Steering linkage and tie rod assembly

A tie rod end assembly having first and second sheet metal housing parts of substantially identical configuration;

• each of said housing parts having an elongated stem portion with a generally semi-cylindrical wall;
• each of said housing parts having an eye portion with a generally channel shape in cross section;
• said eye portions each being defined by an annulr frusto-conical wall and an outer wall that is a continuation of said semi-cylindrical wall;
• said first housing part being arranged with the edges of its said semi-cylindrical wall and said outer wall in abutting relationship to the edges of said semi-cylindrical wall and said outer wall of said second housing part;
• a weldment interconnecting said abutting edges of said semi-cylindrical walls and said outer walls;
• said frusto-conical walls of said first and second housing parts defining a convergent-divergent opening;
• an annular elastomeric element positioned in said convergent-divergent opening;
• said elastomeric element having radially extending flanges at each of its ends that extend radially beyond the ends of said convergent-divergent opening;
• a sleeve positioned within said elastomeric element constructed to limit the compression of said elastomeric element;
• fastener means positioned within said sleeve and constructed to be connected to a steering member;
• said stem portions of said first and second housing parts being internally threaded for attachment to another steering member.