Replacing all tie rod ends, tips or tricks?
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 52
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Replacing all tie rod ends, tips or tricks?
I plan to replace all 4 tie rod ends on my van this weekend. 2011 E-150, and will replace with moog everything.
Can I do this without changing toe/alignment or is that not possible?
I was planning on duplicating the old and measuring from center of grease fitting to center of grease fitting both left and right. I also plan to sharpie my rims and pull a precise of a toe measurement as possible. With this I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble of precisely duplicating the old linkage or just leave my adjusting sleeves slack and focus on the toe measurement.
Any tips or tricks?
Can I do this without changing toe/alignment or is that not possible?
I was planning on duplicating the old and measuring from center of grease fitting to center of grease fitting both left and right. I also plan to sharpie my rims and pull a precise of a toe measurement as possible. With this I'm wondering if it's worth the trouble of precisely duplicating the old linkage or just leave my adjusting sleeves slack and focus on the toe measurement.
Any tips or tricks?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 21,253
Likes: 1,656
From: Reynoldsburg, Ohio
You'll not achieve precise toe setting by any method other than an alignment rack. There are those who do achieve adequate for them results but doing that much work without verifying the results isn't the best approach. Tire wear would be a big concern but since this is your vehicle do as you feel is best or the budget allows.
Another benefit to finding a competent alignment mechanic is the can inspect the entire steering system and advise if the ball joints etc need attention.
Good luck!
Another benefit to finding a competent alignment mechanic is the can inspect the entire steering system and advise if the ball joints etc need attention.
Good luck!
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2019
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I'll be replacing everything in between the pitman arm to the spindle. Hope I'm covered there, on Rockauto they're listed as inner/outer, left/right tie rod ends. There's another listing for the drag link but it's identical to one of the inner tie rods.
I've already done all 4 ball joints which frankly was much less challenging than I had anticipated.
Hopefully this gets rid of a front end clunk I've had since owning the van 30k ago. Regardless it shimmies a bit in turns and all tie rods are easy to rotate back and forth by hand. No real 2-3 o'clock play though or back and forth movement in the linkage. There is a bit of slop in the steering though.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,269
Likes: 129
From: Missouri
The "drag link"?
I'll be replacing everything in between the pitman arm to the spindle. Hope I'm covered there, on Rockauto they're listed as inner/outer, left/right tie rod ends. There's another listing for the drag link but it's identical to one of the inner tie rods.
I've already done all 4 ball joints which frankly was much less challenging than I had anticipated.
Hopefully this gets rid of a front end clunk I've had since owning the van 30k ago. Regardless it shimmies a bit in turns and all tie rods are easy to rotate back and forth by hand. No real 2-3 o'clock play though or back and forth movement in the linkage. There is a bit of slop in the steering though.
I'll be replacing everything in between the pitman arm to the spindle. Hope I'm covered there, on Rockauto they're listed as inner/outer, left/right tie rod ends. There's another listing for the drag link but it's identical to one of the inner tie rods.
I've already done all 4 ball joints which frankly was much less challenging than I had anticipated.
Hopefully this gets rid of a front end clunk I've had since owning the van 30k ago. Regardless it shimmies a bit in turns and all tie rods are easy to rotate back and forth by hand. No real 2-3 o'clock play though or back and forth movement in the linkage. There is a bit of slop in the steering though.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 7
From: NE Tennessee
Do you know if your alignment is good now? You would have to have a good starting point to be able to match up and be close.
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Cross-Country
Joined: Jan 2019
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It's in spec now to my knowledge. I had an alignment after I changed the ball joints and got new tires, Cooper AT3. I definitely do not want to kill my tires as they probably have 30k left on them.
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