Anyone here ever replaced the inner TREs?

[shaker1]

I took a look closer at the situation involving inner TRE replacement. I see some seemingly insurmountable issues.

1. It appears you need a wrench (open end?) of appx 1 7/16" size. I don't mind buying a bigger wrench, but even if I had such a wrench I do not see how I would get it into the front support member where the piece is located. Is there a special tool for this? Obviously torquing to spec is out of the question.

2. Before I could approach removing the inner TRE, I would need to remove the boot (preferably without destroying it). Has anyone done this? Is it possible to remove and replace, or will a replacement boot be required? Of course this is buried inside the front support member too!

Without some clear direction, I may have to forego the inners and assume they are still fine.

Any ideas or hints here?

 

[dogfriend]

The manual (97, 98 should be the same) wants you to remove the steering gear first to replace the tie rod ends.

 

[ncc]

You can do it without going through all that steering-gear nonsense. I did. Like Jefe mentioned in your other post, just grab a large adjustable and a pipe wrench; it's a tight fit, but it can be done.

As for the bellows, a long, small-headed flat-head is perfect for separating the metal clips that hold them on. After the inner/outer tie-rod assembly is off the vehicle, you will need to separate the inner from the outer in order to just slide the boot right off.

The inners can be discouraging if you're not ready to put some time into them; honestly, (and people hate it when I say this to somebody who's RIGHT THERE) if there's not a lot of freeplay in them and the threads are still good enough to get the new outer end on then just leave them be.

But it's not our truck and you're the only one who knows what you're feeling. Use your best judgement!

Jeremy
'97 EB 4.0 SOHC

 

[shaker1]

You guy are awesome. The first post (dogfriend) has all the detail needed to understand exactly what needs to be done. I was suspecting that the service manual called for steering gear removal. So, it is good to have that procedure should it become necessary.

And the second post (ncc) really puts it into perspective. I just saw Jefe's post on my other thread. Almost missed it!

Honestly, I am not sure there is any real problem with the inners, but wanted to be thorough, if at all possible. A large adjustable was exactly what I had in mind and using a pipe wrench crossed my mind, but I wasn't sure if I would cause more harm than good. Now that I know what has worked for others, I am more comfortable giving it a try. I've been meaning to acquire a big crescent wrench anyhow. Worst case scenario, I could remove the rack. First I'll take loose the outer tie rod and try and determine how much play is really there at the inner TRE socket.

Thanks guys.

 

[MONMIX]

I have a tool to remove inner tie rod ends. Works like a charm.

PM me and we can discuss the possibility of borrowing it.

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Auto Zone has a inner tie rod end tool in the loan a tool department. I don't know if it will work on an Explorer, but it may be worth a shot.

 

[shaker1]

I have a tool to remove inner tie rod ends. Works like a charm.

PM me and we can discuss the possibility of borrowing it.

Thanks, awesome offer. Actually, I did the outers this weekend. After removing the sway bar (for bushings and end links) and turning the wheels to the stop, I think I could've accessed the inners. But, after pulling and wiggling them, I couldn't detect any play. Since, I didn't want to disturb the factory boot, I just left them alone.

The good news is that the inners and sway bar bushings got rid of the click/pop I was hearing. Now that everything is coated with anti-seize, I am not too worried if I have to go back in there at some later date.

Cheers!

 

[shaker1]

Auto Zone has a inner tie rod end tool in the loan a tool department. I don't know if it will work on an Explorer, but it may be worth a shot.

Good to know, Thanks!

 

[MONMIX]

Auto Zone has a inner tie rod end tool in the loan a tool department. I don't know if it will work on an Explorer, but it may be worth a shot.

they have the same one I do, so yes it does work. ( assuming they have all the pieces )

 

[MountaineerGreen]

they have the same one I do, so yes it does work. ( assuming they have all the pieces )

Thats what I suspected when you said you had one. I got to see the one at my local AZ when I was getting a ball joint press for my failed attempt at a lift.