tapered stud that bolts to a corresponding hole in the steering arm. These ends are not adjustable.

Thanks for the offer, Let me crawl under and check mine out first.
Thanks again, Mike

up date. The tie rod appears to be solid and threaded on the end, approx 3/4" dia. and 43-44" long. I'd send photos but can't figure out how.
Thanks, Mike

I swapped in a 1 ton tie rod and ends for my 53 3/4 ton as with the modern ends you get a bit more space between end and tire. I big issue if you are using radial tires.