MK1 rear track rod ends - why can't I find new ones?

[PeteP]

I'm not too desperate because the existing ones are in ok condition, but as I'm rebuilding the suspension and making new track rods it makes sense to replace the outer end ball joint at this stage.

The only problem is that I can't find them from the usual sources (I've never bought from Toyota yet). No problem finding front ones, which are female fitting, but the rear ones are male fitting and I just can't find them.

The existing ones might not even be salvageable because the threads at both ends of the track rod are seized (no surprises there).

Next option is to use non-standard ones for another car. In which case: which ones? They are M12 male thread - right hand, I think.

[elbon50]

Twos R Us do complete replacement rear track rods (they call em tie rods I think) Pete

They're very nicely made, rosejoints on the inner ends & nice trackrodends on the outers

Peter Gidden at Sbits is a UK agent for Two R Us

He'll be able to advise you

[Red Wedge]

Just been on what I think is their website (http://www.sbits.net/catalog/index.php) and they don't have any AW11 parts listed.

I'm also looking for new track rods as well as other suspension bits.

[elbon50]

Just been on what I think is their website (http://www.sbits.net/catalog/index.php) and they don't have any AW11 parts listed.

I'm also looking for new track rods as well as other suspension bits.

Suggest you PM Peter Gidden for advice re trackrods

He stocks polybushes etc for the AW11 & arranged an import of the complete rear track rods for a group buy

What suspension bits are you after ?

[Red Wedge]

I sent him a message about bits, will have to wait till tomorrow now to hear back.

I'm after new front and back track rods, drop links and bushes.

I also need new shocks but I think I can get them for a decent price on eBay.

[jimi]

This is the Twos R Us website http://twosrus.com/catalog/
they will ship direct to the UK

Mr T doesn't call them track rod ends, he describes these as
"End Sub-Assembly, Tie Rod (For Rear Suspension Arm)"
Part number is 45046-19185

[Red Wedge]

Cheers Jim, I'll wait to see what Peter has to say first but good to know they'll ship direct (even if it may cost a bit more.)

[PeteP]

I've got rose joints and turnbuckle rods for a fraction of the cost of those gorgeous track rod assemblies, but I cannot find the rear outer joints - what we call track rod ends.

As an immediate solution I will have to cut out the existing ones and fit them. They're in serviceable condition so no real problem in the short term.

"Jolly" is getting a winter overhaul and will get some new bits & pieces at that point, but my immediate deadline is the Silverstone Classic because we're parking on the MK1 Owners Club stand. The mechanical jobs are all about making sure I get there and enjoy the 400 mile drive (each way), but I need to move on to some skin treatments to make her a bit prettier.

[elbon50]

I cannot find the rear outer joints - what we call track rod ends

Try a PM to Peter Gidden at Sbits

[jimi]

If you look closely at the Twos R Us tie rods they use a different ball joint to Mr T, they use a female end (same as a track rod end) not a male one

[kaiowas]

If you look closely at the Twos R Us tie rods they use a different ball joint to Mr T, they use a female end (same as a track rod end) not a male one

I seem to recall seeing somewhere that they use a standard front track rod end.

[jimi]

If you look closely at the Twos R Us tie rods they use a different ball joint to Mr T, they use a female end (same as a track rod end) not a male one

I seem to recall seeing somewhere that they use a standard front track rod end.

I'm pretty sure that's the case

[elbon50]

If you look closely at the Twos R Us tie rods they use a different ball joint to Mr T, they use a female end (same as a track rod end) not a male one

Yes, that is correct Jimi

Thinking about it, suitable balljoints with male threads are likely to be hard to find

[elbon50]

Have you thought of using rosejoints on the outer ends Pete

Have you looked at McGill Motorsports ?

They do a lot with that sort of thing

Or PM member TFS (Brian) on here

He makes top quality drop links with rosejoints, etc

Peter

[jimi]

I don't see the point in spending money trying to reinvent the wheel for no gain, when you can buy a perfectly good refurbished pair of genuine Toyota ties rods for a reasonable price

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[BIGBOBO]

I remember reading somewhere that tie rod ends from an E28 BMW fit on a mk1b. I bought some years ago but haven't fitted them yet, so no clue if they actually work.

Unfortunately I forgot where I read this, it was another forum but no clue which one.

[elbon50]

A good range of ideas to think over but :-

Since Pete has already bought the inner rosejoints & turnbuckles he will probably want to finish making his own "tierods" I suspect

[PeteP]

At the point that I made the decision, I didn't have an option for buying standard ones for less than making a better set that won't seize so easily.

I may add an extension thread to allow me to use female ball joints, but only if I can't get the current ones removed.

Lots of interesting chat and suggestions though. Thanks everyone.

[elbon50]

I wonder if the Mr T trackrod end will fit your new turnbuckle Pete (diameter, thread, hand & pitch are all possible variables)

If that's all OK I would suggest using a Dremel cutting disc to slit the old turnbuckle along it's length & then force the split open to release the balljoint

[BIGBOBO]

If that's all OK I would suggest using a Dremel cutting disc to slit the old turnbuckle along it's length & then force the split open to release the balljoint

This is what I did, just be carefull not to cut into the thread.

I also managed to find a pic I made comparing the mk1a and BMW tie rod ends to show they are not compatible. I need to replace the tie rod ends on my new mk1b suspension so if I get round to that this weekend I can tell you if the bmw parts fit.