Hey Guys,

Im trying to replace the inner tie rods on my wifes 2003 navigator. All 3 tools I have tried either 1)dont have a large enough hex, 2)have too shallow a shoulder to fit over the inner tie rod to reach the hex.

What the hell? Does anyone know of a tool that actual will work on this truck?


Also can the upper and lower ball joints be pressed out of these control arms and replaced or do I need to order entirely new ball joints?

 

I just replaced the inner tie rod ends on my 98 Expe. I bought a removal tool from Autozone and instead of popping out the bolt, the tool spread apart. I then used a torch to heat it and punched out the bolt with a hammer. It came out pretty easy then. As for the ball joints, I had the control arms replaced my last inspection. I like to do my own work, but I was told the ball joints had to be pressed in/out. It was a rare time when I just paid someone else to do the work.

 

I did mine back in the spring. on my '98 i pressed thelower ball joints out and new ones in with the tool i borrowed from Advance Auto. I replaced the entire upper arms, as my understanding was you can't replace just the ball joints in the OEM upper, but that next time i should be able to with the aftermarket Moogs I installed

 

Are these a normal maintenance issue? The inner tie rods don't look like they would need to be replaced like a ball joint would. Seems like they get less wear.

 

I had bought a ford fan clutch wrench set that they sell at auto stores. It happens to be the same size hex. I was able to fit it in there and hit it with a hammer to break it free.

 

I have two lisle inner tie rod tools. They sell a standard and a large. The large works on my 2005 Expy. I've found it's just as easy to get under the truck and use a large wrench on the hex too. I have done it both ways.