Lube your tie rod ends!!!!!

[Red360]

Last night as I was installing my new DT Track bar, I noticed how the tie rod ends are "sealed" for life. What I did was convert them so I can now grease them. The tools needed are; number 3 drill bit and a 1/4 x 28 tap. All you have to do is center punch the back side of the tie rod end and coat the drill bit with grease to keep any metal filings from getting into the rod end. It took about five minutes to do each one. You will need to remove the rod end from the drag link so you can drill it. It comes out really easy using a brass drift so you don't screw up the threads. Each rod end needed at least 5 squirts of the grease gun to "puff" out the boot. I wish I could do the same for the universals!!?!

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2000 24V, 6-speed, Flame Red, Agate leather, 3500 QC, 4X4, SLT+, 4:10's, LSD, AMSOIL Air/Oil filters and all Fluids, 275 RV squirters, S. S. nerf bars, Line-x, Autometer Ultralites Pyro/Boost gauges, MOPAR tow hooks, Rancho 5000 steering Stabilizer, Rickson 19. 5's with Cooper C-140's, Sky-Jacker 2 1/2" lift in front, Upper & Lower control arms, DT Pro Fab track bar.

 

[dresslered]

I know that I am going to get many people to disagree with me, but the new "sealed for life" tie rods have much tighter tolerances than the traditional tie rods and use a special grease. They will last much longer if left untouched.

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David Dressler
2001 Driftwood 3500 Quad Cab 4x4, 155 inch WB, HO Cummins ETH/DEE, SLT+, 3. 54 LSD, Camper Special, Trailer Tow, Heated Leather, Sliding Window, Jacob's E-Brake, Rhino Liner, VDO Vision (pyro, boost, engine + diff. temp. ), Autometer Ultra-Lite (electric fuel pressure, vacuum), Weather Guard Diamond Plate Saddle Box, Tork Lift camper tie-downs, Mag-Hytec, Mopar Tow Hooks, SmittyBilt Outland Sport Bumper Gaurd, 2-LO kit, AND functional Halo light!
Bigfoot 3000 10. 11 Slide-in Camper. "Do it in a Dually"

 

[Tutt]

Truck was pulling to the right--took it to dealer to get alignment checked [the only place around here with an alignment machine large enough for a 3500]. Anyway the guy found the right out side tie rod had3/8 to a1/4 inch play. I told him to go ahead and replace both sides with new ones. when he finished and gave me the bill,tie rod ends $143. 00 apiece!!!! I LIKED TO HAVE FELL OUT!!!! When I got home I checked a couple of parts stores [napa,daps,pep boys etc] nobody has alisting for tie rods for a 98 and up Dodge 3500 Ram. 98 tie rod ends daps-$35 napa-$50 and pep boys$35. Only place to get any is at the STEALER---something about the patent--they will not let any body else make any!!!

Don

 

[tmacc]

I just had an issue w/ my dealer over tie rod ends. At 23k My right one was loose. The dealer said that it was within tolerances (they can't change it till it's over . 070" = scoash over 1/16") as spec by DC. I could not believe this thing was in spec w/ the amount of slop in the steering, but they would not change it.

The service manager said that when they have a truck that is out of warranty they go down to the local auto parts store and get after market tie rod ends. He said that even if they had changed it, it may have had the same amount of play. So much for special grease and tight tolerances.