Durango Inner Tie Rod Removal? Special Tool?

[nutjob]

I need to do some front end work on my 04 Durango.
I need to replace the inner tie rods.
I can get a rebuilt steering rack for less than $200 or try to replace just the tie rods. I can't find any good info on how do to do this. The service manual only shows the rack replacement as an assembly.

I did read that you can't loosen the tie rod without holding the rack shaft to prevent damage to it. Do I need a special inner tie rod tool? Or just a large crow feet wrench?

Thanks for any help

Kevin

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I need to do some front end work on my 04 Durango.
I need to replace the inner tie rods.
I can get a rebuilt steering rack for less than $200 or try to replace just the tie rods. I can't find any good info on how do to do this. The service manual only shows the rack replacement as an assembly.

I did read that you can't loosen the tie rod without holding the rack shaft to prevent damage to it. Do I need a special inner tie rod tool? Or just a large crow feet wrench?

Thanks for any help

Kevin

If the r&P is not leaking, I would just replace the inner tie rod using the Lisle 45750 Inner Tie Rod Tool; about $55 from Amazon. Horrible Freight makes a knock off copy of the same tool; no experience with that copy.

There will be some type of roll pin or other locking mechanism that will need to be removed in order to permit the older tie rod threaded end to be removed and later installed on the new part.

Don't cheap out on the inner tie rod; cheap part could lead to big trouble if it broke... (loss of steering) Best to go with Moog part or OEM only for these.

Edit: For Trucks/SUVs, you will need the larger Lisle tool Lisle 54500 Large Inner Tie Rod Tool

 

[nutjob]

The tool is $60, the inner tie rods are about $90 for the pair, so $150.

Or, I could get this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649&item=170600930283&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Anyone every deal with Detroit Axle or they may also be know as Axle of Dearborn? The feedback looks great.

Not sure what to do, the rack is not leaking. The money is not the factor, but which can of worms is the least troublesome.

Kevin

 

[chewy7]

i dont know about that company but i would maybe just get that whole unit . might be easier to replace. all the parts should be like as in new shape.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Change the rack? Seriously? Just buy the tool and swap out the tie rods. I've done loads on all different cars, it really isn't difficult. Much easier than swapping a whole steering rack.

 

[greasemonkey44]

its much easier to change innertie rods
get it aligned when ur done

 

[chewy7]

Change the rack? Seriously? Just buy the tool and swap out the tie rods. I've done loads on all different cars, it really isn't difficult. Much easier than swapping a whole steering rack.

lol maybe it is lol

 

[xj31]

Does the Durango have a Hemi or a 4.7? If it's a Hemi,the rack can be replaced by a 6 year old. If it's a 4.7,the Y-pipe kinda prevents you from being able to get the bolts out. Something to think about. You are "supposed to" take the pipe off,but if you get new bolts you can cut them and then put them back in the other direction. Also,if the rack isn't leaking,are you sure you want to take a chance with a part that was rebuilt by god only knows who? I have seen more rebuilt racks leak than I would care to remember. The tie rods can be changed by the 6 year olds little brother. You can probably just use a big pair of channel locks if you don't have the tool.

 

[nutjob]

Its a hemi and it looks like from the service manual that the rack is easy to swap out.

Hell, the 6 year olds little brother taught me everything I know, so the inner tie rod ends is the way to go!

Thanks again for everyones help

Kevin

 

[Altec]

Does the Durango have a Hemi or a 4.7? If it's a Hemi,the rack can be replaced by a 6 year old. If it's a 4.7,the Y-pipe kinda prevents you from being able to get the bolts out. Something to think about. You are "supposed to" take the pipe off,but if you get new bolts you can cut them and then put them back in the other direction. Also,if the rack isn't leaking,are you sure you want to take a chance with a part that was rebuilt by god only knows who? I have seen more rebuilt racks leak than I would care to remember. The tie rods can be changed by the 6 year olds little brother. You can probably just use a big pair of channel locks if you don't have the tool.

What I use on tie rods...

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

One thing that will help get you back close on the alignment is to count the number of turns the outer tie rod was installed and count that number of turns when putting it back on.

 

[vssjim]

One thing that will help get you back close on the alignment is to count the number of turns the outer tie rod was installed and count that number of turns when putting it back on.

lots of tie rods are different lenths so the counting turns method doesn't work very often. OE vs Moog vs Raybestos/NAPA all seem to different lenths when I use them.

 

[jhelrey]

Did plenty of inners... Never ran into pins, etc. holding it on. Just red thread lock. Pipe wrenches work well...

Use Moog... Lifetime Warranty!!!