So sears auto told me I need a new tie rod and ends and a new drag link. The tie rod looks straight just a little rusty, would it be ok just to re paint it with a rust protectant spray paint and put it back on with new ends?

 

Depends on why you need a new tie rod.

 

Thats the thing, he didnt give me a reason. I thought you only have to if they are bent? Idk how surface affects these

 

Ask him why he wants to replace the tie rod and the drag link.

Normally you just replace the TREs (Tie-Rod ends).

If it's slightly rusty i wouldn't worry, about to rust apart, then i'd worry. Maybe it's bent. Had any problems steering? Steering wheel not straight? Tires wearing funny?

 

This was a couple weeks ago so I doubt he will remeber if I ask. They looked at it wheb tires where being put on so idk about tire wear yet either. No wobble in steering and steering wheel is straight. So just change the ends and sand and paint the rod?

 

When you change the ends if you don't take measurements and put them back to where they were it'll put your jeep out of alignment.

I wouldn't bother sanding it and painting it unless you're bored.

 

If you have to change the entire tie rod, I would recommend doing an upgrade and replacing the tie rod and ends with a V8 ZJ tie rod and ends. It's a much beefier version of the XJ's tie rods, and it's a bolt in upgrade.

 

I'd suggest getting a second opinion.. not at sears Most shops will inspect your tie rod ends for free (like Midas or NTB for example) with tie rod ends, it's not about surface rust or appearance, it's the wear on the inside (the little ball joint) If it's worn, you'll be able to see movement 'up and down' (the mechanic should be able to show you) I think the Sears guy just wanted to pad the bill.