2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tie Rod question

[John Berger]

Should I be able to put my hands around the tie rod on my truck and be able to get a significant amount of movement just by twisting them in an up and down motion? Should I get any movement at all? I noticed both tie rods move quite a bit when I grasp them and put just a little effort into moving them. Does this mean they are worn or just loosened up? The truck has 101K miles and these are the original tie rods and ends. I've been noticing an intermittent vibration since last summer. TIA

 

[Idaho Native]

John,



Just did the Luke's Link on both the pitman arm and track bar on my 99. They each moved nearly a half inch when I did the "test" on them. I don't have the mileage on mine that you do, but my tie rod ends are tighter than a drum. Absolutely no movement at all in them... FWIW.



Loren

 

[JoshPeters]

When you test a tie rod you are looking for up and down movement. A rotational movement is normal. I use a big pair of channel locks to check them.





Josh

 

[powerwagon440]

what did u pay for the lukes link on the pitman arm? mine is shot!

 

[John Berger]

Josh, I didn't need channel locks. I just used my hand, while laying on the ground. I didn't have to put alot of effort into getting movement. Of all the things I've checked while under the truck, that is one thing I never did until yesterday. So I have no idea of what "normal" is. Somehow, that kind of movement doesn't seem normal, but I don't know as I have no baseline to go by. The movement is rotational in nature, not up and down or side to side.

 

[big barney]

John



My truck does the same thing. I convinced the dealer to put new one on and it still twists around. I would say that it is normal.

 

[John Berger]

Dan, what you said. .

 

[JoshPeters]

The reason you use the channel locks is to get a true up and down movement in the ball and socket joint. It's just like your shoulder. It shouldn't pop in and out like mine has been lately.





Josh

Drs apt today.

 

[powerwagon440]

does anyone know the part number for the tie rod end on the pitman arm and the other side tie rod?? ive went to 2 napa in my area and they cant find in there computer what im talking about and even going out and showing them under the truck what im talking about and bringing in a diagram from the dodge dealer showing all the peices and they still cant find it!! i hate napa and i dont want to go with them but there is no other around here besides lukes link but i want to c if there any cheaper threw napa? if anyone has the numbers or any help thanks!

 

[powerwagon440]

ok i went to napa again today and talked to a different guy and was told the tie rod end at pitman arm was $110 and the part number was 2696081.



the other end was over $150 and the part number was 2696080 if anyone can verify these and the prices that would be great cause i was told from a different napa store the pitman arm tie rod was $56 but then he tells me he is not sure that its the one im looking for! u believe that guy? and another time i was told over $200 for the pitman arm tie rod! so i have no idea what theve got going on!! its a load of crap!!



ill probally just end up getting lukes link kits for each of them paying $110 for a tie rod end is just retarted!

 

[Cooker]

Try this site to check pricing on Moog suspension parts.



http://www.autopartsgiant.com/