Tie-rod assembly upgrade?

[muleman7]

Mike47 yes I got your e-mail and will respond with a quote.

[Chuck W.]

Today I started the tie rod upgrade that TGA described on page 2 of this thread. I am very impressed with this, TGA did an excellent job sourcing
the parts and pieces and describing his process. The hardest part was machining the tapered adapters! Looks like it's going to work great for me.

[Auto Shop teacher]

Looking good Chuck, your workmanship is most impressive!

[tga]

Glad it's working out for you, it has held up well for me. Just wait till you drive it, you'll think you installed power steering! Ok, maybe it doesn't steer that easy, but it definitely made mine steer with noticeably less effort. I can also drive it in 4ws at full speed now, which was a death wish with the old tie rod ends!

[Chuck W.]

TGA, did you also replace the tie rod from the front bell crank to the steering box? I bought the extra pieces to do it because I have bad ends there too.

[tga]

TGA, did you also replace the tie rod from the front bell crank to the steering box? I bought the extra pieces to do it because I have bad ends there too.

Yep, sure did.

[Chuck W.]

Thanks, that seems to be where most of the loose motion is on my front axle. Finished the rear axle, turned the mule around and started on the front. Four bushings to machine. Eeyore is loving the attention!

[Chuck W.]

Eeyore is a happy mule now! Tie rod upgrade is complete and I could not be happier with the results!

[Auto Shop teacher]

Congratulations on the job Chuck. It appears that your new vehicle lift doesn't sit around much between jobs.

[Chuck W.]

I've had that lift for 7-8 years, it's a back saver!

[Auto Shop teacher]

I thought it was the blue one you bought a year or two ago you use on your mule. Either way being able to stand up and work on your vehicle sure makes a world of difference.

[Chuck W.]

Well, you got me to thinking, when DID I buy that lift? Checked my records and it was in 2015! I can't remember not having it, I use it for the jeeps, the mules, even for changing the blades on the lawn mower!

[Auto Shop teacher]

Looks like we were both wrong, I think you would agree that it is one of your useful purchases.

[Auto Shop teacher]

Forgot to ask, I imagine the steering is much tighter and responsive with getting rid of all of the play at the tie rod ends, but do you notice any difference in the steering effort at the wheel?

[emmado22]

Stupid question... How do you know when it is time to replace the tie rod ends?