Idaho 51
New member
After experiencing vibrations in the front end, I have replaced the Upper and Lower balls joints. The vibrations changed. Calling that a success I am now working on the tie rod ends and drag link ends. Using the Moog products as I wanted grease-able parts and I don’t have the means to go to the up-graded heavier duty stuff.
Everything comes apart just about like everyone has said in these forums. The only end not specifically mentioned is the drag link end attached to the Pitman arm. There is no room to mount the puller and get to the tightening nut. So I removed the passenger end first and rotated the pitman arm all the way left. This allows it to peek under the frame in the driver side wheel well. At this point you can brace the arm from below and tap it using the standard BFH and it should come apart. I did not try to mount the puller when it in the wheel well position. It came apart using a dozen or so BFH taps.
So now the big question: How does the tie rod end come off? This is the rod between the left and right wheels. One end has the adjuster and the other, the passenger side, has an end that threads into a factory finished end: it has several crimp marks in the rod. It is threaded to receive the “end” with the ball joint. Does this thing unthread? What is the expected torque, I’ve used a 5’ cheater, but that is another story my wife wouldn’t watch. Is it a reverse thread?
I have not read anywhere this would be a problem so I am telling you it can be a problem. Anyone got an answer?
PS: the puller that fit my 2009 steering parts is a Evertough 67028, opening at bottom about 1-1/8”, inside width about 1- ½”. I only used it on one of four ends. Two knocked out in about three 3# taps on the tie rod, one was the drag link on the pitman rod, the one on the drag link passenger side used the puller and about ½ turn so it probably would have falled out in another tap or two.
On the bright side I finally figured out what to do with the giant vise I acquired some years ago. Can you say trailer hitch mount? Idaho 51
Everything comes apart just about like everyone has said in these forums. The only end not specifically mentioned is the drag link end attached to the Pitman arm. There is no room to mount the puller and get to the tightening nut. So I removed the passenger end first and rotated the pitman arm all the way left. This allows it to peek under the frame in the driver side wheel well. At this point you can brace the arm from below and tap it using the standard BFH and it should come apart. I did not try to mount the puller when it in the wheel well position. It came apart using a dozen or so BFH taps.
So now the big question: How does the tie rod end come off? This is the rod between the left and right wheels. One end has the adjuster and the other, the passenger side, has an end that threads into a factory finished end: it has several crimp marks in the rod. It is threaded to receive the “end” with the ball joint. Does this thing unthread? What is the expected torque, I’ve used a 5’ cheater, but that is another story my wife wouldn’t watch. Is it a reverse thread?
I have not read anywhere this would be a problem so I am telling you it can be a problem. Anyone got an answer?
PS: the puller that fit my 2009 steering parts is a Evertough 67028, opening at bottom about 1-1/8”, inside width about 1- ½”. I only used it on one of four ends. Two knocked out in about three 3# taps on the tie rod, one was the drag link on the pitman rod, the one on the drag link passenger side used the puller and about ½ turn so it probably would have falled out in another tap or two.
On the bright side I finally figured out what to do with the giant vise I acquired some years ago. Can you say trailer hitch mount? Idaho 51
