Tie and relay rod clunking

[amaurer]

My tie and relay rod rotate and clunk when steering. Normally, while driving, they don't do this, however depending on while way they've rotated it affects the "straight" position of the steering wheel. This video shows what I'm talking about:
YouTube - BJ42 relay & tie rod clunk

What really crazy is if I somehow get them rotated while I'm driving, and then brake with one wheel in a rut, they'll rotate back the otherway and shift my steering. Its like brakes that pull, but only sometimes so its always a surprise...

I think this is happening because my relay and tie rod are bent. I just ordered new rod ends all around, and plan on just bending the rods back to straight as best I can. Any comments?

 

[flow2311]

Yeah, it's because they are bent. The relay and tie rod are both pretty chewed up. I've straightened tie rods on the trail before, but I wouldn't keep them on my truck. Once they are bent you've weakened that part of the rod forever, unless you are a metallurgist and know how to reharden them. Upgrade to some hollow HD rods to go with your new rod ends and you'll tear the steering arms off the knuckle before you bend them again.

 

[FF LC FREAK]

Mine do this on my 71. The funny thing is that I used to have a bent tie rod and relay rod and it didn't do this. I got new ones that aren't bent, and now they do the flip flop. Mine don't flop over as easily as yours, but it is still annoying. I replaced the rods and ends about a year ago, and they only recently started doing this. I was thinking it may be a tie rod end problem (as in, time for new ones). I'm hoping someone can chime in with some good advice.

 

[lostmarbles]

Never seen such a thing before Drew. But if it was me I'd like to get it fixed.

Best to go with new rods if you can too (as already suggested).

Cheers
Tom