I have replaced/rebuilt the front end on a 1998 RWD Ranger XLT that I bought this spring.
I bought a "kit" that included most of the parts for the rebuild.
When I installed the tie rod ends to the the front wheel spindles. One of the tie rod ends went so deeply into the hole in the spindle, that when I installed the nut, it tightened about 3/16 of a inch past the cotter key hole. The nut is so far past the cotter key hole the key does not engage any of the slots cut into the installation nut and looks like there is room to loosen and let the tie rod end rattle around inside the spindle hole.
I have other projects right now so I have set the completion of the front end, brake job and alignment aside to complete next month.
But this is bugging me and I am not sure how to proceed.
Any advice is appreciated.