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Does anyone use the stock tailwheel pushrod? I went to install it today and it seems like it will require significant bending to fit correctly, but even then it seems like it will most likely wallow out any holes in aluminum any time the tailspring flexes.

I see a lot of people using ball joints and will likely do the same.

Hi Chris,

I used the stock piece for around 50 hours, but when I noticed one of the bolt holes start to elongate I decided that was a good time to make my own adjustable pushrod. I took some 4130 steel tube, bent it as needed, and had two rod ends welded to it. The new piece seems like a much longer lasting option, plus it's nice to have an adjustable length piece. It's only fair to say though, that the original piece worked just fine in terms of fit and finish.

Best of luck if you make our own piece.

Please note that welding is not required for such a modification. Look closely and you'll see steel roll pins that I have used with great success... :)

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Thanks guys. I like the suggestions on how to do this without welding.

I measured my stock pushrod and compared it to the plans. It is about 1/4" too "tall" to connect to the tailwheel horn when attached at the rudder plate. This seemed significant, but I bet if I bent one of the tabs a degree or so it would fit.

I used a hardware store piece of 3/16 inch rod and threaded it for a 10/32 rod end bearing and stop nut on both ends. I bent the rod to align with the flats. I used the same rod with the original welded tail wheel and the new one.

I bought a solid piece of aluminum rod and drilled and tapped both ends and bought , 2 heim joints and lock nuts , I went with a larger diameter than needed but it worked out great , that and the larger vans tail wheel , and kip bracket it's been working great ,

Nice info, I love to see all of the ingenuity builders come up with! I was going to make the rod end bearing push rod to start off with, but have made so many changes already and it bogging me down, I have now decided to stick to plans as much a possible to finish my build, and then I can alwasy upgrade after I am flying. So I just made the stock push rod for now while I was welding already.

As much I initially disliked the crude stock tailwheel push rod is it does work. The tab on one end needed adjustment to correct the angle. I can weld so I just re welded it. I probably could have gotten away with just bending the tab.

I have almost 500 landings on my plane now and this crude arrangement is doing fine. I'm guessing its also lighter than using rod ends.

Steve 892

I've had no issues with the stock tailwheel push rod. I tightened it once during the first 40 hours and check it every pre-flight. It is holding up just fine at 135 hours.
-Jim Hicke W0162 3300