Tie Rod Installation HELP!!!

[jeisbell]

I am going to attempt to replace my tie rod ends in an effort to stop the mystery shake...Can anyone give me details on this procedure that would make my life easier. I just looked in the Chilton's manual and didn't see it in there.
From the looks of things, I just have to remove the tire, remove the pins and bolts holding the tie rod end on, and then unscrew it from the sleeve. Repeat in reverse with new end...Is that all there is to it?
Thanks,
Justin

 

[Nitrous SSC]

Just barely break the jam nut loose. Then when you take the old one off count how many times it rotates. Its not purely scientific but it will get you damn close to where you where.

Also just to warn you, you may need a tie rod removal tool. I didn't need one on my stang but I sure did on my explorer. It was in there good.

Good luck! Just remember to take your time. Its pretty easy.

 

[Brandon1993Sport]

My advice would be to dump the chilton manual and go spend 13 bucks on a Haynes, you'll gain an extra year for your lifespan And make sure you get to an allignment shop fast after you're done with the installation.

 

[DeRocha]

Nitrous SSC & Brandon's advice is on the money.
The tie rod is tapered and after removing the Castle Nut I just needed to tap it a few times with a hammer to pop it out. Instead of counting the # of turns it took to remove the tie rod I just counted the number of threads viewable on both sides of the sleeve and made sure I had the same count when installing the new one. In either case the count is an decent estimate and you'll need an alignment asap to prevent uneven tire wear.

Note: An alignment cannot correct uneven tire wear. An alignment aligns the stearing knuckle and not the tire. Therefore if you get a 100% on the money alignment, but run unevenly worn tires you'll feel the car pull.

 

[slag]

My advice would be to dump the chilton manual and go spend 13 bucks on a Haynes, you'll gain an extra year for your lifespan And make sure you get to an allignment shop fast after you're done with the installation.

Haynes manuals absolutely rock for imports--I own several haynes manuals--

but for the ford explorer, the chiltons has TONS more info, better detailed, and much much better electrical diagrams as opposed to the haynes manual.

I own both and am giving the haynes to my dad (he bought a 91 X from me), because the chiltons is much better imho.

 

[bipolarbob]

I just bought an old Dodge for my camper and the tie rod end was held together with a coathanger. I replaced inner, outer and the thing inbetween on both sides.I just took the old ones out and laid them side by side and got them the same length.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

I mark the old tie rod with a dab of paint before disassembly. Then it's easy to measure the new one to get the alignment very close to where it was.