So after thinking ball joints were likely my problem with a little front end looseness I did the 2x4 test and can't get any movement at all. Not bad I guess for 135,000 miles. With as big of a pain it is to change, and with only a few days off between now and an out of state trip I want to take, I'll leave em be. I did just put on all new shocks and steering damper... figured they were toast and also contributing to some steering play and roughening ride but I was quite surprised after I removed them that none were 'shot'. They were all more stiff than the new Rancho 9000's set one 1. All of them also still slowly extended after compressing except the steering damper (not sure if its suppose to, and it was very stiff still). I feel like I could have got another year or two, oh well. But while I had the front end up replacing the shocks I figured out it was my tie rod end on the passenger side that was causing my issues, there was a lot of play in that joint.

I was a little confused by the tie rod arrangement, but after doing some research it seems like this tie rod (on the underside) just has a pass through bushing and its the upper tie rod (on the link that goes to steering box) passes through it and holds it all together. My question is can I separate these without damaging the upper in order to swap out only the lower? I looked at you tube videos (a half dozen or so) about changing tie rod ends, every single one of them did not show removing the passenger side - they all had already removed it off camera. I assume I'll have to pickle fork the lower, will it only damage the lower joint? Any other advice in replacing? I know I should count the number of turns (I'll likely replace with exact motorcraft parts, I think I am getting good life out of the factory parts so hope same is true for replacements) and maybe also measure. Should the threads be anti-seized or greased when I reinstall?

 

Literally just finished doing this 5 min ago. Turn the wheels fully to the right. Jack up and support right side of vehicle. Remove tire. 5 lb hammer on the knuckle where the tie rod stud goes through and it should pop right apart.

 

Oh then, thanks! I'll just order the lower tie rod in hopes the upper part is still good and undamaged after removal of lower.

When it comes to re-installation does one coat the threads with anti-seize or does this make it easier to get out of alignment down the road or something?

 

Anti seize will not harm a thing , I use it on about everything .
the procedure explained to you for disassembly are correct, and will not hurt anything else .
What was not mentioned , is you loosen the nut , all but the last few threads , and when you smack it on the spindle the tie rod end will drop loose .