:( I tried to replace the inner tie rods on my 1999 Ford Ranger, 3.0 litre V6, 2 wheel drive. I took off the outer tie rod ends, and the dust boots, only to find that the steering gear rack doesn't have any flat spots to put a wrench on to hold it in place while removing the inner tie rods. Is there any way to remove the inner tie rods? If I try turning the inner tie rod "nuts" without holding the steering gear I'll wreck the pinion gear. Thanks

 

Gee, why didn't I think of that. Thanks for the great words of wisdom.

 

Yes I did, but It looks like a large adjustable wrench would work fine also. The "nut" on the end of the inner tie rod where it screws into the rack is quite large. It looks to be about 1 7/8". I am concerned about not being able to hold the rack, because it looks like it will take a lot of torque to free the tie rod. Loctite is also used, so that will make it that much harder to get the tie rods off.

 

I have read that you do need to hold the rack, but i found no way to do this and removed the tie rod and did no damage to the rack.

 

I apologize for being stuborn, and not very kind. I am sorry, I know you are trying to help and I appreciate it. Could you please tell me about the special tool again. Advance Auto sells several different types of tools for removing inner tie rods. Mine look to be about 1 7/16" to 1 3/4" on the "nuts". I just call them "nuts", I realize they are part of the inner tie rod.

 

04 Edge: I went back and found the post with the Matco inner tie rod tool. Thanks to you and everyone who help answer my questions. Great site.