Need tie rod advice

I bought a Wheel Horse 8-25 for $30 that is missing a tie rod. It is about $40 to get one. Anyone have a recommended way of just making one. This is just a straight bar with a ball joint at each end. I have seen adjustable kits for go karts that are this length for >$15.

Bought this as a non-runner for $30. Set a goal of having less than an additional $50 into it to get it cutting. So far I need a tube for the front tire, tie rod, oil change, fuel filter and plug. All else looks good including the belts and blade. I already had a battery.

I am not attempting to be cheep just this is more of a can I do it thing than a for permanent use mower, it is a little small.

have you been to toro web page and downloaded the owners manual, parts book and service manual for your mower.
All of the recyclers I have worked on had real tie rods with replacable ends.
New ends come from an engineering supplier or ever tractor supply

Getting the part is not the issue. I was just wondering if there was a better way to go about it cost wise. This one is missing the rod and ends completely.