Well, I agree that rare parts "are not inexpensive"! Not to mention out of stock on a lot of parts. I could buy a whole set of shocks for the price of one of theirs. Even their tie rod rebuild kit is exorbitant. Do they make their parts by hand? Made in America, I hope. They're up there with Chev's of the 40's price range. I appreciate the referral, but I think i'll pass and stick with Classic parts. I figure if I keep it greased, I can at least try to rebuild the ends. If all else fails, I'll try the complete tie rod end part, but I don't know if I even really need them. I don't expect this truck to drive like today's trucks, because it isn't one. It had been my daily driver until last year when the timing gear went out about the same time I bought my '05 Silverado 3500 for pulling loads and rental equipment, but until I fix the king pins, et al, I decided it needs to be right before I start driving it regularly again. The front tires are completely bald on the outer edges and starting to develop cracks. But when I get it up and running again, it will be my daily driver again (when I'm not working on the 40 acres in the woods or hauling heavy equipment or a trailer with supplies.)
Can anybody give me any tips on the rebuilding of these tie rod ends? I've read they need heated and peened, Aside from that, it looks pretty straight forward. Pull the cotter key, pull the plug, pull the guts, replace them, and put it back together. Is that right, or is there some dirty secret that I haven't heard about on these?
