I have an issue that I am not sure what part is bad, maybe an inner tie rod... I have been hearing a squeak/binding like noise when I turn the wheel to the left. It has progressively worsened and the noise was embarrassing in a parking lot or stop light so in the barn it went today. Now I have zeroed in on the area but my manual does not tell me what part it is. On the left side toward the center of the truck the area in the rubber boot that is connected to the outer tie rod. There must be a u-joint or tie rod inside the boot as I hear a clunk with the truck lifted off the floor on that side and for sure it’s in there. I squeezed the boot and was able to reduce the clunk.
So for the big question: What is that part and can it be replaced easily or is it an item to take to the stealer for repair???

 

Sounds like you may be talking about the outer, boot covered area of the steering gear?

 

It’s the part inside the boot that you can see in the illustration that I can’t seem to picture! I would assume it’s an inner tie rod but not sure what it would take to replace since I can’t picture it.
I assume that the inner tie rod screws directly into the rack?

 

Perhaps...hope this helps...

Service and Repair

Inner Tie Rod

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Removal

CAUTION: The steering gear boots and clamps are designed to produce an airtight seal and protect the internal components of the steering gear. If the seal is not airtight, the vacuum generated during turning will draw water and contamination into the gear, causing premature damage.

CAUTION: Zip ties do not provide an airtight seal and must not be used.

CAUTION: The inner tie-rod ball joint grease is not compatible with water, and contamination trapped in the grease will degrade the life of the joint.

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer Maintenance/Service and Repair.
2. Loosen the outer tie-rod end lock nut.
3. Remove the outer tie-rod end nut.

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1. Using the special tool, separate the outer tie-rod end from the wheel knuckle.
2. NOTE: Note the number of times the outer tie-rod ends turn for reference during assembly. Remove the outer tie-rod end.
3. Remove the outer tie-rod end lock nut from the inner tie-rod.
4. Remove the outer boot clamp.
5. Remove and discard the inner boot clamp.
6. CAUTION: If present, the orientation of the vent tube must be noted so the boots and vent tubes can be installed in the correct location. Remove the steering gear boot.
7. If removing the RH inner tie-rod, position the LH outer boot clamp from the LH steering gear boot.
8. If removing the RH inner tie-rod, remove and discard the inner boot clamp and position the LH steering gear boot aside to gain access to the rack gear.

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1. CAUTION: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 15/16 inch crowfoot on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during the removal of the inner tie-rod. NOTE: An assistant may be needed for removal of the RH inner tie-rod. Using the special tool, remove the inner tie-rod.

Installation

1. CAUTION: Thoroughly remove any abrasive material. This material is extremely harmful to the steering gear. Thoroughly clean and inspect all parts to be reused. Replace any parts as necessary.

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1. CAUTION: Place the steering gear at the center position. Use a 15/16 inch crowfoot on the flat of the rack gear to resist rotation and to prevent damage during the removal of the inner tie-rod. NOTE: An assistant may be needed for installation of the RH inner tie-rod. Using the special tool, install the inner tie-rod.

1. NOTE: Lubricate the inner tie-rod grooves with steering gear grease where the steering gear boot is clamped. Install the steering gear boot.
2. Using the special tool, install the inner boot clamp.
3. If installing the RH inner tie-rod, position the LH steering gear boot onto the steering gear.
4. If installing the RH inner tie-rod, use the special tool and install the LH inner boot clamp.
5. NOTE: Make sure the end of the boot is positioned between the groove on the inner tie-rod or an internal leak can result. If installing the RH inner tie-rod, position the LH outer boot clamp onto the LH steering gear boot.
6. NOTE: Make sure the end of the boot is positioned between the groove on the inner tie-rod or an internal leak can result. Install the outer boot clamp.
7. Install the outer tie-rod end lock nut on the inner tie-rod.
8. Install the outer tie-rod end and the outer tie-rod end nut.

1. Tighten the outer tie-rod end lock nut.

1. (Check and if necessary, align the front end.

 

Hummmm. Looks like 8 & 9 must be a misprint.
I wounder if a socket be used instead of a crowfoot tool? Don't have them...
C frame and screw may be replaced by a c clamp...
Not sure about the inner tie rod socket tool. I will have to give this one some thought as I am in un chartered teritory... Getting near that steering gear makes me a little uncertain.
Thanks for the illustrations. You gave me a bit to chew on. I bet I could save myself a hundred in labor by trying this myself...