2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission tie rod end discussion wanted

[RedSled]

There does not seem to be much discussion on this boaard about tie rod ends. However there are hundreds of posts about the track bar. I have replaced my track bar recently, and I noticed that now I need to replace all my tie rod ends.



Does the lack of discussion on tie rod ends mean most people don't have a problem with their tie rods?



what products or brands of ends are people using.



has anyone used lukes products? do they work well. most posts on the trackbar say this works well for it. what about all the other places?



Who else makes heavy duty ends for our trucks?



What about the adjusting sleeve? does it make sense to replace this or is that only done if it is bent?

 

[Clinton]

I'll take a shot at this, but I'm no expert, so feel free to comment.



The TR ends don't seem to be as problematic as other steering components. Pretty easy to check on too. Drop them from the knuckle and check for slop or binding. If they're smooth, then they're fine. They are the only thing on the truck that has grease zerks... ahh haa... may be why they don't seem to be very problematic. Sloppy TR ends will often pop during turns to clue you in that they're failing. With the known problems of the trac bar, steering shaft, and steering box it's not too surprising you don't hear much about the TR ends. As you know, they're pretty simple and have been in automotive use for ever (tougher for DC to mess up).



I checked on availability when I did my track bar and you can find the short driver side all day long (Napa, etc. ), but the long one on the passenger side, which is basically a drag link extension, is another story. I never found one (in stock) and assumed the dealer was the only place, but I didn't look into it any farther, mine were okay. Besides that, the prices were quite high. I've found you need to be careful with the threads on the ball-studs; they're easily damaged. I would think the only reason to replace the adjustment sleeve would be if it were damaged.

 

[Jeff Knight]

My 95 had 199,000 miles on it when I sold it. It still had the origional TR ends. I greased them at every oil change. My 02 doesn't have grease fittings. I'll be changing them someday. Jeff

 

[David_VT]

Just ordered a set of 5 luke's links

The Green Monster just failed it's inspection due to tie rods being way out of spec.



I just ordered a set of 5 of the luke's links, hoping that it will be a less expensive and longer lasting solution for my 90% dirt road life.



I greased the existing darn things so much I thought I would ruin those boots but when the mechanic showed them to me today I could see rust on the zirk fittings and way too much play in the joints.



If I was not the one to grease them last fall I'd swear they were never greased. The mechanic tried to make me feel better by saying I must have used the wrong grease... .



I spent some time on the phone today and decided to make the leap of faith on the Luke's Links for the entire front end.



There is some concern that my studs might be too worn but the consensus seems to be that the sockets are probably more worn than the ball on the studs.



Next will be the power steering pump for it's second replacement. I'm going through about 2 bottles of fluid every month... Just waiting for solid warm weather to get to that job.

 

[cpollard]

211,000 still going strong

 

[stg2500]

I just had to have the tie rod ends and drag link extension replaced under the extended warranty. my truck would not go down the road straight without constantly moving the steering wheel side to side. Since i had the extended warranty I went with the OEM replacement. Otherwise I would have gone for the Lukes links.



My truck has 55,000, a little too young to get the front end rebuilt. But i guess that is what you get with the lifetime greased ends.

 

[Extreme1]

Replaced the right tie rod end last fall with a Luke's link. The only concern I have about it is the lack of a good seal like the original boots provide. 250,000 miles last week!

 

[HEMI®Dart]

120,000 miles on the OEM Tie rod ends. Greased w/ Amsoil monthly.

 

[PWeber]

FYI, I just replaced the pass. side outer "long" tie rod end last week. Got it at Parts America for $89. I them put the "Lukes Link" on my trackbar yesterday. After doing it I realized you could use the Lukes Link on the tie rod too, though for $89 the tie rod was not that much more. As an FYI I ordered the Lukes Link from adds I saw on here for $49. I did not even ask what he was charging me on the phone when I ordered as he asked where I saw it and I said TDR. Anyhow, I checked my bank card online and he jabbed me for $69. Thi shipping on the box said $4. 50.