replacing tie rods or just the tie rod bushings?

[tonester]

I'm thinking of replacing all my tie rods on my YJ but have seen others just replaced the bushings instead. What are general thoughts on replacing just the bushings on the existing tie rods.

 

[SteelHeadz]

Yk?

 

[jps4jeep]

isn't that a commander?

Replace the whole thing.

it's not a bushing, it's a dust cover and I don't even think you can buy just those.

 

[SteelHeadz]

Nope. Commander is an XK.

 

[SteelHeadz]

I cant even find any YK on the export models. Oh, i get it! this is a Test!?:shock::roll:

 

[tonester]

sorry, i meant my Wrangler YJ...mispelling

 

[SteelHeadz]

Are you talking about the tie rod end boot?

 

[tonester]

Are you talking about the tie rod end boot?

Yes, that's them!.

 

[jps4jeep]

Does it really matter, replace the whole thing. if the boot is damaged, chance are the TRE is also worn. plus all the effort to pull the TRE off the knuckle when all you need to do is unscrew the old, screw on the new. yes you may need to get it alligned, but if your good, you can do it yourself... (I like 1/4" toe out)

 

[tonester]

ok, thanks for the info. i'll be replacing all the tie rods then.

 

[Crazy4diesels]

OK... now wait a second... when I started reading this I figured you might be talking about the control arms... Do you mean tie rods (which steer the front wheels) or control arms (which keep the axle housings in place)??? If you are really asking about tie rods then like the other guys said, change the whole thing (especially if there are a lot of miles on them). If you're talking about the control arms (there are eight of these with a total of sixteen rubber bushings) which go from the frame to the axle housings then you can just change the bushings. They are pressed into the sheel metal arms (exept for one of the left upper fronts which is pressed into the axle housing itself). If they are badly rusted I'd change the whole arm (especially the uppers which are pretty thin to begin with). Best of luck - John