Replacing the track rod & drag link joints

[Ian R]

I’m in the process of fitting a VW steering box to replace the very worn out BC box on my TA.
I’ve read about switching the current track rod & drag link end joints to “Rod ends” or similar solid spherical joints.
Can somebody who has done this please pass on where they sourced these joints ?
I’ve tried all the usual suppliers sites & see no mention of rod end type joints being available.

[Steve Simmons]

I don't believe anyone sells a kit, probably because it isn't a common modification. I also don't recall if the linkages and arms are the same on TA and TC, but here's an article I wrote for TC Motoring Guild a while back. It discusses the pros and cons a bit, and lists the parts I used on mine.
http://www.tcmotoringguild.org/techinfo ... native.pdf

[Ian R]

Thanks Steve.
That article explains things very clearly.
Now I can get a good idea of what is involved.

[Ian R]

Steve,

Rather than fitting rod ends, did you consider replacing the springs in the standard outboard joints with a high stiffness material such a rubber or polyurethane ?
This would surely have the same effect while maintaining the appearance of originality ?

[Steve Simmons]

No, I never considered that. I wonder if polyurethane would be up to the task. I suppose you could eliminate the spring altogether and use a solid spacer, and end up with the same stiffness as using a rod end, but I also wonder if the OEM ends can take the abuse without the spring to absorb some road shock. I wouldn't want to recommend doing that to anyone else since I have no idea about the safety of the mod, but it's an interesting idea.

[Ian R]

Steve,

I initially considered a solid spacer but rod ends all have liners which supply some compliance.
I agree that some compliance is needed.
The other obvious idea is to try to source some stiffer springs that will fit.
I’m going to start pouring through spring catalogs….

Even belleville washers….

[jagman2]

you might try looking at tool and die springs found in McMaster-Carr catalog. i have used
in other cars with sucess when without alternatives. cheers

[ROGER FURNEAUX]

Ian - I replied to you directly, but will post on here for others to see. AFAIK, rose-jointed rods were only available from Tim Patchet, a former racer. I think all the racers used them, but I bought his last set some time ago. Many people sell Rose joints, try eBay or a supplier of race car components such as Demon Tweaks. Not available in the fine threads our rods use, only in metric or UNF, so new rods (actually thick-walled tubes) will have to be made up.

As to stronger springs, they are already pretty chunky and I doubt you would find any stronger.

Rose joints, plus a Panhard rod and a restored BC box (hard-chromed and ground sector shaft) make my TC steer better than most.

Roger

[Ian R]

Steve Simmons,

Reference the article you wrote for TC Motoring Guild a while back, discussing the pros and cons of a rod ended steering track rod.
http://www.tcmotoringguild.org/techinfo ... native.pdf

Did you ever build a rod ended drag link as mentioned in the article ?
If so, do you have any details ?

[Duncan M]

""Rather than fitting rod ends, did you consider replacing the springs in the standard outboard joints with a high stiffness material such a rubber or polyurethane ?
This would surely have the same effect while maintaining the appearance of originality ? ""

I like Ian's idea.

Something that would not shrink or permanently distort from repeated impacts. Something oil/grease resistant. Or stiffer springs.