Replace & Improve John Deere Tie Rod Ends (JD 430, other JD models & brands too)

We use our John Deere 430 on a daily basis, and those of you that have one of these know this thing is a workhorse. However, after replacing the tie rod ends on our 1984 John Deere 430 more than a couple times, I decided to replace them with an alternative that will hopefully last longer than the original John Deere replacement part. Also, see the list below for other John Deere models this repair might work on. Update March 2025: The dust covers and ball joints are still going strong and there is no indication these are in need of replacement. If you are thinking about making this modification, please search for eBay Seller SJWGN or search for 'as seen on Foxcan Farms' and you should find a set with the dust covers installed. If you don't see any for sale, contact me via eBay or YouTube using the email in the about channel section. Although some research and confirmation of fit would be needed, this type of repair should also work on non-John Deere garden tractors. OEM tie-rod end part numbers for our 1984 the John Deere 430 are (½” with a 20 pitch thread): Right Hand: AM133072, AM100642, or AM39330 Left Hand: AM133073, AM100643, or AM39331 McMASTER-CARR Part numbers I used: Right Hand: 4444T951 Left Hand: 4444T952 When measuring from the center of the mounting stud to the center of the ball joint, the McMASTER-CARR parts may be just under a 1/4" longer than the OEM parts (see specs on their website and measure the OEM part on your machine). So make sure you have enough threads left on the tie rod to adjust the toe-in for your situation. Subsequent information: I measured the ball joints on a 320 and these were the same as the McMaster-Carr parts. The John Deere parts catalog website indicates the following John Deere models use the superseded part numbers AM100642 and AM100643: 316 (285001-), 318, 322, 330, 332, 38, 420, 430, 48, FC420V, FC400V, FC401V, FC540V, 54, FC401V. Note that sometimes parts only apply to certain serial number ranges, and you should confirm these parts work for your garden tractor. The parts catalog also indicates #’s AM133072 and AM133073 are applicable to the John Deere 240, 245, 260, 265, 285 & 320, 325, 335, 345, 355D, 415, 425, 445 & 455, F910, F911, F912, F915, F925, F925, F930, F930, F932, F935, GS25, GS30, GS45, GS75, GX325, GX335, GX345, GX355, HD45, HD75, X465, X475, X485, X485, X495, X700, X720, X724, X740, X740, X744 (again, sometimes parts only apply to certain serial number ranges and models within models they grouped together in the parts catalog, and you should confirm these parts work for your garden tractor). Please note, this is how I fixed the ball joint tie rod ends on our 1984 John Deere 430. This may not be appropriate for your garden tractor (John Deere or otherwise). I make no representation as to whether this part meets, exceeds, or doesn’t meet OEM quality and requirements. OEM parts are designed to be a perfect fit for your machine. My repair is not OEM, and with any non-OEM modification it is possible to damage your machine and/or cause injury to yourself or others. Any attempt to do this is done so at your own risk. Information contained in this video does not create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Injury, damage, or loss from use of tools, equipment, information or suggestions contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not those featured in the video nor those who created the video.