Upper tie rod replacement...
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Upper tie rod replacement...
So last year my dad replaced the lower tie rod for me...it was really loose and wiggling back and forth. Well I found a while back that the upper tie rod is doing the same thing. I can reach under there and wiggle it back and forth.
I've been searching for a while, but I can't find a diy or any instructions? I wasn't around when my dad did the lower one, but I'm sort of wanting to go ahead and do the upper in the next couple of weeks when I get some free time from school. I've got a jack, jackstands, and all my own tools over here, I'm assuming this shouldn't be too difficult of a job? Any tips or instructions anybody could point me towards?
Also, should I consider going ahead and doing anything else while I'm under there? The truck has almost 280k on it, so I'm sure I could benefit from replacing other things in the front end, but I can't remember all of what is considered "normal" replacement parts.
I'm getting to the point where I really need to fix the front end and get it back to 100% before I wear out another set of tires.
I've been searching for a while, but I can't find a diy or any instructions? I wasn't around when my dad did the lower one, but I'm sort of wanting to go ahead and do the upper in the next couple of weeks when I get some free time from school. I've got a jack, jackstands, and all my own tools over here, I'm assuming this shouldn't be too difficult of a job? Any tips or instructions anybody could point me towards?
Also, should I consider going ahead and doing anything else while I'm under there? The truck has almost 280k on it, so I'm sure I could benefit from replacing other things in the front end, but I can't remember all of what is considered "normal" replacement parts.
I'm getting to the point where I really need to fix the front end and get it back to 100% before I wear out another set of tires.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: coquitlam,BC
I would replace the track bar bushings. Fairly cheap.You might as well check the ball joints. Take some measurements before you take the tie rod off so you can somewhat be alighned before taking it for an alighnment.
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Where are the track bar bushings? I was planning on checking the ball joints as well, but last time I checked them they seemed fine, and I know they were replaced shortly before I bought the truck a year or two ago.
Logistics Pro
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From: Temperance, MI
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I'm going to have to go out there and take a look underneath my truck in a little bit...I'm not sure, but I think it's the track bar that's wiggling back and forth, not the upper tie rod.
That picture definitely helps man thanks.
That picture definitely helps man thanks.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: coquitlam,BC
If it is the track bar that is moving around you will be all over the road.
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Puget Sound
Between 220K and 250K miles I've replaced sway bar bushings and brackets, fixed the drag link, and replaced all shocks. Huge improvement.
I really like that photo. I'm saving that and sending a rep.
I really like that photo. I'm saving that and sending a rep.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Temperance, MI
Someone posted it here awhile ago, Ive been saving it for a rainy day or someone elses, your welcome
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Well, I looked under the truck again, and it's most definitely the upper tie rod that's loose and wiggling, not the track bar. It's the piece that goes from the pitman arm over to the passenger side. The picture John posted calls it the drag link, I've always heard it called the upper tie rod though...either way, it's loose. Very loose.
Should I replace the whole thing, or just the bushings on the ends though?
Sway bar bushings make sense to replace too...I'll add that to the list.
Should I replace the whole thing, or just the bushings on the ends though?
Sway bar bushings make sense to replace too...I'll add that to the list.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Temperance, MI
Ive had a lot of play in my steering wheel and it turned out to be the bushig on the pitman arm and the drag link, Ive still got to change it. When I called my local autoparts store they said I needed to know how many splines are on the pitman arm to be sure they got me the right bushing. ???I guess Ford put two different pitman arms on our trucks??? A 32 and a 36 spline, I dont have a clue what I have Ill look into it when the weather warms up its still chilly here
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That's interesting...I'll keep that in mind for sure. I'm probably going to spend the next couple of weeks trying to get the parts together and get this done as soon as I can get through midterms.
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trpltongue
1997 - 2006 Expedition & Navigator
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Apr 13, 2006 08:19 AM
