When you replace the outer tie rod end whay can't you just replace the bushings? i pulled them right off. but auto zone said no you need the whole part.

??

there are dust boots on the ends, is that what you are talking about?

hmm maybe thats what they are - don't not much bout suspension stuff. also how do you get the old tie rod off? any special tool to unscrew it off? i won't need a alignment after this will i? thanks

You can just replace the dust boot, O'reilleys sells them. Remove cotter pin, remove nut, then use a ball joint spliter (fork) and big hammer to separate. Remove old dust cover, pack tie rod with grease, install new boot....... If all you are doing is the dust boot you wont need an alignment.

before you posted i already bought new tie rod ends. i tryed to the the right side off but wouldn't come off- spinning the shaft that the tie rod is on threw off the alignment didn't it?? thanks

The tie rod end is adjustable for the "toe" part of the alignment. If it were me, I would count the threads on the tie rod or mark them somehow that when installing new tie rod end it goes back into the same place the old one was so your "toe" will be the same or extremely close.

cool good idea... the shops around here hammer nice rims during tire changes and stuff so i don't want to have to get a alignment and i never drive the car as it is so it will never go out really.