I just failed inspection because the "tire rods" on the front passenger side need replacing in my 2000 4wd 5.9L D. Are these hard to replace my self? They want $70 labor plus parts and since I recently lost a job, I do not have the $70 to spend.

 

VS:
Tie rods in general are not that hard to replace. Since you have an 00 D, I believe you have rack and pinion steering. As such, the outer TRs are pretty easy. You detach the outer end from the steering knuckle by removing a bolt, then unscrew the other end from the threaded rod that attaches it to the inner TR. (You may need a pickle fork to separate the two. Places like AZ will loan or sell the tool) Be sure to count the threads so you can get it back as closely as possible to the same location. You may want to get the alignment chacked after the install to make sure it is good to go.
If it is the inner TR, they are a bit harder to replace due to their location, but the process is the same. FYI, the dealer will tell you that if the inner TR is bad, they recommend replacing the whole rack which is crazy unless it is leaking. Places like Napa sell the inner TRs for $15-$25 ea.

Hope this helps. I have done several outer TRs, but never an inner.

Don

 

The place told me $135 to replace the tire rods, and do the alingment. The alingment alone is $40 and I guess thats the only part I can not do? If I could get away with $15-25 in parts, and do all the labor myself that be great.