I'm changing all my tie rod ends tomorrow, as far as i know this is a really straightforward job but I thought I'd run it by you guys first. Is there anything I should look out for, or any potential complications I might encounter? Or is this really just as easy as it seems to be? Any advise would be welcome, thanks!

 

Get a pickel fork BFH and have fun. My suggestion is to not attach the draglink to the pitman arm till you have the section between both knuckles adjusted. Then attach the dralink to pitman arm and center steering and take in for an alignment.

 

Thanks OKC, I'll keep that in mind. That also brings up another question I have about this. How hard would it be to align the steering myself? My logic tells me that I would simply need to measure the front of the tires and the rear of the tires, then adjust accordingly till even. Am I missing something here?

 

I should by a pickle fork

 

Pretty much all there is too it.

If you go too GOJEEP.com or something like that it is a aussie guy he has lots of good info one of them in a DIY alignment.


http://www.go.jeep-xj.info/

 

Ahh, I can't belive I forgot about that how-to on Go-Jeep's page, that guy is my idol! Haha. I'll use that to guide me through the alignment part.. Thanks Stryker.

 

personally, i don't like pickle forks, they tend to be hard on the rubbers and things.

i have a few tie-rod/pitman arm pullers. they are about the same cost as a good pickle fork and it doesn't do any damage.

they also hold the tie rod and drag link up from hitting the dirt.

as for alignment, yup, just measure the front and rear of the tires, and adjust between 0 - 1/8" toe in.
then take it for a drive and re check for toe in.

 

In addition to all of the above....

I've always loved having a hot wrench handy...
That and an air hammer w/ a pickle fork.

 

Caged, is this the type of tool you are referring to? Sounds like a much less abusive way to do things... And for $7.00 I can't go wrong huh?

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...temnumber=1752

 

HF pullers are pretty soft metal. I have broken many of them. Buy a OTC brand or a KEN Tools brand as they will last a lifetime and never bend or break. It is a few more dollars but well worth the extra money.

 

x2 fire is key

 

exactly.
however, not sure about HF tho. i've heard of em, just not familiar with em. they are cheap, but i bought mine from princess auto here in canada. basically same type of supplier and i've used mine on many occasions with absolutely no problems at all. even pulled a few very stubborn pitman arms with an impact gun, and the tool is fine.