OK, I picked up the steering from a ZJ to upgrade my stock XJ stuff. I got it all torn down and cleaned up before i noticed that the threading on the ball joint on the tie rod (fixed side, not the tie rod end side) is messed up. I tested it by trying to put on the castle nut and its a no go, the threading has been bashed in so the nut will no longer fit. is it possible to rebuild or replace that ball joint without replacing the entire tie rod, or am i SOL and will have to use a different tie rod. I tried searching but all i could find was threads about replacing the ball joints on the axle. I checked a few part stores and they don't seem to sell just that ball joint. i can get pictures too if need be.

 

Perhaps you can chase the thread with a die to straighten the threads and clean it up. Alternatively a Thread File can be used to clean up a damaged thread, can get one at Napa

 

I was going to ask why you dont just replace it, but I see now. I would say just head back to the JY and get another

 

At this point i am planning on just getting another one and inspecting it better ahead of time, but wanted to see if there was anything that could be done to this one and worse case make it a spare.