While I had the engine out and the car in paint I rebuilt the front end with new upper/lower control arms, spring seats etc etc etc. But, I did not do anything to the steering system. I am now considering a weeknd project of new idler arm tie rod ends and tie adjusting colar as mine look rather used! Is this a relativielt easy project? I am in need of a front end realignment and would like to do all this first. Simple project? Any glitches I need to know about?
Super easy. Use the shock and fall method of removing the tie rods (smack the spindle next to the shaft with a BFH, same with the center link, careful to only hit what you're supposed to ), it's much easier than a pickle fork. If you're replacing all of it, just adjust the new tie rods to match the overall length of the old ones, and it will be pretty close for the drive to the alignment shop.
I've done it both ways more times than I can count. With old cars (hell, any car) it would be wise to be prepared for both methods. We've had a few that were a real bear to get loose. I was using on a four foot cheater putting pressure on the lower control arm while Dad whacked it with a 2 lb hammer, eventually we used the forks as well as me on the cheater. Only ever had one that hard, but it happens.
If you are having a hard time getting something loose with a pickle fork, your BFH isn't F'in big enough. I've got a 5 lb. sledge, I've never had a ball joint or tie rod end take more then 3 or 4 good whacks. I went and bought it after sitting there whacking on the upper ball joint of our '72 for three hours with a 2 pound sledge... Took two good whacks with the 5 pounder, and it popped right loose.
its kinda hard to hold the fork while hitting it with a five pound sledge. It takes a lot of faith the other guy won't miss too, not to mention the awkward angle. We've only had the one that took both prying and the fork and I've been doing this for 14 years. I can't tell you how long my dad has, but well over my lifetime. Suprised both of us how tough that one was. I was getting ready for the torch to loosen it up. I've never had to do that on front end parts.
