Tie rod ends

[Agnem]

I was greasing the chassis on the Moose Wagon (02' Excursion) the other day, and I noticed, much to my dismay, that this front end does not have tie rod ends per sey, but rather then entire drag link and front steering bar ARE the tie rod ends. :***:

So... how much more do these beauties cost than the customary tie rod end, and how does one go about changing them to preserve the alignment? I'm sure mine will need replacement soon.

 

[82F100SWB]

This is very much standard fare, the 97 and older F350's are the same way, as are the old solid axle Chevys.
From what I remember of my 00, prices aren't out of line at all. The only really expensive one is the long side of the tie rod, the pass end and drag link are pretty much in line with an older TTB truck.

 

[Agnem]

Well that's good to know. But I'm guessing you obviously have to swap the whole thing out (not that you shouldn't anyway) so how do you preserve the alignment?

 

[82F100SWB]

Due to the relatively simple nature of a solid axle, all you need to worry about when you replace the tie rod is your toe in, and 2 people and a measuring tape are all you need for that.
All that the adjustment on the drag link really effects is steering wheel position.
Personally I mark the old part where the adjuster sleeve sat(if it isn't obvious thanks to rust) and sit it beside the new part, and mark the threads on it in at the same distance from the center of the rod end. This usually gives a good place to start, and is much better counting turns.