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Today I am replacing upper control arms, lower ball joints, and outer tie rod ends on my 2002 3.0 Gas Ranger Edge with torsion bar suspension.
I already did the passenger side and am currently working on the drivers side. From what I understand, you’re supposed to count how many turns when taking off the tie rod end to put the new one on by the same number of turns. On the passenger side I kind of lost count when unthreading it, but was pretty sure it was 20. So installed the new one on by rotating 20 times. Now on the drivers side, I definitely counted 23 turns. Rotated the new one 23 times. So do I need to go back to the passenger side and rotate 3 more times? How important is it that they are exactly the same? Am I over thinking it?
just want to make sure I’m not ruining my tires further as they have already gotten some life shaved off them from these things needing to be done in the first place. Thanks.
The reason to count the turns is to get the toe back nearly in adjustment, but it still should be aligned. After you finish all the work you have mentioned you will want to get the alignment done anyhow.
The reason to count the turns is to get the toe back nearly in adjustment, but it still should be aligned. After you finish all the work you have mentioned you will want to get the alignment done anyhow.
ok thanks. I plan on going straight to get an alignment tomorrow now that I’m done with it. Just wanted to make sure this wasn’t crucial or that they had to be exactly the same number of turns on each side! Thank you
As nelbur mentioned it is so that you get the toe setting close to what it was. another way is to measure the distance to a point, for example from the tip of the ball end to the nut on the inner tie rod before you remove them, and re-measure when you install it. An alignment is a must after replacing them.
Today I am replacing upper control arms, lower ball joints, and outer tie rod ends on my 2002 3.0 Gas Ranger Edge with torsion bar suspension.
I already did the passenger side and am currently working on the drivers side. From what I understand, you’re supposed to count how many turns when taking off the tie rod end to put the new one on by the same number of turns. On the passenger side I kind of lost count when unthreading it, but was pretty sure it was 20. So installed the new one on by rotating 20 times. Now on the drivers side, I definitely counted 23 turns. Rotated the new one 23 times. So do I need to go back to the passenger side and rotate 3 more times? How important is it that they are exactly the same? Am I over thinking it?
just want to make sure I’m not ruining my tires further as they have already gotten some life shaved off them from these things needing to be done in the first place. Thanks.
Any time you do work like this always get an alignment afterwords. Yes you are overthinking it most times the tie rod ends will be a differrnt number of tirns and its possible for numerous reasons. You should also replace the inner tie rods as well (they do require a special tool that auto zone lends out) i have a 99 ranger and my lower ball joints are part of the lower control arm si i had to remove the torsion bars and let me tell you, it was dangerous and interesting. The tie rods will need to be adjusted most likely and an alignment is the best way to do that. If one side happens to be off them the toe in ot out can effect your handling and increase tire wear very quickly
