88 Ranger 4x4 tie rod loose

[TheDonAK]

Just got an 88 Ford Ranger, getting a bit of noise and wobble from the front. While taking the front tires off to check the hubs and bearings I noticed this in the steering tie rod.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0BaCVTMyDI

I think I may have found the cause of my wobble. Now how do I fix it? I have a Chilton's repair manual but it doesn't show much about the linkage.

Is it a bushing that needs replaced? Can I just tighten it down, I noticed a locknut with cotter pin on the bottom.

 

[stegomon]

dude i would not run that down the road at all.....replace...take 5 minutes and $10...you are waiting to die with that one

 

[srteach]

The best possible outcome is loose steering, worst is ball joint falling off the tie rod, wrecking your truck and killing you. You are in danger any time you drive that truck.

Get a replacement tie rod end. Hold the tie rod in one position so it doesn't rotate.

1. Get a tie rod end replacement (immediately).
2. Hold the tie rod in one position so it doesn't move or turn.
3. Loosen the tie rod nut while holding the tie rod so it doesn't turn.
4. Hold the tie rod so it doesn't turn or move. Using your hand, remove the tie rod end. Count the number of rotations from the start until the tie rod end falls off the threads.
5. Hold the tie rod so it doesn't turn or move. Put the new tie rod end on the tie rod. Turn it onto the threads the exact number of turns that you counted in previous step.
6. Holding the tie rod so it doesn't move, tighten the lock nut on the tie rod end.
7. Put the grease fitting in and grease it.

Most importantly, don't let the tie rod rotate during the process. (Get the hint?)
This process well get you very close to aligned until you can get to an alignment shop. Get it aligned.

The castle nut and cotter pin (on the bottom side of the tie rod end) only keep the shaft from falling out of the hub fitting. There is no way to tighten this part down. The tie rod end will eventually fall apart, and isn't far from it right now. When it falls apart (if it is in the truck), the right tire will turn to the right about 80 degrees, no matter what the left tire does.
The longer you delay, the more likely you are to be in an accident.

 

[TheDonAK]

Thanks guys!

Got it fixed, here's an update.

Old rod fell apart as soon as i got it off, empty and bone dry inside there. Disaster averted.



New one in place



I got the new one in the same place but the alignment was off a bit anyway so I followed another tip I read on here and measured toe by measuring the tread mark to tread mark and comparing front and back widths on the front tire and ajusting untill the're even.

 

[stegomon]

oh thank goodness for changing that and welcome to TRS

 

[chrwilkins30]

you bought a tie rod that's not greasable

 

[legoms013]

you bought a tie rod that's not greasable

He'll be fine. Assuming he isn't into wheeling.

Otherwise it will fail 3 months after his first mudding trip.

 

[cmwright14]

Greasable or not, id say the replacement he bought is a HUGE improvement over what he had before!

 

[ozark junk heap]

same here... I tightened mine down... but had to put a washer under the castle nut... this is a temporary fix

 

[ankush_atwal]

You might want to check the other tie rod end too, just in case.