Replacing outer tie-rod end

[NCSUDockhand]

OK, here's the situation. I discovered yesterday that my drivers side outer tie-rod end boot has a huge gash in it and there is absolutely no grease. I know that the outer end being seized can damage the inners so I decided to replace it as soon as possible. However, I'm currently on a shoestring budget so I'm trying my doggone best to avoid having to go get an alignment when I'm done.

I'm thinking that rather than the "count the turns" method, that I will measure from a reference point to the center of the stud on the end to make sure the new is in the same place as the old.

I went to Carquest and got a Moog replacement last night, but it is not shaped exactly the same as the factory one (has a slight angle to the head as opposed to the perfectly straight factory end). I was thinking that maybe it might be a better idea to just get a new one from Ford (it's only $3 more) because I may be better able to get it in the same exact position as the old one. I know it isn't greasable, but I figure it should last as long as I have the car.

Does anyone have any input or advice? Thanks in advance.

 

[stubborn1]

Instead of counting the turns, I've heard of people wrapping the stud with duct tape where the tie rod end currently stops. If the replacement is the exact same length, you should be able to thread it back until it touches the tape and be in the same position.

 

[NCSUDockhand]

The duct tape thing is a good idea. I hadn't thought of that. Of course it is predicated on the requirement that the replacement tie rod end is exactly the same in geometry as the original....which leads me back to one of my questions. Should I just purchase an OEM one from the Ford dealer to assure it is the EXACT same?

 

[Rhett]

I know about the straight and angled tie rod ends. The angled tie rod end is supposed to work just fine. Supposed to give more articulation. Keeping in mind, however, that I have never installed the angled one, so I'd get 3rd and 4th opinions...

 

[BradE.]

Don't do things half assed, if you remove the tie-rod end, your going to need an alignment. It's that simple. Otherwise your just asking for more problems down the road.