plodge

I had a phone call today from the repairer of the track rod/centre rod. I've sent payment and it should arrive in the next few days........heres hoping it fixes my horrible steering problem. It'd want to for the cost of it. Thanks to all for the advice, its been appreciated.

Yep I saw them both, I was going to take my old dodge, but I bummed a lift with my brother in his newly acquired blue EH wagon, thought that he deserved 2 minutes of fame. Should've gone in mine looking back. The truck is a credit to you. I recently redone my radiator in my dodge, problem was the radiator that was in it was a brand new unit some years ago, with the original style core, but sitting around did it no favours, and after 12 months on the road was weeping everywhere. So had the boys at the radiator shop build me a new one. They used my tanks and side straps but used a new core for a hiace, they had to make new header plates though and I think he told me there was something like 240 solders to do. so its back in the car and going well, would want to for over $400. I don't want to tell you what to do, but keep in mind these old style radiators were not made for the pressures we run today, so a 14 pound cap might put a bit too much pressure on it, so a lower pressure cap, like a 7-10pound cap might be a good idea. That's what I'm running in my dodge.

Saw this beautiful Desoto on the weekend at a local show. These are not really my thing but this truck is outstanding. Is it one and the same?

Hi Young Ed, mine does have two tire rod ends like that, they are the outer, the inners are very long, going almost to the centre, The part I am chasing is the centre rod pictured with the arrow. Thanks.

Thanks for the advice, sadly welding of any steering/suspension is a big no-no around here, unless done through the correct channels, meaning x ray and certification, which will end up costing more than the car is worth. Sending something to the US to be repaired, and then having it sent back, is again out of the equation. I have located a company here in Australia that can repair it correctly, not with the resin, but by removing the ball joint pins from the sockets, and replacing them with new ones, one of the places I contacted method of repair was to remove the rear of the joint(little cad plated plate) fit a rubber bush, and tag it back together, thus rendering it ungrease-able, seems like another temporary repair to me, as the chrome plating usually wears off the pins ball after many years of use, like any old worn out ball joint does, and I think the rough surface of the ball would just chew away at the new bushing. Anyway, this company assures me it will come back to me as a new steering rod(except for the original core rod I send them of course), but its just the cost of repairing it is well over $300. I suppose if it makes the car drive better, then so be it. Ahh the joys of owning an old car that's a little left field.

Hi, I have lurked in the shadows for a little while, and now is my turn for some advice. What is the general consensus for buying or repairing the centre rod, or centre link, or track rod, or whatever its called on my Dodge, I am in Australia, and my 1956 Dodge is the same body style as your US 53-54 Plymouth(ie same as P25). The centre rod on my cars steering has a worn joint, I have searched tirelessly here in Australia for one, and come to dead ends every which way. I'm told I can have it repaired, but worry how long its likely to last compared to the cost. Its repaired by injecting a molten resin into the grease nipple hole and it sets around the ball taking up any clearances, but this is very expensive$120 per side, do the two and its $240. I mean I'd rather pay for a new one, even if its a little dearer. I have searched the US ebay and tried some of the aftermarket suspension component companies with no luck. What is it you guys do to repair these, or where can I buy one. The worn joint really makes my car uncomfortable to drive at speed due to its nervousness on the road. Thanks in advance.