Hey guys,

So I have removed my TRE but the kit I got came with the full tie rod so I wanted to install the entire thing. With the TRE removed I see the other half of the tie rod is covered in a boot. I unclipped the boot but I don't see how I'm going to remove the full tie rod through the boot? Do I just unscrew that second half then somehow get it through the boot?

Thanks

 

The part I'm talking about is the inner tie rod. I'm assuming it is easy to remove once the outer tie rod is off, probably just unscrew it. But it is the damn boot that is in the way. Anyone have a way of taking off that boot? I don't want to cut it because I have no replacement for it.

Anyone that has doen their full tie rods must know this!

 

-Turn steering wheel AWAY from the side that you're working on as far as it can go
-Disconnect and remove outer TRE
-Remove clamps or zip ties from steering rack boot (the one you mentioned)
-Slide boot off
-Use an inner tie rod tool to remove inner tie rod. Improvise if you must. I clamped vice grips to the handle of some channel locks (to make a longer handle) and used that.

When you put it back on, make sure you use threadlocker and get that thing pretty damn tight. You can use zip ties on the steering rack boot on both ends when you put it back. You'll need pretty long ones for the inside. Just make sure to get them pretty damn tight. I recommend just getting a new boot unless you need to do this ASAP. If you get a new boot, stretch the big side of it with your hand before trying to install it, and that will make it much easier to get it in place.

 

Is it worth it to replace the inner tie rod? I have the full tie rod from the FCP Groton buy but I don't think there is anything particularly wrong with my current tie rod. Only reason I'm doing it is because it's so easy to put the new TRE in while doing my control arms...

Also my new TRE, the one that came with the FCP Groton kit, the bushing thing seems to be flattened. I would have to post a pic to show you. It just seems like flat, I'll get a pic later today.

 

It should be pretty stiff. If it's not then replace it.

 

I would not describe mine as stiff, I can move the moving part of that inner tie rod very freely with my hand. I'll replace it.

 

Well, you should be able to move it, but it should not be super loose. It should stay where you put it and have SOME resistance when you move it around, but it's not supposed to be tough to move. Mine would both stay at the bottom of their travel and wouldn't stay where I put it. Replaced. Much better.

By the way, you can find them at Advance Auto Parts. Autozone said they did not even list the inners when I was looking.