changing tie rod ends

[Oldyukon95]

Anybody have any tips for changing my tie rod ends? It's not hard bit I have a hard time undoing the tie rod end from the metal shaft in between the inner and outer. Thx!

 

[SunlitComet]

May just be easier to get a new sleeve.

 

[OR VietVet]

Spray lots of penetrating fluid on the threads. When you loosen the threaded clamps at each end put a flat blade screwdriver in the gap and pry it apart a little. Or use a flat chisel and tap in the gap to spread it. If you use the tie rod pickle fork end you can put the popped off tie rod in the pickle fork and use that leverage to turn it. Done bunches of them that way. But SunlitComet is right, new sleeve is the easiest.

 

[Oldyukon95]

Thx guys. It's a aftermarket sleeve that goes with the lift kit. I don't want to replace them unless I have to.

 

[SunlitComet]

In that case if the tie rods are attach to the vehicle on both ends then use a tie rod sleeve adjusting tool to undue it all the way.

 

[Oldyukon95]

Thx for the info. That's what I'll do

 

[Oldyukon95]

Ok I replaced the tie rod ends Without any trouble. Thanks again for your help. I also took off one of my shocks and now I can get it back on. It looks like the holes don't line up. Like the strut should be at angle. How can I get it back on?

 

[OR VietVet]

Install that end first and then do the other and see what happens. Those angles can be tricky.

 

[Oldyukon95]

I thought about that and I didn't want to risk not being able to replace both ends lol. But if I can't think of anything else that's what I'll do. Thx!

 

[OR VietVet]

Bear in mind the sleeve that the bolt goes through is mounted in rubber. You can pry on the end of shock a bit to help line up. The best way is to make sure the shock is not completely extended when trying to install. Get a floor jack under the control arm and jack it up a bit and then you can have some shock extension to help move the hole around and align.