Hey Everyone,
I have been a member for a while but this is my first thread. I greatly enjoy reading everyone's projects!

I went yesterday to get my truck inspected, and they said I have a bad front right tie rod. They said just the outer rod is bad. I did a search but nothing much came up (maybe I missed something). Who has replaced theirs? What brands do you suggest? I don't want to put a cheap one on that wont last me. The shop wants $255 do replace it. Figure I would just do it my self. Thanks for your help!

 

welcome. Rock Auto my friend. http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

you can get front outer tie rods for as cheap as $15, a little more for better quality (I would recommend getting greasable ones and just replace both at the same time). Simple to install. I just put an outer tierod on my Mustang last night. Took all of 15 minutes. DO NOT pay $255. All you need is a couple of wrenches/sockets and a bfh.

 

And count the threads to get a close enough alignment...

An actual alignment shouldn't cost must either

 

true, true....forgot about that part...

 

I just replaced my tie rod ends on Tuesday with a total investment of $160 after tax and shipping. $80 for the Moog tie rod ends from Rockauto.com, and $80 for a front end alignment from the dealer. You dont even need a puller. I used an impact to remove the bolt, an air-hammer on the side of the spindle to get the tapered end of the tie rod to fall out of the spindle, and then it just unscrews. Simplest install. First thing Wednesday morning I got an alignment. I wouldnt drive more than 10 miles without an alignment if you like your tires ....

 

Rengnath: I was looking at the Moogs, they are going for about $60 at my local Advance Auto. I should be installing them this weekend.
I'm also going to get the truck aligned when i get it re-inspected on Monday.
Thanks for the advice, looks like it will be an easy job!

 

Order each tie rod end seperatly at advance and do an in store pickup with promo code ES123 .... Good for $20 off of $50

 

this is a different year but its exactly the same process. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEh_BalO1e4

 

Forget counting threads, just take some spray paint it before you take off the old ones, it will give you a perfect line to go to.

 

Thanks for that, but it didn't work lol