2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New drag link & tie rod link install tips

[Diesel Dick]

I am about to install new drag link and tie rod links? I am pretty handy at doing this type of work. However I can use any tips on maintaining the alingment, etc. The shop manual does not go into great detail on how to go about the task. Has anybody out there done this job? If so wouold you be so kind to give me any heads ups to make the job easier. this will pretty much replace the entire fornt end in the last 25K miles. I now have 152K on the truck.

PS. Its a 98. 5 4X4 Quard cab.

 

[JerryB]

Jack up the whole front end, and put a mark on both front tires. Measure the distance between the marks when they are both forward, and again when they are both back. When you put in the new tie-rod ends, adjust to get the same measurements.



JB

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by Diesel Dick

I am about to install new drag link and tie rod links? I am pretty handy at doing this type of work. However I can use any tips on maintaining the alingment, etc. The shop manual does not go into great detail on how to go about the task. Has anybody out there done this job? If so wouold you be so kind to give me any heads ups to make the job easier. this will pretty much replace the entire fornt end in the last 25K miles. I now have 152K on the truck.

PS. Its a 98. 5 4X4 Quard cab.

A neat trick I use when checking Toe is to use a pair of aluminum tubes fitted together so they slide in and out. You make two of them. One for the front measure and one for the rear. Just slide them out to touch the tire and lock in the setting with a hose clamp. Its alot easier checking the space than trying to hold a measuring tape between the tires.

 

[Diesel Dick]

grtescpa,

that sounds like a neat trick. My wife will probably be missing a couple of curtain rods for a day or so. Last time I installed some curtains for her I seam to remember a few that work sort of that way.