Rear Tie Rods Causing Swaying Issues?

[Izera]

I went to get my 02 inspected and I was told it would not pass inspection without one of the rear tie rods that go from one side to the other being replaced. I figured that since I had to change one I would change them both. I had to cut off one of them and the other came off without any issues. I used the old ones to get the correct length so that I would hopefully not have any issues. Well.... that didn't work so well. It now sways worse than it did before. It recently snowed a little bit and everytime I hit a spot in the roadway that the snow blew over into, the rear of the vehicle just wants to take off like it is going to spin sideways until it catches dry pavement and then straightens itself out. I drive slow and steady. I am thinkig that maybe I didn't get the correct torque (any idea what it is!) . The tie rods also have on each one a piece of metal in a v shape. Does that have anything to do with where the tie rod end is supposed to be put? I figured that I would replace the upper ball joints and the lower bushings while I was at it. They are ordered but haven't come in yet. Once I get these all replaced I want to get a 4 wheel alignment and hopefully that will take care of the issues.

In the mean time what do I torque the bolts to the tie rods to and to the v shaped parts need to be put in a special way? What about the upper bal and lower bushings. What is the torque spec on those?

Is there something missing that I am doing wrong?

 

[Slade]

Unless you have other worn parts you should just need an alignment.

 

[rocco123]

Just chiming in to say I bought the aftermarket Dorman brand tow links and for the price they really seem pretty good and durable. Never had the sway issue.