Also I think I will end up replacing the tie rod and its ends. Should I keep original style or switch to the "self contained" tie rod ends? if I switch I will have to cut off the ball on the steering arms and press out the shank. How difficult is that?
Thanks,
Sammy
I just finished converting my steering arms to use the modern style tie rod ends. The balls were very egg shaped. Probably the hardest part was getting the rusty plug out of the original ball joint ends, but in retrospect, I should have just cut the ball off the arms. Getting the balls out wasn't that hard. Cut them off close to the steering arm, grind flush, and drill the center to relieve the chamfered part of the shank out. I used a 1/2" bolt as a punch and a ball joint press to push them out. Not too hard overall. I expected to have to ream the steering arms with a taper reamer, but the aftermarket tie rod ends fit just right without reaming.
