A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to McGrew (1 Viewer)

[mobydick]

Drove with a bent tie rod for years but I also reinforced it. If u can get it pretty straight its good temporarily but I wouldn't go through the sluce or really hammer on it either.

Speaking of tie rods I jacked up my rig and found the clunk I was hearing. On the passenger side there is "play" in one of the joints in the steering joints.With one wheel off the ground I get about 1/8 inch play on the one joint. Not sure what to do about that. ?? How hard is it to change that out if needed?

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Nope, not hard to change. See if you can find a good spare, and maybe we can get it changed this weekend...

 

[mobydick]

OK, first chapter in the steering section done. I can now say it's the connection between the "relay rod" and the "tie rod". Some help would be nice, I'm out of time and $$. Would Napa have that part?

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Yeah any auto parts store should have it or be able to get it in a day or 2....

 

[Russ in California]

HeyWho's going to help me this weekend?
I know, I know...tough luck Charlie!
I'm going to beat those tie rod ends out of those arms if it's the last... or the pickle fork method and try to get an alignment Monday then I should be good to go.



p.s. decided to 'go' for it tonight(weds). Didn't work out. I pounded one TR stud to a slight mushroom head and it didn't release. Tried the other side and pooped out before it mushroomed but it didn't budge either. I pounded the tar out of those buggers with a 3 pounder. I even lifted the front jack stands higher than I normally would just for the extra swing.
Bought a Tie Rod End Puller from HF but it didn't fit. Too big. Guess the OCT style tool might work better.
Not quite so easy is you're a reta...oops...I mean a .
There's always tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tommor...

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Try this: Put axle on jack stand, pull tire off (obviously) then use your Toyota bottle jack to jack up under the TRE so there is some tension, then pound down on the arm, or jack up under the arm and then pound down on the TRE, depending on if it comes in top or bottom... That usually works quick for me cause you have something solid to beat against...

 

[Russ in California]

That sounds like a good idea.
Another thing I thought about: could the bend in the TR ( thus shortening it's length, right?) put undue tension inward on the TRE and make it harder to extract?
Good night,

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

No, the TRE is supposed to turn and swivel some. You didn't bend it that bad... It's just stuck cause it likes it there...

 

[Kief]

you are not alone. I've had some terrible fights with TRE's. Torch, hammer, Oxy-Acet torch, bigger hammer, pickle fork, puller, tap-tap hammer.. Walk away, come back, penetrating oil, repeat.. It's better to have that problem than having them come apart while enroute tho'.

 

[mobydick]

So, OK, them I'm gonna leave mine alone for now and grease the krap out of it and be extra careful not do anything "bad" to it. Thanks Russ for saving me another can of worms just a few days out.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

I wish I was closer... I have a pickle fork that attaches to my air hammer. Kills the tre but they come off quick and easy!

 

[Russ in California]

I wish I was closer... I have a pickle fork that attaches to my air hammer. Kills the tre but they come off quick and easy!

Yup, the 'manual' pickle fork killed the tre but didn't help in extraction.
I have to find a pitman arm/tre puller that fits. I don't have air right now and I don't have heat.
More gruntin' and pullin' and cussin' and poundin' tonight I guess.
Living the dream of cruiser ownership,

 

[dILzNAK]

If I was there I would help Russ..... BUTT I'm not...... SO GET YOUR BUTT to WORK!! you need to run the trail with your Toyota friends again... to Enjoy the entire trail and not just one spot.... HA HA

 

[retrofive]

If I was there I would help Russ..... BUTT I'm not...... SO GET YOUR BUTT to WORK!! you need to run the trail with your Toyota friends again... to Enjoy the entire trail and not just one spot.... HA HA

Plus his warranty sucks.

 

[Russ in California]

Plus his warranty sucks.

Yeah, butt I liked his trail side manor.
I really did miss running with you guys last month. What a downer. Jeeps


p.s. I'm trying as hard as I can Nick. I'm just

 

[Russ in California]

Sooo, I may be "more" ready tonight to succeed. New better puller, much larger hammer, er, sledge... and off I go.


p.s. this is turning out to be a blow by blow project...butttttt(nick!)...

 

[mobydick]

Don't hit your thumb, good luck.

 

[Russ in California]

I almost feel like I'm talking to myself with these last few posts.
Needless to say...Bimbo!! The stud end of the tre almost looks bent a bit.
Had to file some to reduce the mushroom. Didn't want to gouge up the steering arm hole.
On to instalation.

 

[Russ in California]

Me again.
I suppose the relay rod should be dead straight also, yes? If so, then I am out of compliance and will not attempt a repair until next month.
This may not be included in my pre-run inspection. I didn't say it, no one saw it and nobody knows about it...Nick!!

 

[Russ in California]