Outer tie rods shot! Anything else I should do while there?

[Rejuvenate]

Hello! Thanks to the useful info on this site I was able to track down that my outer tie rods can easily be moved by hand. I am wondering if there is anything else I should replace/fix/inspect while there and if there is a sticky or "how to write up" for replacing the outer tie rod ends.





I have already lubed with PB blaster and removed the cotter pins to try to tighten to the torque specs.

06 F250 Lariat crew cab 4x4 with an fx4 package 94k

THANKS!

[babs2972]

I have an 05 and the only problem around the tie rod area i have ongoing is the ball joints. Jack up front of truck and make sure there is no movement up and down on your wheels.

[Rejuvenate]

Tie rod ends came in, jacked truck up, 15 minutes in, passenger ball joints are bad...I can't get the FN Snap ring off! Since I have an auto locking hub the work area is very narrow. The snap ring pliers from advanced auto and sears suck or maybe I'm stupid but I can't get this snap ring off!

[babs2972]

I just got a pair of visegrip needle nose pliers and latched on then pulled! they have a replacement in the ball joint kit. and then replace the grease fittings with 90* so you can grease them with out jacking the truck up.

[babs2972]

I also had to take the hub assembly right off the truck so i could press the ball joints out. I got a ball joint removal tool from amazon.com

[Rejuvenate]

@ Babs - Hmmm....I guess I'm going to have to go check out the moog balljoints I have to make sure I have the replacement snap ring before I go all gung ho...that could shave some decent time off my removal!

Thanks for the help as I truly enjoy working on my truck...I just don't have enough experience yet!

[russf]

you need to remove the whole steering knuckle to replace the ball joints, and can't remember off top my head but one has to be installed first before the other if using balljoint press. If the snap ring your talking about is in the hub thats hard to get to? it takes a bit of effort but a long pair of snap ring pliers will work