Inner tie rod gone bad, replace or do it all?
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 946
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From: Clearfield County, PA
Inner tie rod gone bad, replace or do it all?
Well after a different leveling kit i noticed the truck started to wonder and do some weird things going down the road. So im starting to investigate the steering tie rods. The one at the pitman arm is shot. The truck has 291k. My wallet says to do just the bad one and call it good but my common sense says just do them all and have it aligned. So next question is i have seen this kit.
99-2004 Ford F250-F350 Super Duty 4x4 All models Steering Kit
and it looks like a pretty good deal. It seems like most people have switched from moog to xrf and its hard to beat there warrenty. Any other options out there? Thanks
99-2004 Ford F250-F350 Super Duty 4x4 All models Steering Kit
and it looks like a pretty good deal. It seems like most people have switched from moog to xrf and its hard to beat there warrenty. Any other options out there? Thanks
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Moog has two different grades. The cheap one is just about worthless. You can see the difference in that and the heavy duty one. XRF has a solid reputation. I used their ball joints years ago with no issues.
As for how many parts to replace, keep in mind that when the bad part is replaced, additional stress is placed on the other parts now that the slop is gone. If you're going to have it aligned after replacing the inner tie rod, then I'd say do them all at once and then get the alignment. Multiple alignments won't save you any money in the long run. Then again, the outers are easy enough to measure and count the turns on if you decide to do them later. But if the outers are worn, then it might affect how well the truck gets aligned.
When I did mine, I did them all at once with moog. Then went back and replaced both outers with the HD version because one was already bad after a couple of months.
As for how many parts to replace, keep in mind that when the bad part is replaced, additional stress is placed on the other parts now that the slop is gone. If you're going to have it aligned after replacing the inner tie rod, then I'd say do them all at once and then get the alignment. Multiple alignments won't save you any money in the long run. Then again, the outers are easy enough to measure and count the turns on if you decide to do them later. But if the outers are worn, then it might affect how well the truck gets aligned.
When I did mine, I did them all at once with moog. Then went back and replaced both outers with the HD version because one was already bad after a couple of months.
Elder User
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 914
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I REALLY don't want to even think about having to do the ball joints again. Its not so much the ball joints themselves, its all the time and money for those funky knuckle seals ( and the possibility of damaging the inner axle seals when removing the axles)
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
I replaced the driver side tie rod then the drag links and next will be Passenger side, all Motorcraft.
If money is an issue look at Lifetime Aligment's from Firestone. I have at and have taken the truck in three times without spending any more.
If money is an issue look at Lifetime Aligment's from Firestone. I have at and have taken the truck in three times without spending any more.
Posting Guru
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,910
Likes: 2
From: Hat Creek Ca
You might want to look into your steering box as well. I chased wandering steering for some time having replaced just about everything. Redhead steering box was the final fix after all of the others were done and still had the problem.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 26,966
Likes: 50
From: Texas
Really? How do you know the difference ( without having them in your hand)? Are there part# differences? I don't think I have ever seen 2 different "lines", in Moog. I bought my stuff at Advance, if that matters ( Ball joints/tie rods/track bar, etc...) I know I already replaced all the tie rods, under warranty, after about a year to year and a half.
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Elder User
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 946
Likes: 0
From: Clearfield County, PA
I do believe i also have play in the box as well but i dont want to put a new box on without fixing lose parts in the front. I figure if i replace all the needs done and i still have play i can always put the box on then
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