So I am replacing my inner tie rod. I have already gotten it off without a problem. My dilemma is that the inner tie rod I bought comes with a washer that has two raised pieces on the inside circle. The tie rod that I took off didn't have any washer. So do I need to use the washer? If so should the raised side go inward towards the truck or away from the truck? Thanks for the help.

 

how did u get the tie rods off? did u use any special tools?

 

Two wrenches for the outer and a "pickle fork" for the inner.

 

ok cool. im needing to do tie rods next check.

 

The tool costs like $100

 

the pickle fork?

 

Yeah, you might be able to rent it, not sure though.

 

ok thanks man.

 

Yeah man no problem

 

I sure hope that pickle fork is coated in gold. Most places sell pickle forks for $10 - $30.

And you have it backwards I hope. You use the pickle fork to remove the outer tie rod from the spindle. Then You use two wrenches to remove the outer tie rod from the inner tie rod. Remember to count the threads before you remove it and make sure you compare the new rod with the old one and make sure they are the same length. Learn from my mistake. You DO NOT use a pickle fork to remove the inner tie rod. They have a special tool for doing it that you can find here or you can rent from your local auto parts store. Or you can be like me and just crank the steering wheel all the way to the side you are working on and then you can put a wrench on it.

 

Yes you need the washer.The flat side goes on the end of the tie rod that screws into the rack.After the rod is tightened into the rack , the washer is peened over one of the flats to prevent the tie rod from coming loose.

 

Chris, you are right. I got the name of the tool wrong.Thank you both for the input. now maybe I can finally put my truck back together.

 

Sorry if I may have sounded rude, I just didn't want anyone looking through the thread trying to find out how to change the inner tie rod and having the wrong information. And BTW my new inner tie rod didn't have one of them flat washers so you should be safe if you don't use it as long as you tighten it down tight.