i want to replace the part that gets greased at the bottom of the pitman arm that connects to a rod that goes to the front right tire.
then 5 inches away from the pitman arm there is another grease point, and that goes to the left front tire. are these called ball joints or tie rods? and if i replace them and dont move the vechile do i need to get a front end aligtment after?

 

Ford f250 :: 411774_10150993961332345_505412344_11781182_133515 9324_o.jpg picture by motorracer119 - Photobucket

 

You would need the pitman arm, and the drag link. Those two ends aren't replaceable.

 

So I have to replace the whole tie rod when all I need is that bushing ball joint thing... That sucks

 

Hey pfogle,
I think he is talking about the ends that extend through the holes. The piece that goes from the pitman arm to the right tie rod end connecting sleeve is the drag link or center link. The piece that bolts to the middle of the drag link and goes to the right (driver side) connecting sleeve is the right inner tie rod end. Check out the LMC catalog, they have a great diagram of the entire setup. RockAuto.com has great prices so check them out too. I went with all Moog parts, for ball joints and tie rod ends on my restoration project.

 

I have replaced both inner and outer tie rods and most times, if nothing is moved, the alignment will be close if you match it all up. That being said, wear in the tie rods coming off versus the new can make a difference so an alignment would be recommended. You can replace the pieces individually but if you're replacing a drag link/centerlink, it's not much more to replace the outer tie rod and know it's all good for a while.

Ed

 

I agree with Ed. I am replacing all tie rod ends as well as the drag link, and decided to go with Moog for all of it. Measuring threads and distances will get you close, but you should definitely get an alignment after replacing steering components.

Ron