DIY Success story- outer tie rod ends!!

[Larsen]

Well after suffering from the infamous LX front end racket... I got a diagnosis from the local Chrysler dealer- right outer tie rod end was kaput. I thought, hey I might be able to do that - I have some mech abilities and I read a great tech article here on CM... Why not save myself XXX.xx ? So I picked up the parts (Moog - 54$each on sale) and a 21mm combo wrench and went to town. With some minor slowdowns (buy/rent/borrow/steal a tie rod fork!!!) and pinched fingers, I got both sides done. It took me 3 hours ish, but that includes not being overly organized or experience with magnums.

I drove around the block- it is so much better! Now to get an alignment and count up all my saved dollars! (and maybe put the $ towards rims- found some brand new Boss 338s with tires for $1400!).

Thanks for reading!

[lovelinds]

very nice! i have to change my tie rods soon. the bushings cracked like always. and lol a tie rod fork.. i remember helping my friend change hers and we didnt know what a tie rod fork was. ohhhhh how it was hell.

boss 338s are sexy. just sayin

[Magmania]

That is a great story. And more importanly a great feeling of satisfaction.
I need to try and do this but I have several suspension bushings and parts that need replacing.

Nice job! Bean worthy for sure!

You've gone green!
I was your first! You are not a virgin anymore. Hahaha!

[Ghost]

^^^^another v-card in your wallet sir

[Larsen]

Thanks guys! Being a Canadian car really makes things tough on cars too! Rust, rust, rusty rust everywhere and you risk rounding every bolt!
But yes, the satisfaction was well worth the frustration! Very pleased with the Moog parts too w/castle nut, grease fittings and better boots as upsides over cheapies.
After last weeks Sea Foaming/polishing and the tie rod ends, the maintenance items are up to snuff (save a weird knock in the rear left?!?)! The Boss 338s I found are only 18" Lovelinds, but what can I say? Beggers can't be choosers lol.... Graphite in color though, which would look sweet with my paint ( dark grey-don't know the official name). @Lovelinds - Is that the same color as yours?

[FROST]

Way to go. For future reference, a BFH works better than that seperating fork does. Hit the knuckle with a 3 pounder and that tie rod end will pop loose. It may take several times but you won't risk damagin your tension strut boots like you can with the fork. BFH = Big F***in Hammer.

[goodfellazmagnum]

Way to go. For future reference, a BFH works better than that seperating fork does. Hit the knuckle with a 3 pounder and that tie rod end will pop loose. It may take several times but you won't risk damagin your tension strut boots like you can with the fork. BFH = Big F***in Hammer.

^^^^Agreed the BFH is your best friend... When I did mine all I used was a regular hammer but my suspension has been appart before...

Sent from my HTC EVO on tapatalk

[Larsen]

I used the hammer too.... But didn't take the 21mm COMPLETELY off yet. Thus when I knocked it loose with the hammer it mushroomed the 10mm rendering it almost useless! Luckly after some panicking and deliberation, I pulled an old trick out of my sleeve to get the 10mm socket to fit......

Pound it on with the very same BFH!

Not recommended, but hey it worked.

[Larsen]

I used the hammer too.... But didn't take the 21mm COMPLETELY off yet. Thus when I knocked it loose with the hammer it mushroomed the 10mm rendering it almost useless! Luckly after some panicking and deliberation, I pulled an old trick out of my sleeve to get the 10mm socket to fit......

Pound it on with the very same BFH!

Not recommended, but hey it worked.