Replaceing tie rod end at Pitman Question

[XR-2001]

When replaceing the tire rod end at the pitman arm is there a special tool such as a ball joint press required to get the new TRE pressed back up in the pitman arm?

I had fits last night and walked away before I broke or shot something....

Thanks RB

[mydirtytruck]

Ive used a rubber mallet to get mine off....just takes some umm, persuasion

[XR-2001]

I got the thing out using a 2lb hammer, a few good whacks and it let loose, the other end was easy to drop out, the pitman side was tougher.

I tired to re-install the new drag link assembled section, and could not get the pitman side TRE up thru the pitman arm using more good solid whacks,,, I ever heated the end of the arm up nicely, and still no go. My largest c-clamp would not allow to use oversize sockets as a press.
I had to leave it alone before I broke sumthin'......beer time then.... I'll stop by the local O'riellys after work and see about renting a press I guess,,,, I did not think the fit was that tight.

thanks RB

[hindle]

Sorry this is a week later, but I just replaced my tie-rod end at the pitman arm on Sunday. No issues... used a pickle fork to remove the old one and the new one slid right in. Tightened up the nut, put the pin in and away I went. Huge difference in the steering.

Next up is to tighten up the steering a bit in the steering box.

[XR-2001]

Thanks,,, I also forgot to add that I did in fact get the pitman side TRE done.... USEr ERROR,,,,,,,,,Duhh...


But now the nut that holds the arm on will not stay tight. It comes loose and I get play in the wheel again. I am wondering if the splines on the steering box shaft is work too badly, or if perhaps a big friggin' lock washer will hold it tight. I had the pitman arm changed when I put on a 4.5 inch lift.

[hindle]

The nut that holds the tie rod TO the pitman arm is coming loose? Did you not install the castle nut and cotter pin?? The cotter pin is critical.

[XR-2001]

I was refering to the pitman arm to the steering box nut. The TRE is installed corrrectly.

The pitman arm connection to the box will nut stay tight, I have used an impact with swivel joint, and then a box end wrench with cheater bar,, Still comes loose enough for a ltitle play in the pitman. The steering box shaft itself seems to be nice and tight, it's the large end of the pitman that has play. The pitman arm itself may have spline issues ? I don't know.