Inner and outer tie rod ends
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Middle of nowhere
Inner and outer tie rod ends
Hey guys. So I have to replace the inner and outer tie rod ends and the idler arm on my 1994 Dakota. I have a chilton that BLOWS and has no info in it. Is there anywhere y'all go that has good schematics for these things? Its been a couple years since I have done tie rod ends and I was hoping to take a look at something before diving head in. Thanks!
-J
-J
Champion
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 4,737
Likes: 374
From: Northwest Louisiana
You may want to download the factory service manual from the link in the forum here first, and check that out.
I'm not sure what you mean by "schematic" on these. I gather your truck is a 4x4, not 2WD, right? If so, tie rods are pretty much the same as ever - big hint is to adjust the new pair to the same length as the old pair before you swap them out (if you don't have new adjusting sleeves, just count the # of turns you turn a end out, thread the new one in the same # of turns).
I do have a tool I like for these joints to break them free - the Harbor Freight unit is found at http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...tor-99849.html . Just tighten it up until it gets tight, then whack the flat on the knuckle or drag link with a BFH to knock it free.
My biggest recommendation is - don't cheap out!
I mean, if you shop around for the best price on the good Moog part (hint: They sell one that's their old design, and then a cheaper one that's a CCC (Cheap Chinee Crap) unit), that's one thing. But buying a $5 Dae Yong part instead of a $25 Moog, AC Delco, or Raybestos Pro Grade is ... not smart. (No, I've not seen Dae Yong in front end parts. I DID see hard drives with that brand back in the 1980's though ... and yes, they did.)
Check out Advance's prices on line, and also RockAuto's prices. Big hint there - buy Advance on line, use the discount coupons available, and then pick up at the store. Other parts houses sometimes have good on line order discounts and will STILL let you pick up in the store - check all that out for the best price on the quality stuff. I'd stay away from house brand, though.
RwP
I'm not sure what you mean by "schematic" on these. I gather your truck is a 4x4, not 2WD, right? If so, tie rods are pretty much the same as ever - big hint is to adjust the new pair to the same length as the old pair before you swap them out (if you don't have new adjusting sleeves, just count the # of turns you turn a end out, thread the new one in the same # of turns).
I do have a tool I like for these joints to break them free - the Harbor Freight unit is found at http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-qua...tor-99849.html . Just tighten it up until it gets tight, then whack the flat on the knuckle or drag link with a BFH to knock it free.
My biggest recommendation is - don't cheap out!
I mean, if you shop around for the best price on the good Moog part (hint: They sell one that's their old design, and then a cheaper one that's a CCC (Cheap Chinee Crap) unit), that's one thing. But buying a $5 Dae Yong part instead of a $25 Moog, AC Delco, or Raybestos Pro Grade is ... not smart. (No, I've not seen Dae Yong in front end parts. I DID see hard drives with that brand back in the 1980's though ... and yes, they did.)
Check out Advance's prices on line, and also RockAuto's prices. Big hint there - buy Advance on line, use the discount coupons available, and then pick up at the store. Other parts houses sometimes have good on line order discounts and will STILL let you pick up in the store - check all that out for the best price on the quality stuff. I'd stay away from house brand, though.
RwP
