Tie rod time

[96GreenMachine]

All my tie rods are completely shot. So tomorrow I'm buying all new ones to put on while I've got the truck on stands. My main question is are there any big things I need to pay attention to, or can I just put them back following the way I took them apart and I'll be fine? Also I'm replacing the pitman arm and is there anything to watch out for on that?

[ChinookFE]

Make sure you secure the steering wheel to keep it from turning when you have it all apart.  IIRC, letting it spin freely can mess up a clock spring in the wheel and render your airbag useless.


I've actually had a whole set of tie rods sitting at the house for almost a year.  I was waiting to get more front end parts so I only have to tear it down once.  Hopefully, I can get it done in the next few weeks. Or at the G2G if there is time and space and I can get my truck up there.

[Scott91370]

Make sure you secure the steering wheel to keep it from turning when you have it all apart.  IIRC, letting it spin freely can mess up a clock spring in the wheel and render your airbag useless.

That is correct.  I learned the hard way when my daughter decided to "drive" while I had the parts off. 

Easy on-easy off.  If you measure the distance from end to end before you take it apart the toe will be close enough to not give you any issues when you drive to get the alignment.

Edit: Rent a GOOD pitman arm puller.  Makes taking it off much easier.  I live in the south so I don't worry about the salt/rust and mine came off very easy.

[96GreenMachine]

I bought a puller for like ten bucks at work and got the arm off in like fifteen mins. New drop arm is on, all the tie rods are in place but not tightened yet. Installed the adjustable trac bar bracket, had the rotors turned today and got new pads. Plan to work on it a bit more tomorrow after work. Then hopefully wrap it all up on Sunday.