Tie Rod Replacement 97 4x4

[97RangerPete]

Tie rod assembly is shot (among other things) looking to replace. Anything I should look out for during install? I am a motorcycle guy, not a car guy, and while not an idiot need advice on small things I might overlook. Thanks in advance.

 

[Dirtman]

Helps to either count the threads or take the best measurement you can when you take the old ones off. That way you have a baseline for how far the new ones need to go back on. This will get your alignment "close" enough that you can drive to an alignment shop. (Yes you will need an alignment)

You live in NY so put anti seize on all the threads. And get rod ends with grease fittings and not "permanently lubed" ends.

 

[97RangerPete]

Helps to either count the threads or take the best measurement you can when you take the old ones off. That way you have a baseline for how far the new ones need to go back on. This will get your alignment "close" enough that you can drive to an alignment shop. (Yes you will need an alignment)

You live in NY so put anti seize on all the threads. And get rod ends with grease fittings and not "permanently lubed" ends.

Thank you.
and while I'm sure a lot of this will become obvious to me as I begin the work, I would be a fool not to inquire here before hand.
Ive read a bit about camber adjustment on this truck, confused as to whether I will need to purchase and install an adjustable bushing or if the proper alignment/camber can be achieved as is.

 

[Dirtman]

Thank you.
and while I'm sure a lot of this will become obvious to me as I begin the work, I would be a fool not to inquire here before hand.
Ive read a bit about camber adjustment on this truck, confused as to whether I will need to purchase and install an adjustable bushing or if the proper alignment/camber can be achieved as is.

Doing the tie rods won't affect the camber only toe-in/out. But when you get it aligned they will check and adjust the camber anyway if necessary so it's nothing to worry about unless you are replacing more than the tie rods.

 

[97RangerPete]

Doing the tie rods won't affect the camber only toe-in/out. But when you get it aligned they will check and adjust the camber anyway if necessary so it's nothing to worry about unless you are replacing more than the tie rods.

Thank you dirt man.
Appreciate the guidance.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Yep, I'm with Dirtman...

You "can" do your own alignment if only doing that, but it's kinda tedious and can be frustrating... if you have a flat driveway eyeball it at first and maybe take a tape measure and go for 1/8" toe in at the wheel under the steering linkage compared to a similar spot measured under the radius arms on the back side of the wheel. then roll it forward about 8' then check again, then back like 15' then forward like 8' again and recheck... I bought some harbor freight wheel dollies to skip some steps...

You can get really close with this method, I honestly haven't taken a TTB or TIB Ranger or Explorer to an alignment shop, my '90 wears tires but not horrible, it's just because the radius arms aren't at a good angle and the alignment migrates. My '90 was screwed when I got it (bent I beam) and I used this method and it doesn't have any tire wear issues... But then again I'm cheap and stubborn in some ways, an alignment shop will likely get it better than the ol calibrated eyeball and tape measure alignment