Replacing tie rods parts list

[Waystro]

I'm looking at replacing all my tie rods so what do I need.
Left upper-lower tie rod ends
Right upper-lower tie rod ends
2 adjusting sleeves
And 2 tie rods
Is that all I need?

 

[madpogue]

That's pretty-much it. My shortcut method - Build the whole new assembly, Measure distances between the joints on the existing assembly on the truck. Adjust the sleeves on the new assembly to match the measurements. Knock the old assembly off the truck at the pitman arm and the knuckles. Favorite ball joint tool - http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-joint-separator-99849.html . Install the new assembly; joint studs should line up pretty good. This allows you "back out" (reinstall the old assembly) if you need to, and gets the front-end close enough to drive it to an alignment shop.

 

[lotzagoodstuff]

Or you could measure and/or. count the turns to remove the old ones.

Either way, get yourself a set of cheapo digital calipers and you'll get close enough to get to the alignment shop.

 

[madpogue]

Counting the turns works only if ALL parts are exactly the same length, and have exactly the same number of threads cut into them. If you're buying the sleeves anyway (they're cheap enough), there's no point in taking apart the old setup. Esp. given the very real chance the old adjusters will be rusted / seized.

 

[Waystro]

So all I need is......
Left inner
Left outer
Right inner
Right outer
2 adjusting sleeves
Tie rods ?? Do I need to replace these are is just the ends fine?
Also there 25mm and 22mm threads my truck is all stock but I don't know what size threads it has did the 86 F-250 come with 22mm or 25mm?

And icanfixall had a thread about the slip joint with pics but I can't find so can anybody post link?

 

[franklin2]

I agree, counting turns usually does not work. If you have grease fittings on the joints, measure from grease fitting to grease fitting. Having done it several ways several different times, that's the way that works the best. If it doesn't have a grease fitting, then try to measure to the center of the joint where the grease fitting would be. Like someone mentioned, you can't even go from end to end because different brands have different diameter housings.

Some of the stores do call them inner and outer tie rod ends, but technically you will be buying the whole long draglink when you buy the inner joints.

 

[Waystro]

I agree, counting turns usually does not work. If you have grease fittings on the joints, measure from grease fitting to grease fitting. Having done it several ways several different times, that's the way that works the best. If it doesn't have a grease fitting, then try to measure to the center of the joint where the grease fitting would be. Like someone mentioned, you can't even go from end to end because different brands have different diameter housings.

Some of the stores do call them inner and outer tie rod ends, but technically you will be buying the whole long draglink when you buy the inner joints.

Thanks this is confusing! Trucks at a friends and I'm 300 miles from them I wanted to order the parts on line but don't know the thread size so I might have to go too the parts store

Rock auto just list them as inner outer.
With no option for a drag link. It's 2wd BTW.

 

[franklin2]

The "inner" comes built onto the draglink. The outer will be about 8 inches long, the inner will be about 24 inches long or longer.

 

[Waystro]

I've searched but can't find any info so my 86 2wd needs tie rods but I don't know if the thread size is 22mm or 25mm any help on this would be awesome

 

[Waystro]

You must be registered for see images attach

Is this all I need?

 

[OLDBULL8]

Here is what Azone has, but don't show thread size.

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-...-6-9l-diesel/419854_674826_10622/#tab-fitment

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-...-6-9l-diesel/419854_674826_10622/#tab-fitment

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-...-4-ton-p-u-2wd/1986/8-cylinders-1-6-9l-diesel

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-...-4-ton-p-u-2wd/1986/8-cylinders-1-6-9l-diesel

 

[Waystro]

Here is what Azone has, but don't show thread size.

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-...-6-9l-diesel/419854_674826_10622/#tab-fitment

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-...-6-9l-diesel/419854_674826_10622/#tab-fitment

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-...-4-ton-p-u-2wd/1986/8-cylinders-1-6-9l-diesel

http://www.autozone.com/suspension-...-4-ton-p-u-2wd/1986/8-cylinders-1-6-9l-diesel

Wow kudos I'll give it a look thanks

 

[direwulf23]

The right inner Rod is sometimes referred to as the connecting Rod or main Rod, Right?
Is this one of those things that if you work on one side you should do both our can you rightfully replace just one piece?

 

[Waystro]

The right inner Rod is sometimes referred to as the connecting Rod or main Rod, Right?
Is this one of those things that if you work on one side you should do both our can you rightfully replace just one piece?

I would go ahead and do both since your already investing time and labor
And your going to have to get a alignment anyways.

$150 for tie rods is way more than I want to spend but it's knowing I won't have to replace them for another hundred thousand miles