{Steering} bad tie rod end? -- pic

[monterey1962]

It doesn't seem to be loose. Is that gap larger than it should be?

[Paul_]

i could be wrong, but it looks like the boot has deteriotated. the spacing looks correct, but the boot looks thrashed :geek2:

[phayzer5]

that grease is nothing compared to my old front end

[mrltd]

The dust boot is gone...get a new one before that thing get worn too bad.

[85crownHPP]

with that much crud on it, Id replace the whole tie rod, since you have to take the ball joint loose to replace the boot anyway.

Its an easy job with a pickle fork. Just count the number of turns to take it off, and put the new one on the same number for turns - that will keep the alingnment good enough to get it to an alignment shop.

[monterey1962]

Here's the drivers' side:

I pulled on the Pass.' side with the tire off the ground. Even tapped it with the hammer. Didn't seem to go anywhere that it's not supposed to.

[85crownHPP]

I'd do both even though that one doesnt look bad.
When the time comes to do one of mine, I plan to replace all 4 (inner and outer) with new sleves as well.

[monterey1962]

When the time comes to do one of mine, I plan to replace all 4 (inner and outer) with new sleves as well.

That doesn't sound like a bad idea. All at once and only need one alignment.

Btw, those are probably the original ones on my '88.

[monterey1962]

Just checked NAPA online:

--tie rod ends: ~$32/each x 4 = ~$130
--sleeves: ~$20/each x 2 = ~$40

Total parts: ~$170 + $50 for alignment = ~$220.

Ouch. But it's better than loosing control at 65 mph 'cause of an old part.

[Stu]

Just checked NAPA online:

--tie rod ends: ~$32/each x 4 = ~$130
--sleeves: ~$20/each x 2 = ~$40

Total parts: ~$170 + $50 for alignment = ~$220.

Ouch. But it's better than loosing control at 65 mph 'cause of an old part.

You can get Motorcraft tie rod ends for $25/ea and Moog sleeves for $14/ea from RockAuto. I'd say it is a safe bet that it's cheaper even with shipping.

[85crownHPP]

and think how much a shop would charge you for those same parts, and labor to install!
Doing them all at onces makes the job easier too.

[Paul_]

$170 for 4 tierods and sleeves

it only cost me $90 to do all 4 tie-rods and sleeves on Shifty

[monterey1962]

That price was from a quick check online.

What I'll do is check with Ford and CarQuest. The guys at CarQuest have had the best service and almost always have parts on hand.

Honestly, I don't mind paying a couple bucks more for a part if the service is really good, but that's just me.

[monterey1962]

RockAuto

Holy crap! That site is nice.

[gadget73]

I think I got mine for like $24 each, but I'm not pleased with them. Less than a year old and one of the dust boots is split. Spicer brand. Not impressed.

When I rebuild the front end I'm going to replace them and the sleeves, along with the pitman arm, idler arm and drag link just so everything under there will be new. I might do the steering box at this time too if we can nail down the specifics on use of a newer PI steering gear on a box.