I know my truck needs an alignment. My question is this: Should I replace the inner and outer tie rods or anything else before I do the alignment? I bought the truck with 80,000 and I've never touched either of them. I would really like to redo the front end but I've never done this before.. Any suggestions?

 

The alignment is the only part you can't really do yourself....... Check all your front end parts first, see what needs replaced, and take it from there. Most of the slop in your steering is probably your steering box. Not the best units when new....

 

Important thing though is to replace those parts before you get the alignment. Even if you measure and count threads your alignment will not stay correct. Tie rods are cheap just replace them. 80,000 miles on them, consider yourself lucky, now you're just on borrowed time.

 

I would replace any and all of the tie rods. ball joints, and other suspensiona and steering parts that are even close to being worn - that you can afford to do. Collectively, it will improve ride and handling after the alignment, and as stated by others, any of this work being done afterwards will require another alignment.

 

can I get all of these new parts in a kit? Like a front end rebuild kit?

 

I did not find a kit when I dod mine. Just bought all the components. I made a parts list to take with me from the parts manual in the FAQ/DIY section to make sure I had everything. Not much worse than getting it torn down and missing one piece!