Loose tie rod ends

Woods-Rider · Nov 22, 2007

i took my ranger in to have an alignment because i have some gnarly camber. tires look like this / \. the guy said he couldn't align it because i was at the end of the adjustment and that i have loose tie rod ends. need some help on what to do. do i need new tie rod ends? if so how much do those run? what did the guy mean by saying i was at the end of the adjustment? i have a 2004 FX4 with 35's and some extra backspacing (cant remember how much)

pimtool · Nov 22, 2007

The tie rod ends are threaded, apparently yours are adjusted so there isnt enough threads to hold it securely onto the inner. If I where you I would check myself, some of these places wont let you out without selling you something. I said some, not all.

MAKG · Nov 23, 2007

Figure out the camber problem. Saggy springs? Stupidlift error? Bent axles? Hosed axle pivot bushings?

THEN start messing around with tie rod ends.

If you don't have a drop pitman arm with your 4 inch lift, that's why the tie rod ends are maxed. Pitman arm drop should equal the actual front-end lift. But camber DOES affect the toe setting, particularly if you need to replace the springs or a bushing or two.

Woods-Rider · Nov 23, 2007

I have the new IFS not TTB so i dont believe saggy springs or drop pitman arm apply to me. i have had the lift for about 3 years and this is a relatively new problem so i would think the lift was installed correctly.

would loose tie rod ends not be causing my camber problem?

MAKG · Nov 23, 2007

No. Tie rod ends adjust toe (mostly).

Saggy (or badly adjusted) torsion bars can cause camber problems as well. As can hosed balljoints, wheel bearings, etc.

A drop pitman arm won't help because you don't have a pitman arm; you have rack and pinion.

And your alignment shop is utterly incompetent if they didn't do a front end inspection prior to attempting an alignment. If they can't tell you what's wrong up there, go somewhere else. Like today. There are some serious safety implications here.

Woods-Rider · Nov 25, 2007

I jacked the front up today and shook the tires. there is some play when i pushed and pulled from the front of the tire(loose tie rod end) but its firm when i pull and push from the top. this to me says my ball joints and wheel bearings are good. because my truck is only 4 years old could my torsion bars be bad already? i have cranked them, but only like 2 turns and both the same amount when the truck was on stands so i wouldn't think they are out of alignment.

Maverick · Nov 26, 2007

Since you have larger tires, and seem to actually wheel your IFS, I'd recommend upgrading your steering. Dixon Bros makes a clevis style kit for our trucks, supposed to be much stronger than stock: http://www.dixonbrosracing.com/content/view/5/6/

Woods-Rider · Dec 2, 2007

that is pretty pricey. what would that actually do for me? my steering seems fine to me. i cant feel any play while driving and im mainly concerned with the camber issue. IIRC i read somewhere about camber adjusting shims. what are these, do they work, and is it a correct way to fix my problem?

Sasquatch_Ryda · Dec 2, 2007

camber/ caster is adjusted by installing camber/caster eccentrics in the upper control arms. From the factory the rangers do no come with the eccentrics, they are pre set and bolted inplace. To check you balljoints for play put a floor jack under the lower control arm and put a large pry bar under the tire and pull upwards.

Woods-Rider · Dec 2, 2007

are eccentrics something you can order and install yourself fairly easily and accurately?

Loose tie rod ends

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