Is this normal?

[exbass94]

Today I was underneath the Explorer trying to get the damn front diff plug loose so I could check the fluid, and I grabbed onto the driver's side tie rod for support. I noticed that if I wrap my hand around it and twist, I can rotate the whole link back and forth roughly 20 degrees. (10 degrees each way) It looks like there's play in the ball joint that connects it to the drag link, as well as play where the tie rod connects to the knuckle. (I think I'm using the right terminology for the parts?) Anyway, should there be some movement so the suspension can articulate, or is this too sloppy?

 

[pimtool]

Some twisting is normal, up and down movement is no good.

 

[Jspafford]

My joints are all new and I can tilt mine up and down.

I just adjusted the alignment this weekend and forgot it was loose until I grabbed the adjuster and cranked and the whole linkage twisted a bit.

Nothing to worry about.

 

[exbass94]

Whew that's a relief. I just got the truck back from the shop for a busted brake line, and I don't want to send it back there again already.

 

[Evan]

Today I was underneath the Explorer trying to get the damn front diff plug loose so I could check the fluid, and I grabbed onto the driver's side tie rod for support. I noticed that if I wrap my hand around it and twist, I can rotate the whole link back and forth roughly 20 degrees. (10 degrees each way) It looks like there's play in the ball joint that connects it to the drag link, as well as play where the tie rod connects to the knuckle. (I think I'm using the right terminology for the parts?) Anyway, should there be some movement so the suspension can articulate, or is this too sloppy?

Everything is working as designed. If you couldn't rotate the rod you'd have a problem.

 

[exbass94]

Thanks for the input everybody, I won't worry about it anymore.

 

[grnrngr]

It is a good idea to check on them occasionally, haven't had one go bad on my current vehicles, but I have had tie rod ends and ball joints fail, if it fails catastophically on the freeway, it's not a good thing..definitely check for up and down play at each end.

 

[Evan]

It is a good idea to check on them occasionally, haven't had one go bad on my current vehicles, but I have had tie rod ends and ball joints fail, if it fails catastophically on the freeway, it's not a good thing..definitely check for up and down play at each end.

The most important thing with balljoints and TREs is to get high grade greasable joints and keep 'em lubed up. Stock RBVs come with non-greasable balljoints and are a ticking time bomb for failure, especially if you go offroad.

I have upgraded to all Moog greasable balljoints and TREs. They cost almost $40 apiece, but are well worth it. If you keep them greased they'll last almost forever, and if they do fail, they carry a lifetime warranty.

I have seen people blow out a lower joint on the highway and it's NOT pretty. It basically rips one of the steering tires right off. Fortunately, if you have half a brain there are some warning signs before they go.

 

[exbass94]

My tie rod ends and lower ball joints are greasable. I thought they were stock...apparently not? I do lube them up every oil change (every six months) though.

 

[TrucksGetDirty]

Everything is working as designed. If you couldn't rotate the rod you'd have a problem.

I can't rotate mine...

 

[MAKG]

I can't rotate mine...

That's because you have a completely different steering linkage than the one under discussion. You have an R&P unit. He has a Pitman arm with inverted-Y steering.

 

[silveranger93]

That's because you have a completely different steering linkage than the one under discussion. You have an R&P unit. He has a Pitman arm with inverted-Y steering.

You should still be able to rotate it with a wrench fairly easily.

 

[kevinsranger]

i got a 94 4x4 and i cant rotate mine, is that bad?

 

[compleckz]

The most important thing with balljoints and TREs is to get high grade greasable joints and keep 'em lubed up.

I have upgraded to all Moog greasable balljoints and TREs. They cost almost $40 apiece, but are well worth it. If you keep them greased they'll last almost forever, and if they do fail, they carry a lifetime warranty.

can't agree more, lots of people have problems with ball joints and wheel bearings, especially when you get into bigger tires and offroad abuse... but if you get quality parts (like timken wheel bearings!), the lifespan is well over double. i have over a year of abuse on my moog BJ's and they still feel as tight as day 1, with 33s and who knows how many on-road and offroad miles.

i got a 94 4x4 and i cant rotate mine, is that bad?

yes, you should be able to rotate both sides a certain amount, i would think you would notice that quite a bit in the steering.