Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

Hey all, I managed to strip the heck out of my passenger side tie rod bolt/ ball joint. So, I bought a re-thread kit and realized that Datsun must've used admantium or unobtanium as the material for this bolt! This bolt not only wont be re-threaded, but it also damaged the re-thread kit! So, im wondering where to go from here. Can this bolt be removed from the tie rod? If so, where can I order a new one?
Otherwise, Im going to have to replace the whole tie rod. Any opinions are greatly appreciated.

I have been able to re thread tie rod studs before when damaged by the ball joint separator.
The metal used isn't super hard since it can be deformed as above.
If you can't resurrect the thread then it is time for a new link since the studs are not replaceable

I had dinged the threads on the ball joint on one end of my center link. I took it down to a local repair shop and he was able to fix the threads.

Some options for replacements using 510 parts are discussed here:
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... ie+rod+510

Another member recently had a tie rod repaired. I don't recall the exact details:
http://311s.org/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f= ... od#p166297

Thanks guys. I think Im going to go with the 510 option.

Measure carefully and be very sure it all matches. It's a substitute part, and parts do vary. I haven't put them on the car yet, so safety and fit is up to the installer to verify. Please update us how it goes.

I just got all the parts to do this very same thing. The 510 ends have a slight bend to them while the Roadster ones are straight. I have a local guy who will cut and rethread the 620 center link on his lathe for $25 so it's cheaper than buying a die. One thing I was thinking of doing is using center link ends on the tie rod centers if the bent end doesn't work. Still more affordable than OEM tie rods. I should have the center link back this evening and will start in on this. Will keep you posted.

Nice, I was going to check the tierods and see if any are short enough to fit the center link without cutting, but for $25.00, well worth having it done.

Ok, center link is finished but too busy to install it until next week. The 510 center links recommended in the other thread are too long by an inch over all, so I will take a half inch off each end and still have enough thread left to work with. I measured this length against a stock tie rod that I had laying around. I will post part numbers and finished center link lengths after they are cut and known to work. It will be this week for sure as I am driving this car to Blue Lake next weekend for the next show on the list for the summer.

I installed everything for this mod, and it all seems fine. When the ends are mounted on the rod, I was able to get the exact length of the stock rod. The bends you speak of dont affect the length, but may mean the rod is slightly higher. It doesnt seem to be a problem at this point, although I cannot get the car on the road for another year or so.

I know this thread is really old but do you have an update on the 510 tie rod ends?

Here is an option.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/165427391471?h ... Swxk5iU2xh

Has anyone tried these?:

https://www.apexengineered.com/store/p8 ... e_Rod.html

6foot3 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 2:15 pm Has anyone tried these?:

https://www.apexengineered.com/store/p8 ... e_Rod.html

Will these fit a roadster? I don't think so. If you look at their site under Products / Datsun / 311 Roadster, these tie rods aren't listed. It says they fit "68-73 1600/510/Bluebird", so I think by "1600" they mean sedan.

I hope I'm wrong because they look awesome.

funkaholik wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 10:00 pm

6foot3 wrote: ↑Fri Apr 26, 2024 2:15 pm Has anyone tried these?:

https://www.apexengineered.com/store/p8 ... e_Rod.html

Will these fit a roadster? I don't think so. If you look at their site under Products / Datsun / 311 Roadster, these tie rods aren't listed. It says they fit "68-73 1600/510/Bluebird", so I think by "1600" they mean sedan.

I hope I'm wrong because they look awesome.

Nope, you're right!