when are tie rods bad?

82 GT · 02-16-2002, 09:11 AM

How can you tell if you need to replace the tie rod ends. I am in the process of rebuilding the front suspension on my '82GT. I don't want to waste money on new ones if I don't need them. Is there a test I can do that will indicate they are bad?

PKRWUD · 02-16-2002, 10:47 AM

It's really pretty cut and dry. raise the front of the vehicle so the tires are off the ground. Crawl underneath and using your hands, try to move the outer tie rod ends up and down. If the part has the slightest perceptible slack, replace it.

Take care,
-Chris

82 GT · 02-17-2002, 11:55 AM

I don't get any up/down movement but I get a little twisting motion out of both of them. Is that normal?

PKRWUD · 02-17-2002, 08:57 PM

Normal? Yes. Healthy? No. I'd go ahead and replace them as long as you're in there.

Take care,
-Chris

02-16-2002, 09:11 AM	#1
82 GT Import Slayer Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 2,241	when are tie rods bad? How can you tell if you need to replace the tie rod ends. I am in the process of rebuilding the front suspension on my '82GT. I don't want to waste money on new ones if I don't need them. Is there a test I can do that will indicate they are bad? __________________ '82 GT 351W (.060)Comp Cams 274* Extreme Energy cam, ported & polished heads w/ 1.94/1.60 valves 10.3:1 flat top pistons,stealth intake, Mallory dizzy,Holley 750dp carb, BBK shorties,Flowmaster exhaust,C-4 with 3700 stall converter, B&M pro shifter,8.8 rear, 4:10's, subframes, electric fan, powermaster alternator, 4 core radiator.

02-16-2002, 10:47 AM	#2
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	It's really pretty cut and dry. raise the front of the vehicle so the tires are off the ground. Crawl underneath and using your hands, try to move the outer tie rod ends up and down. If the part has the slightest perceptible slack, replace it. Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

02-17-2002, 11:55 AM	#3
82 GT Import Slayer Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 2,241	I don't get any up/down movement but I get a little twisting motion out of both of them. Is that normal? __________________ '82 GT 351W (.060)Comp Cams 274* Extreme Energy cam, ported & polished heads w/ 1.94/1.60 valves 10.3:1 flat top pistons,stealth intake, Mallory dizzy,Holley 750dp carb, BBK shorties,Flowmaster exhaust,C-4 with 3700 stall converter, B&M pro shifter,8.8 rear, 4:10's, subframes, electric fan, powermaster alternator, 4 core radiator.

02-17-2002, 08:57 PM	#4
PKRWUD Junior Member Join Date: Mar 1999 Location: Ventura, California Posts: 8,981	Normal? Yes. Healthy? No. I'd go ahead and replace them as long as you're in there. Take care, -Chris __________________ Webmaster: Rice Haters Club Jim Porter Racing Peckerwoods Pit Stop Support Your Local RED & WHITE!

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