2001 1500 Tie Rod Replacement

[naterasmussen]

Changing the inner and outer tie rods next weekend, just wondering if anybody has any tips. It will be my first time changing them, but with the lift, I'm sure it will not be the last. Thanks.

[KRS62]

I just changed my outer ones when I did my front brakes. It was really easy. I plan to change the inner ones soon, you will have to let me know how it goes.

 

I was going to rent a "pickle fork seperator" but the local autoparts store had one to buy that was cheaper than renting. I think it was around $8. Make sure to mark the threads (tape will do) where your current ones are located so that you can screw your new ones on as close as possible. It's possible that you wont have to mark it if there is a color difference between the two areas (hope that makes sense!)

 

You will want to have a grease gun to lube em up when you are done and make sure to go get an alignment done. I bought a 1 year unlimitted alignment deal through the local tire shop since I plan to do more work.

 

I just put on 4 new shocks this weekend and it drives great! I still need to do ball joints and the inner ties.

 

KRS

[naterasmussen]

New question - should I do the ball joints since I'm going this far with the tie rods? With the lift I'm thinking "better safe than sorry", but I grease them once a month due to the lift

[Bish]

New question - should I do the ball joints since I'm going this far with the tie rods? With the lift I'm thinking "better safe than sorry", but I grease them once a month due to the lift

 

I started thinking that way and when I was done I replaced the whole front end. I had 145K so I figured it would all be getting loose sooner or later. I did ball joints x 4, tie rod ends x 4, control arm bushings, sway bar bushings and endlinks. Made for a much bigger job but 40K later everything is nice and tight so I have no complaints.

[naterasmussen]

I've gotten the inner and outer tie rods, and the upper and lower ball joints. I'm trying to locate a ball joint press so I don't have tot take the whole d**n thing apart and bring it in to press them. Any suggestions? I've also never done ball joints before, but I bought a puller and a picklefork, and just curious if anybody has some tips. Thanks!

[alvocado]

I noticed this week that the rubber boot on my inner tie rod where it connects to the relay rod is cracked and leaking grease. The outer tie rod end looks fine so I'd like to just replace the inner tie rod. I'm afraid to use a pickle fork on the tie rod end in fear of damaging it. Anyone ever replace just the inner tie rod and reuse the tie rod end or should I just replace both? if I do both, how do I set the thread depth for the alignment. I would want to get it close and take it in for an alignment asap.