Found my new favorite tie rod tool!

[TXResponder]

I finally changed the factory tie rods on my 2008 Expy. (Yes, 18 years along the line.) I used a rental tool on the passenger side (that long crowfoot thing), but the drivers side was amazingly seized on there. I found this precision pipe wrench at Lowes since nothing else worked. I didn't want to do heat, since it's pretty close to the CV boot, and I was limited to what was immediately available near me due to a time crunch. This was probably the most stuck nut I've encountered in years!



It's definitely a tool I'll be keeping around for future jobs! Part number is Kobalt #54268. It has far more grip compared to a normal pipe wrench, which also translates to less busted knuckles. Adjustment increments are ratcheting clicks, which lock into place and don't loosen (my problem with the normal pipe wrench). I remember I used to have a tool for this that bolted around the nut, but in a pinch this was perfect.

 

[TXResponder]

Specifically the inner, I forgot to mention. It's a 1 1/2 end on the sleeve of the ball joint.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I’ve never changed an inner tie rod. I’ve done lots of outers on different vehicles.

I’ve got 194k miles and 11 years on my steering/suspension (minus the shocks). I’ve been thinking of replacing it.

 

[TXResponder]

I’ve never changed an inner tie rod. I’ve done lots of outers on different vehicles.

I’ve got 194k miles and 11 years on my steering/suspension (minus the shocks). I’ve been thinking of replacing it.

My theory is that nothing needs replacing unless it's actually giving you issues. Is yours giving you problems?

 

[ExplorerTom]

My theory is that nothing needs replacing unless it's actually giving you issues. Is yours giving you problems?

Just the nearly 200k miles.

Something is loose in the front of mine. Pretty sure it’s the front right. I get a little jingle jangle from time to time.

So I’ve been thinking of replacing the ENTIRE front suspension. I replaced an upper control arm last summer while I was replacing an axle seal. I cut open the boot on the ball joint: dust came out. All other joints appear to be OK, but 200k miles.

 

[Trainmaster]

If you're going to install a $65 Chinese "front end kit" from Amazon, you're better off keeping the 200,000-mile Canadian Motorcraft one.

You can probably use lower ball joints though. You know how to check them, right?

 

[ExplorerTom]

If you're going to install a $65 Chinese "front end kit" from Amazon, you're better off keeping the 200,000-mile Canadian Motorcraft one.

You can probably use lower ball joints though. You know how to check them, right?

Dollar General has a kit that caught my eye.

 

[TXResponder]

Dollar General has a kit that caught my eye.

Apparently not everything at Dollar General is a dollar, which makes me concerned about the quality if they can't even get the name right!

Also, I conveniently had my lower ball joint on one side fail last week. I am pretty satisfied with Mevotech Supreme and Mevotech TTX, which I have on my Expy currently for front/rear LBJ/CA assemblies and sway bar links.