Notices
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Dentsides Ford Truck
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: Moser

Inner tie rod replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 4, 2012 | 01:02 PM
  #1  
jsutton's Avatar
jsutton
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 12
From: Northeast LA
Inner tie rod replacement

If it doesn't rain this weekend I'm planning on replacing my inner tie rod on my 77 2wd. I could see the slop in it while I had my helper (daughter) turning the wheel back and forth.

My question is, since it has so much slop in it am I going to need a tie rod separator fork to get it apart from the center link? I don't have one and I don't want to get home and start trying to take it apart and then need it. I would think with as loose as it looks it would fall apart when I take the castle nut off, but not sure so I thought I'd ask.

Thanks,
 
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2012 | 01:24 PM
  #2  
mikeo0o0o0's Avatar
mikeo0o0o0
Hotshot
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14,333
Likes: 247
From: Stanley, VA
Club FTE Gold Member
No, it won't fall apart. The wear in the tie rod's ball joint is separate from the tapered mounting stud. I would definitely have a separator handy.
In the past, in a pinch, I've succesfully separated tie rods by either hitting them sharply on the side next to the stud with a big hammer, and I've also hit the threaded end of the stud to break it loose. The last one ONLY if your not going to be reusing the stud.
 
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2012 | 01:28 PM
  #3  
jsutton's Avatar
jsutton
Thread Starter
|
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,313
Likes: 12
From: Northeast LA
The new one I ordered has a new stud. My concern with hitting it on the end of the stud would be bending the center link if the stud didn't come out. I think I'll get the loan-a-tool tie rod separator from Autozone before I start.

Thanks!
 
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2012 | 01:30 PM
  #4  
weez440's Avatar
weez440
Mountain Pass
15 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 240
Likes: 1
From: NW MINNESOTA
i have had good luck with putting penetrating lube on it a couple days before. like said above if you will reuse anything i get a prybar underneith it and hit it on the side sharply and after a couple hits it will pop loose. if i don't plan on reusing it and i can get in there with a big hammer you can drive it out by just hitting the threaded part.
 
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2012 | 04:27 PM
  #5  
Stinky7-11's Avatar
Stinky7-11
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 685
Likes: 0
From: Cape Coral, Florida
Club FTE Silver Member

If you loosen the nut, back up one side with big hammer or any solid steel object and wack the other side real sharp a few times it should pop, some penatrating oil the night before will also be a big help. The loan-a-tool at Autozone is free so why not have it, they have a screw type seperator that is kind to all parts involved for re-assembly and what is known as a Pickle fork that still often needs a few wacks with a hammer and most of the time it cuts your dust boots, great for parts not being reused.
One last thing while your out remember a little something for your helper! It goes a long way.
 
Reply
Old Jan 4, 2012 | 06:51 PM
  #6  
Blue and White's Avatar
Blue and White
Postmaster
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 2,553
Likes: 10
If one end is gone, the others may not be far behind. While you are tearing into it, doing all 4 may make sense. It will also need alignment (toe set) when done so it handles OK and doesn't tear up the tires.

I've done OK on PU's with a "carpenters rule" alignment. Measure distance between tires from a consistant tread feature. The measurement across the front of the tires should be 3/16" less than the measurement across the rear... 3/16" toe in.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
waldreps
2004 - 2008 F150
6
Jul 18, 2017 12:59 PM
dcassidy
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks
10
Aug 20, 2009 10:48 PM
Impacttec1
1997 - 2003 F150
2
Nov 15, 2006 06:32 AM
Copper 118
1997 - 2003 F150
4
Jan 17, 2004 10:07 PM
ghlkal
Aerostar
3
Jul 1, 2003 04:22 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:29 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE