ok ive changed my shocks, springs, and upper balljoints......

I might as well do the tie rod ends.......any tips that can save me time or frustratiuon to taking these things off. I mean they look pretty straigh forwward, but i would love to hear what you guys did to take these off.


thanks in advance

 

Easy, just rent or buy a tie rod puller. Remove the cotter pin, nut and install the puller. Ratchet the puller down until you hear the "pop". Then you will need 2 large open end wrenches. One wrench goes on the outer tie rod nut, and the other the flat spots on the rod end. Loosen the nut, and screw the rod off.

The above is the ideal situation, sometimes the rods can be a 8itch to remove. This is when you rent/buy a picklefork. Usually you don't want to use a picklefork as it tears the boot on the rod end, but if your replacing it and the puller isn't working, it's fine.

 

is there a high end tie rod end. i am not too familar with this part. i noticed that the bushings on it are worn out. i was told you cant just buy the bushings for that. if i can where should i get one
thanks john

 

Thread Hi-Jacker!

I think your asking if they make:

A) a high(er) quality tie rod end.
-or-
B) the "grommet" or "grease cover" on the rod end that you can buy so that you do not have to replace the rod end.

Yes, and Yes.

You can buy high-end aftermarket tie rod ends, but unless your going all out, why bother? And yes, you can buy new grease covers/grommets (prothane) from suspension technologies, but for what they cost, you can buy a normally priced rod end. I have seen "tie rod rebuild kits" with the nuts,pin and cover, but they are rare, and still cost around 9$.

[edit] or are you talking about the sway bar's end links?? Your post is very confusing.

 

Also, it's a good idea to mark a spot on the rack so you know how far to thread on the new tie rod end.

 

^ Yes, but if your replacing both, I'd get it re-alighned anyway. Alot of times at Sears, they have free alighnment coupons at the counter.

 

I was going to add that, but I forgot. But it just gives you an idea where to thread it to, so you don't do too much damage to your tires.