2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Help on replacing tie rods

[LLittell]

I have a 2000 Dodge Ram Cummings. I need to replace all my front end tie rods (4).



1. When shopping parts, they say there are "inner", "outer", "upper" and "lower". What are they referring to? The prices are all over the board!



2. How do you remove and replace them? Any tips or tricks?

 

[SRath]

2wd or 4wd? You need to give a little more info. Also, Rockauto is a good place to go online and get part numbers and good prices and customer service. There are others, too, but I like Rockauto for probably 90% of my parts buying.

It does get a little confusing on the 4wd dodges with Y-style steering when parts references use "upper and lower" to describe the steering linkage. Use this link to TDR member CumminsPower98's webpage for what is probably the best explanation of the difference between factory Y-style steering linkage and the available upgrade to much better T-style. He gives very good photos and part numbers. This is if your truck is 4wd.

Ram Modifications

You will need to get an aftermarket steering damper mounting kit if you do the conversion. No big deal and well worth it.

 

[rluft]

I rebuilt my stock tierods with Luke's Links. It's easy to do and rebuildable in the future. I have a set of tools to remove various front end parts but the tool that I used for the tierods is shaped like a D with a bolt in the curved part or the D and a slot in the middle of the straight part. Loosen the nut on the tierod, place the tool and tighten the bolt and the tierod should pop off.



Outer tierods are next to the wheel. Right inner attaches to Pitman arm and left inner I believe has a long bar and steering stabalizer attaches to it.



I have bought from Rock Auto and they seem to be a good place to get good deals on replactement parts.