Sheesh!

[Eagle]

$75 later, I can adjust the toe-in on the "new" (to me) 2001 Cherokee. Tie rod adjusting sleeve was so badly rusted to the TREs that I put the longest pipe wrench I have on it, stood on it with my current 240 pounds and bounced ... and it wouldn't move. Finally did a preemptive strike. Replaced both TRE's and the long sleeve, and I can finally adjust the toe-in.

 

It's nice to be able to steer again.

[Comanche County]

Same thing on my drag link. I tried to replace the ends but they're rust welded. I took it to a machine shop and they put in in a pipe threader which put a couple thousand lbs of pressure and it still wouldn't budge. Just spun and gouged the drag link. I'll get a pic in the morning.

[terrawombat]

I can think of at least five Jeeps I've attempted to adjust the tie rod and drag links to correct steering issues. All five required replacement of all components. It's a nice design when it works as it makes it incredibly easy to do the alignment but it doesn't take long for water, sand, salt, mud, and dirt to get into the gap in the adjustment sleeves and in between the low profile fine threads of the TRE's.

[knever3]

There is a specific tie rod adjustment tool that various companies like OTC make that attach to a wratchet and are shaped like a C. They pry open the sleeve while adjusting it instead of a pipe wrench that crushes the sleeve while trying to adjust it. I always clean out the sleeve because it's clogged with dirt, spray pennetrant on it and if it still doesn't move use some heat. The thing to remember when using heat during an alignment is to always wait till it's cold to get proper measurments.

[Automan2164]

I've used those tie rod hooks before... Work like a charm. Harbor Freight even has some now:

 

http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece-tie-rod-pitman-arm-adjustment-set-66796.html

 

 

Rob

[Pete M]

neat!

[terrawombat]

Cool. Gonna add those to the x-mas wishlist!