need help changing a tie rod

[jvs8864]

hey everone. i just went to town fair for new tires for my '86 ranger 4x2. when changing the tires he said my front driver side tie rod was worn, and to put a new one in and come back for a free re-alignemnt.
so, im on my way to napa right now to get the tie rod, but have noooo idea how to change it
any help would be greatly appreciated
thanks everyone
-James

 

[snake]

Pretty simple- but you'll likely need a tie rod tool to remove it. Just pull the kotter key, unbolt it, then put the tool in between where it needs to come apart and hit it HARD with a hammer until it pops off. Get a rough measurement between the new and old one, then adjust the new one close as you can and put it on. If the new one doesn't have new rubber boots, be damn careful not to tear the old ones with the tool. You won't be able to avoid tearing it unless you slip a metal plate or something in between there to protect the boot. Remember to kotter key it back after tight. The tool is available for sale cheap or you can rent them.

 

[almostclueless]

Jeez, I know everything is on the cheap now, but if I get a new tie rod end and it doesn't come with a boot, I'm not buying it.

 

[crawlin91]

just hit the knuckle on either side with a BFH(hammer) where the tie rod attaches on and push up on the tie rod. should pop right out, mine did, it saves the boots.
also mark where the threads meet the nut and just tighten it back to its original spot when the new one is on. Should get you back to the shop for an alignment anyways.

 

[Crunchy]

First, its cotter pin, NOT kotter key

And...

Since its old and shot anyways, just take out the cotter pin, unbolt it and just whack the bolt from the bottom with a hammer, it will pop right out, boot and all.

 

[jvs8864]

okay
thanks everyone
ill try and do it tommorow

 

[snake]

I got a whole tray full of kotter KEYS. If I want PINS I'll go buy 'em, but right now the keys work fine. One of 'em unlocks the neighbor's Pinto.

 

[red85]

Im with almostclueless. Good tie rod ends will come with a boot and a grease fitting. Just get a pickle fork and crank the castle nut after you clip the ends of the cotter pin. Use some PB Blaster on the adjuster sleeve so you can turn the tie rod end out easily.

 

[Jon Boy]

yeah, like crawlin91 said hit/tap on either side of the knuckle, might take a little bit but from what i've learned and been told, it's the "proper" way to remove it without the removal tool. as for marking the treads so you don't lose where it was sitting. just hold the new one up there and run tape around the new one to mark how far it should go in. that will get you with-in a turn or two of where it'll end up after alignment.

everything else is covered.


hmm... never seen a new tierod end without the boot.

 

[snake]

kewl avitar jon boy