Tie rod tools

[czgunner]

I didn't think I would need them, but we've been working on a lot of older vehicles lately.
I need a set of tie rod "hooks" for the split sleeve type of tie rod.
I see Snapon makes them. And I'm sure they are great.
Is a set available?
Any others you all would recommend?

 

[CWP1616L]

Are you talking about a tool to turn the adjustment sleeve?

Or are you talking about a puller to pull it away from the spindle?

 

[czgunner]

The tool to turn the split tie rod tube.

 

[ken w.]

I would check out Ebay. That stuff is always on there for a reasonable price.The make another one for Rack & Pinion that grips the splines on the inner tie rod.

 

[pattenp]

Is this what you're looking for?

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-tie-rod-pitman-arm-adjustment-set-66796.html

 

[RKSpeed]

yeh get the harbor freight set, works good+cheap

 

[03protege]

There is also this style.

http://www.tooltopia.com/lisle-54500.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-7595a.aspx

 

[czgunner]

Is this what you're looking for?

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-tie-rod-pitman-arm-adjustment-set-66796.html

Yes, that is the style.
How good is that steel?
No point in buying it if the tips deform.

 

[ironmutt]

i got a set of the harbor freight ones to try to see if i liked then was going to get the snap on set that was year ago and i use them 2-3 times a week im not even going to bother with the snap on ones now . i do that alot on odd stuff get the cheap knock off then if the idea seems sound and i use it i get the better quality but these ones surprised me they realy hold out good

 

[signcrafter]

Yes, that is the style.
How good is that steel?
No point in buying it if the tips deform.

Look on ebay. I bought a few snap on ones off ebay for really cheap, not sure why I've never had a use for them but they popped up while searching for some other stuff so I bought them!.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313&_nkw=snap+on+tie+rod&_sacat=0&_from=R40

 

[krdiesel03]

I have the harbor freight set and that are ok, Not sure if they would hold up in a pro shop but they seem to be fine

 

[zakmartin]

If you get the Lisle, get the "advanced" set. It comes with more attachments in common sizes and costs about the same.

 

[Ign]

Damn I'm glad this came up (except it's gonna cost me more $$). I had a '99 Ram awhile back where I just wanted to center the steering wheel. I've always gotten away with big Channellocks as we don't live in the rust belt, but I could NOT get the damn adjustment sleeve to turn for the life of me. Finally did but scarred it noticeably.

 

[devoncoolman]

The snap-on ones are super nice but pricy. I have to otc set it gets the job done. I also have the snap-on handled one and the otc handled one i use those two most of the time.

 

[Ign]

Looks to me like the square drive ones would be way better for access as you can set your ratchet at any angle? The ones with a fixed handle seem very limited if space is, well, limited?

 

[msgtsmithret]

I am going to upset some people here but I do alignments nearly EVERY DAY and have for the past 35 years. My #1 tool for tie rods is simply an 18" pipe wrench. I seldom see the split sleeves any more. I have the tools to hook into the split sleeve but seldom use them because a pipe wrench (less than $20 at Home Depot) is quick and efficient. There is my perspective.

I have to say though, that buying tools is an obsession, and I wouldn't want to dissuade you from it!

 

[Ign]

Is this what you're looking for?

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-tie-rod-pitman-arm-adjustment-set-66796.html

Thanks BTW. Just ordered for $17.59 after 20% coupon. (plus shipping of $6.99 and sales tax of $1.30). No stores near me.

 

[Ign]

{snip}I have to say though, that buying tools is an obsession, and I wouldn't want to dissuade you from it!

Exactly!! As we've said before, it's not about buying tools we NEED. But I regularly work on 5 trucks with split sleeves

 

[sberry]

The guy above needs an easier name and I have used the tool, its ok, as well as a pipe wrench, my go to is a set of 12 inch Channelocks and a big heavy ole fat flat screwdriver. I would have to be using it a lot before I invested in anything special.