Thunderbirds
Active member
- 179
- 246
- 43
- Location
- Northern Black Hills South Dakota
Hey all,
We had the M1123 out for a drive for the very first time yesterday, put about 30 miles on it (after getting Progressive insurance confirmed, great rate BTW).
The truck drove great and better than we expected, but steering was a b*tch. The tires squealed like I was driving through a parkhouse at a high rate of speed, and it bounced a bit in turns. So, once we came back I checked alignment. The front measurement between tread centers was 67.75". The rear was 72.5". Some serious toe in. Then I tried to adjust the tie rods, but they seemed pretty stuck (for the doubters, yes I did loosen the clamps all the way). So I removed them from the truck, only to confirm, boots on two ends are shot. And the ends are completely seized, there is no turning despite soaking for 24 hours, heat and 24" cheater pipe. I am not able to turn them at all.
I priced new rod ends and complete tie rods. Seems like I can get 4 ends for close to $200, but two complete tie rod with ends will be over $400. So I am trying to save the tie rods and replace only the 4 ends if at all possible. Problem is they are seized.
Is there a decent way to get the ends out without destroying the tie rods, or do you think it is a lost cause? Is it with taking them to an automotive shop to see if they can do magic?
Any help is appreciated.........
![20240709_182450.jpg 20240709_182450.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/682/682812-a7969a42ba0230e543ee3cc361bd63b1.jpg)
![20240709_182426.jpg 20240709_182426.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/682/682813-f84f9b626fc8ea21adcfc429e97af35f.jpg)
![20240709_182434.jpg 20240709_182434.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/682/682814-5dd8678dc11c5b80aa5e375621b87963.jpg)
![20240709_182434.jpg 20240709_182434.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/682/682815-5dd8678dc11c5b80aa5e375621b87963.jpg)
We had the M1123 out for a drive for the very first time yesterday, put about 30 miles on it (after getting Progressive insurance confirmed, great rate BTW).
The truck drove great and better than we expected, but steering was a b*tch. The tires squealed like I was driving through a parkhouse at a high rate of speed, and it bounced a bit in turns. So, once we came back I checked alignment. The front measurement between tread centers was 67.75". The rear was 72.5". Some serious toe in. Then I tried to adjust the tie rods, but they seemed pretty stuck (for the doubters, yes I did loosen the clamps all the way). So I removed them from the truck, only to confirm, boots on two ends are shot. And the ends are completely seized, there is no turning despite soaking for 24 hours, heat and 24" cheater pipe. I am not able to turn them at all.
I priced new rod ends and complete tie rods. Seems like I can get 4 ends for close to $200, but two complete tie rod with ends will be over $400. So I am trying to save the tie rods and replace only the 4 ends if at all possible. Problem is they are seized.
Is there a decent way to get the ends out without destroying the tie rods, or do you think it is a lost cause? Is it with taking them to an automotive shop to see if they can do magic?
Any help is appreciated.........
![20240709_182450.jpg 20240709_182450.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/682/682812-a7969a42ba0230e543ee3cc361bd63b1.jpg)
![20240709_182426.jpg 20240709_182426.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/682/682813-f84f9b626fc8ea21adcfc429e97af35f.jpg)
![20240709_182434.jpg 20240709_182434.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/682/682814-5dd8678dc11c5b80aa5e375621b87963.jpg)
![20240709_182434.jpg 20240709_182434.jpg](https://www.steelsoldiers.com/data/attachments/682/682815-5dd8678dc11c5b80aa5e375621b87963.jpg)