tie rod ends - inner vs outer?

[Kevin]

How do I tell which is which? One is loose on my 2000, and needs immediate replacement.

Gotta know which one to order.

Are these difficult to change, such as in a home garage, or should I leave this to the pros?

 

[SoonerLS]

The outer tie rod end is the part with the ball joint on it (ie, the part that connects to the steering knuckle). It's probably the one that's loose--the inner tie rod end is just a rod with threads on btoh ends.
You can see a diagram of it on Team Ford's Parts site:
http://www.trademotion.com/partloca...r=2004&graphicID=FIP050&callout=3&catalogid=1
I have no idea how difficult it is to change on the LS, but they're not nromally all that difficult to replace. An alignment is mandatory after replacing a tie rod, though.

 

[Kevin]

Hey, COOL site! That's a bookmarker for sure.

Thanks for the tip.

Had the car in again this week, they swear the tie rod is fine and that it's just a ball joint (but that's another thread). Yet my brother (licensed mechanic) swears that the tie rod is buggered too.

Oh well, he's doing the ball joints next weekend and can recheck the tie rod.

Thanks again.

 

[SoonerLS]

Don't forget that Team Ford is an LvC sponsor, and LvC members get a discount on parts. If you have any questions, look up Bill Jenkins; he goes by TeamFord around here.

 

[Clown2theleft]

Tir Rod Ends

Tip:

When replacing outer tie rod ends, loosen the jam nut only 1/2 turn or so.

Seperate from knuckle using either a pickle fork or a BFH on the knuckle itself--not the tie rod.

Then, while removing the tie rod, count the number of rotations it takes to get the thing off, then screw on the new one the same number.

You'll still have to have the toe set on an alignment rack after, but this will get you close enough so you can drive it over there...

Best,

--The Clown to the Left