Tie rod replacement
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: MN
Tie rod replacement
I need some help. I've got a 2004 F150 Lariat 4x4 5.4L with an outer tie rod that has a little bit of play in it. I bought some new outer tie rods to replace both sides but on the side I started with, the locknut is rusted/stuck to the inner tie rod. I got it to break free from the outer tie rod but it's the whole inner tie rod that moves and not just the locknut. I've tried PB Blaster, wire brushes, propane torch and it just won't break loose. I need to get it loose to be able to get the new tie rod locked into the right spot. So, I need suggestions on getting it loose or guidance on replacing the inner tie rods. Which special tool do I need if any to replace the inners...Rock Auto lists 3 different special tools? How do I measure to keep the alignment at least close to what it was when replacing the inner and outer ones? Do I have to have help to hold the rack and pinion shaft stationary when removing the inners? Please help.
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Senior User
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: MN
Just to be clear, it's not the outer tie rod nut I'm talking about but rather the locknut that you loosen when doing an alignment. The locknut that controls how far onto the inner tie rod the outer spins onto. I've got the locknut broken apart from the outer tie rod but it's locked onto the inner tie rod and won't move without turning the inner tie rod. I've tried using vice grips to hold the inner tie rod shaft but can't stop it from turning while hammering on the wrench on the locknut.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
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OK... I guess I see your problem. NEWER trucks have the female thread inside the outer joint, not the inner rod.............. still think you could screw the old outer rod/ joint off and install new... might have to heat the nut with torch to move to the new locking position.
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From: MN
The new outer tie rod is a little bit longer than the old one so I need that locknut to move toward the engine on the inner tie rod. It won't move at all which means I can't get the new outer one on far enough and an alignment can't be done. It's got to move in and out on the inner tie rod to do an alignment and it's rusted or frozen into place on the inner tie rod.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: MN
I decided to go ahead and buy new inner tie rods as well. I'm going to use a pipe wrench to hold the inner and then try to get the nut off with a deep well socket and impact wrench. Then I'll just replace the inner and outer and get an alignment. Thanks for the suggestions.
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