OK, went to NAPA, picked up my three parts (ES2026R, ES2027L for the tie rod ends and 2691105 for the sleeve). The tie rods come with a new grease fitting, cotter pin and castle nut. I pre-assembled everything and glad I did. The sleeve was defective from the manufacturer and would not go onto the tie rod end. Went back to NAPA, easy exchange and I was back in the garage in 10 minutes. I think the two hardest parts of the job were, 1- getting those **** cotter pins out and then 2 - getting those tie rod ends loose. Anyway, it took a little bit of time, but all in all it is a fairly straight forward job.
First, I jacked up the front end and put her down on jack stands. I removed the left front wheel. I measured the old set up, grease fitting to grease fitting centerline. Then I turned the wheel all the way to the right so I could get to the rear tie rod end castle nut. I wrestled with those *%@!$# old cotter pins and got those out (hint, cut off the bent end and it will be easy to get out). I then loosened the nuts on the tie rods, and using a pickle fork, I finally convinced each end to let go (it took a few minutes of pounding). I then cleaned up everything under there, including wire brushing any rust and removing all the excess grease.
I took my measurement from the old set up and adjusted the new parts. I then installed them on the truck (I needed two full turns of the sleeve to make the final adjustment and have it possible to drop the tie rod end in). I screwed the castle nuts on hand tight and then tightened up the two sleeve clamps. I then went back and fully tightened the castle nuts on each end, making sure I could align the openings in the nuts with the holes in the tie rod end. Placed the cotter pins in, bent them as appropriate and that was it.
Before I dropped the truck down, I checked (calibrated MK1 Mod 1 eyeball) to see if the wheels were straight and the steering wheel was also centered. It appeared to be, so I dropped the truck and went for a ride.
Man, what a difference a hundred bucks makes. Before I did this, it was challenging to keep the truck in her lane without constant steering corrections, as she had a mind of its own and liked to wander. One really had to pay attention. Now the truck tracks straight and true at 70mph. Second, I no longer have to make constant steering adjustments to keep her on the road. She drives like a new truck now (well, new to me!!).
I am learning that these trucks need just a little bit of attention and maintenance every once in while. Most of it is fairly easy to do and I am no mechanic. I recommend everyone check all their steering components, at least once a year, for any play in any of the joint/connection areas. While she was up in the air I checked it all and then greased it all. No other play was detected. It isn't a hard job to check and not much harder to replace if needed. Plus, the cost of parts isn't very high and it makes the truck handle so much better .................. and safer too !
Cheers !
